Immediate repair is needed if you have pier and beam
foundation issues. This is critical to avoid further damage like foundation movements and sagging. Letting these issues go without proper inspection and repair can have devastating consequences for your property later. While all structures are different, pier and beam foundations share common traits.
Check out these common pier and beam foundation repair issues that should be getting your attention.
Rotting Substructure
If your home has beams, it likely has wooden substructures that can rot over time and become vulnerable to water, rodent and insect damage. And because pier and beam foundations tend to have crawl spaces underneath, they typically suffer from a lot of moisture buildup that speeds along the rotting process. If you are seeing signs of rot on your wooden foundation, avoid expensive repairs and call an expert.
Improperly-Spaced Piers
Piers have to be spaced out properly, whether they are made of steel or concrete. Piers should feature spacing of approximately six inches so they can withstand the weight of the structure and provide better support for the foundation. With properly-spaced beams and piers, your structure will be as stable as it can be and you won’t have many issues over its lifespan. But if you notice poorly-spaced beams or you don’t think there are enough, call an expert to avoid future foundation issues such as sagging.
Soil Movement
Pier and beam foundations were the support of choice back in the 1960s when contractors were building houses. In fact, they’re still a popular choice for today’s homeowners. But even with this popularity, it’s important to remember that beam and pier foundations will shift over time due to the presence of water as well as varied soil conditions. Soils that have high clay concentrations, for example, expand when exposed to lots of water. The resulting soil movement puts pressure onto the foundation, which leads to cracks and then leaks and wet basements.
Water Damage
Pier and beam foundations don’t typically make contact with the ground but they can deteriorate with time thanks to the water buildup below. If you are having problems, you may want to consider installing a drain system that directs water away from the foundation. This should be done sooner rather than later, though, as damage to your foundation can result fairly quickly once water infiltrates the piers and beams. The resulting repairs will be costly. It’s best to mitigate the issue well beforehand before it gets out of control.
Contact Aftermath Structural Repair
If you have noticed any of the above issues, it’s imperative that you get in touch with our foundation repair experts in Houston right away. Please
contact us at 281-231-8904 for an on-site inspection and free quote. We offer complete foundation repair services and know how various types of Texas soil can affect the integrity of your foundation.
