What Ram Jack Does and How It Differs From Other Methods
Ram Jack is a brand name for a specific type of foundation repair system that uses steel posts driven deep into the ground to stabilize and lift a settling foundation. Unlike concrete piers or helical piers, Ram Jack systems use a driven steel shaft with a bearing plate that transfers the weight of your house to stable soil or bedrock below. The system is installed by drilling or driving the post into the ground until it reaches load-bearing material, then adjusting it to lift the foundation back toward its original position.
The Ram Jack method works best on foundations that have settled unevenly — where one section has dropped more than another. Because the posts are driven rather than drilled, installation typically takes less time than some competing methods, and the system can often be installed from inside the basement or crawl space, which means less disruption to your yard or landscaping.
Ram Jack is one option among several foundation repair approaches. Other methods include concrete piers (which are dug and filled with concrete), helical piers (which are twisted into the ground like giant screws), and underpinning (which uses a series of small concrete blocks). Each method has different costs, timelines, and suitability depending on your soil type, how much your foundation has settled, and what your house sits on.
Key Takeaways
- Ram Jack uses steel posts driven into the ground to support a settling foundation, and works by transferring your house's weight to stable soil or bedrock below.
- The system can often be installed from inside your basement or crawl space, which typically means faster installation and less yard disruption than some other methods.
- Installation depth and cost depend on how far down the stable soil is in your area, which varies by region and even by neighborhood.
- Ram Jack is one of several foundation repair methods; concrete piers, helical piers, and underpinning are alternatives that may work better for your specific situation.
- A structural engineer or foundation contractor will need to inspect your foundation to determine whether Ram Jack or another method is appropriate for your home.
How the Steel Posts Are Installed
A Ram Jack system begins with a site inspection by a foundation contractor or structural engineer. They measure where your foundation has settled, identify which areas need support, and determine how deep the stable soil or bedrock is beneath your house. This depth varies widely depending on your location — some areas have stable soil just 8 to 12 feet down, while others may require posts 30 feet or deeper.
Once the contractor knows the depth needed, they position the steel shaft (the post itself) at the point where support is needed. The shaft is then driven or pushed into the ground using hydraulic equipment. As it goes down, the contractor monitors the resistance — when the post reaches stable soil or bedrock, the resistance increases significantly, signaling that it has reached load-bearing material. The contractor then installs a bearing plate on top of the post, which sits against the foundation and distributes the weight.
After all posts are in place, the contractor uses hydraulic jacks to lift the foundation back toward its original level. This is done gradually and carefully — lifting too quickly or unevenly can crack walls or damage the house. Once the foundation is at the correct height, the posts are locked in place and the jacks are removed. The bearing plates remain permanently to support the foundation.
Soil Type and Depth Determine Installation Difficulty and Cost
The cost and complexity of a Ram Jack installation depend almost entirely on how far down stable soil is in your area. In regions with shallow bedrock or dense clay, posts may only need to go 10 to 15 feet, making the job faster and less expensive. In areas with deep, loose soil, posts may need to go 30, 40, or even 50 feet to reach stable material, which takes more time and uses more steel.
Your contractor will perform a soil test or use local knowledge to estimate the depth. Some areas have geological surveys available through your county or state that show soil layers; your contractor may reference these. If the depth is uncertain, the contractor may recommend a test bore — a small exploratory hole to confirm where stable soil begins — before committing to the full installation.
Soil type also affects how easily the post can be driven. Sandy or loose soil allows posts to be driven quickly. Clay or mixed soil may require more force and take longer. Bedrock or very dense soil may require drilling rather than driving, which is slower and more expensive. Your contractor will assess your specific soil conditions during the inspection and explain what method they plan to use.
