Making Old Like New Again

Posted on: 26 May 2022

A pier and beam foundation is a type of foundation that uses a series of piers or columns to support the weight of a structure. This type of foundation is common in areas with expansive soil, such as Texas, because it helps to minimize the effects of soil expansion and contraction, as well as in coastal areas of Florida, where hurricanes are prominent. Here's what you need to know about pier and beam foundations and residential pier and beam foundation repair.

What is a pier and beam foundation?

A pier and beam foundation is a type of foundation where the house is supported by piers that are attached to the bedrock or reinforced with concrete and beams. This type of foundation is common in areas where there is a high water table or the soil is not very stable.

Pier and beam foundations are usually made with either concrete or stone piers and steel or wooden beams. The piers are placed at regular intervals around the perimeter of the house and the beams are then laid across them. The weight of the house is transferred from the beams to the piers and then down into the ground.

What are the advantages of a pier and beam foundation?

There are several advantages to using a pier and beam foundation, including:

• Cost. Pier and beam foundations are less expensive to build than other types of foundations.
• Drainage. They allow for better drainage around the perimeter of the house, which is especially important in areas where heavy rainfall from hurricanes is likely.
• Stability. One of the most important advantages of a pier and beam foundation si that they offer more stability in areas with high water tables or unstable soils.

If you live in a coastal or another low-lying area, pier and beam foundations are common for the above reasons.

What are common ways pier and beam foundations are damaged?

There are several ways that pier and beam foundations can be damaged, including:

• Erosion. Pier and beam foundations can be eroded by storm surges or flooding.
• Settlement. If the soil around the foundation settles, it can cause the piers to become unlevel and the beams to crack.
• Trees. Trees that are too close to the foundation can put too much pressure on the piers and beams, causing them to crack or break.

All residential pier and beam foundation repairs need to be performed by a professional. This is not a DIY project.

How can pier and beam foundations be repaired?

If your pier and beam foundation is damaged, there are several ways it can be repaired, including:

• Shimming. This is a common repair for settle piers. Shims are placed under the piers to level them out and stop them from settling any further.
• Piling. If your foundation has been damaged by erosion, it may need to be repaired with piles. Piles are driven into the ground next to the foundation and then connected to the foundation with brackets or cables.
• Bracing. Braces can be used to support beams that have cracked or broken.
• Jacking. If the entire foundation has shifted, it may need to be jacked up and leveled. This is a complex repair that should only be performed by a professional.

Pier and beam foundation repairs can be expensive, but they are often necessary to protect your home from further damage.