This kind of foundation was common among homes built in the nineteen sixties and earlier years. This involves piers of cement sunk into the ground, beams placed extending from one pier to the adjacent pier. Beams reinforce joists on which the sub-floor is constructed, then the primary flooring, leaving space under the house, which has an eighteen-inch gap between the posts and the ground. This foundation construction method provides more excellent stability to your home by allowing the weight to be distributed more evenly on the various piers and beams. Piers are either made from cement or wood.
The pier and beam foundation repair is easier for homes that are built with some factors to consider. Some of these factors are a substantial contraction and expansion of the soil in an area. The house is in a flood-prone area, or the construction is being planned on uneven ground or hillside and thus has key benefits compared to the cement slab foundation. Some being,
- It is cheaper for many homeowners to make pier and beam foundation repairs than a cement slab foundation.
- Any plumbing additions or repairs are more accessible to attend to and are less expensive because of the space created.
- Pier and beam foundation repair is required when the ground is displaced and causes the house to slide off one or more beams and the beams and slide off the piers.
Some signs that are commonly reported that show repair is urgently required are like,
- Leaning of the walls
- Cracking of the walls becoming visible
- Sunk foundation
- Sticking of doors and windows when opening and closing
- Leaning of the chimney
- Sagging floors
- Decay and damage to wooden beams or joists
- Mildew and mold
- Interior pier cracks
- Sloped floors
- Basement walls bowing
- Ceiling and walls gap
Causes of pier and beam problems.
- Earth movement
- Inadequate drainage system
- Less Compact soil
- Moisture
The cost of fixing foundation problems varies though the price tag may go higher or lower depending on the repair the foundation is repaired, maintenance habits, and the home’s location.
The price of materials will differ by region and the type of soil the house is built on for the location.
Different Types Of Foundation
- Mud-jacking and sealing are involved in concrete foundation repairs, or if the damage is too much, different support structures may be needed hence paying more for the repair.
- Crawl space foundations elevate the house using block walls and footings. Crawl spaces always have stagnant water problems as the main issue and could lead to problems.
- Brick and Block Foundation. These are cracks in the blocks, which appear along the joints, and indicate problems and bowing.
- Pier and beam foundations. This foundation is made from raised beams reaching a height of about 18 inches.
How To Save On Costs
Ignoring problems or trying cheap fixes later lead you to incur more costs and thus lower the value of the house. To save one could,
- Ask for quotes from different service providers
- Should prioritize repairs
- Discuss temporary options
Conclusion
Foundation issues often are silent problems that don’t show visible signs, and you won’t know for years. By reading clues the home provides for a keen owner, you could repair the issues and avoid significant issues and problems in the future.