Comparing Ram Jack to Concrete Piers and Helical Piers
| Method | How It Works | Installation Time | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram Jack (driven steel posts) | Steel shaft driven into ground until it reaches stable soil; bearing plate transfers weight | Usually 1–3 days for multiple posts | Varies by depth; typically $1,000–$3,000 per post | Uneven settlement; shallow stable soil; interior access available |
| Concrete piers (drilled and filled) | Holes dug to stable soil, then filled with concrete and topped with a bracket | Usually 3–7 days for multiple piers | Varies by depth; typically $1,500–$4,000 per pier | Very deep stable soil; when drilling equipment is already on site |
| Helical piers (twisted into ground) | Large steel screw twisted into ground like a corkscrew until it reaches stable soil | Usually 2–5 days for multiple piers | Varies by depth; typically $2,000–$5,000 per pier | Expansive clay soil; when minimal ground disturbance is needed |
| Underpinning (stacked concrete blocks) | Series of small concrete blocks stacked and adjusted under foundation to raise it | Usually 5–10 days for multiple sections | Typically $800–$2,000 per section | Minor settlement; when budget is very tight; temporary support |
Ram Jack systems are often faster to install than concrete piers because driving a post is quicker than drilling a hole and pouring concrete. However, Ram Jack may cost more per post if your stable soil is very deep, because the steel shaft must be longer. Helical piers work well in expansive clay but are generally more expensive and slower than Ram Jack in most soil conditions.
Concrete piers are often the most economical choice if you already have drilling equipment on site for other work, but they require more curing time (concrete must set before the foundation can be lifted). Underpinning is the least expensive method but is typically used only for minor settlement or as a temporary measure, not for major structural problems.
What Happens After Installation
Once Ram Jack posts are installed and locked in place, they require no ongoing maintenance. The steel posts and bearing plates are designed to last as long as the house. You do not need to adjust them, add lubricant, or inspect them regularly. However, you should monitor your foundation for new cracks or signs of movement — if new settling occurs after the repair, it may indicate that the posts have shifted or that additional support is needed elsewhere.
Some contractors recommend a follow-up inspection one year after installation to confirm that the foundation has remained stable and that no new cracks have appeared. This is not required, but it can give you confidence that the repair is holding. If you notice new cracks, doors or windows that stick, or gaps between the foundation and the house frame after the repair, contact your contractor or a structural engineer to investigate.
Ram Jack posts are covered by a warranty from the manufacturer, which typically lasts 10 to 25 years depending on the product line and the installer. The warranty usually covers the posts and bearing plates against defects, but not against damage from soil movement, flooding, or other external causes. Ask your contractor for a copy of the warranty and keep it with your home records.
When Ram Jack May Not Be the Right Choice
Ram Jack works well for most foundation settling problems, but it is not always the best option. If your foundation is cracked due to expansive clay soil that continues to swell and shrink, Ram Jack alone may not solve the problem — you may also need to address moisture and drainage. If your stable soil is extremely deep (more than 50 feet), the cost of Ram Jack posts may be higher than concrete piers, and drilling may be more practical.
Ram Jack also requires access to the area where posts will be installed. If your foundation is blocked by a basement wall, large equipment, or other obstacles, the contractor may need to use an alternative method or modify the installation plan. Similarly, if you have a very old stone or brick foundation that is fragile, the contractor may recommend a gentler method like helical piers or underpinning to avoid cracking the existing structure during lifting.
A structural engineer or foundation contractor can assess your specific situation and recommend whether Ram Jack or another method is most appropriate. This assessment is the first step in any foundation repair project and should be done before you commit to a particular method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Ram Jack installation take?
Most Ram Jack installations take one to three days for multiple posts, depending on how many posts are needed and how deep the stable soil is. If posts must go very deep or if access is difficult, the job may take longer. Your contractor will provide a timeline estimate after the initial inspection.
Can Ram Jack posts be installed from inside my basement?
Yes, one advantage of Ram Jack is that posts can often be installed from inside the basement or crawl space, which means less disruption to your yard and landscaping. However, if your basement is finished or cluttered, the contractor may need to remove walls or clear space to access the foundation. Ask your contractor about access during the inspection.
What if my foundation settles again after Ram Jack is installed?
New settling after a Ram Jack repair is uncommon but can happen if the soil continues to move or if additional areas of the foundation need support. If you notice new cracks or movement, contact your contractor or a structural engineer. The warranty may cover additional posts if the original repair was not adequate.
Is Ram Jack more expensive than concrete piers?
Cost depends on how deep stable soil is in your area. Ram Jack is often less expensive per post in areas with shallow stable soil, but more expensive if posts must go very deep. Concrete piers may be cheaper if drilling equipment is already on site. Get quotes from contractors using different methods to compare costs for your specific situation.
Do I need a permit to have Ram Jack installed?
Most foundation repairs, including Ram Jack installation, require a building permit in your city or county. Your contractor should handle the permit process, but confirm this before signing a contract. The permit ensures that the work meets local building codes and that a final inspection is performed after installation.