Pier and beam foundations are a popular choice for homes in areas with high water tables or expansive soils. Unlike slab foundations, which are poured directly onto the ground, pier and beam foundations consist of a series of wooden or concrete piers that support a beam system that, in turn, supports the home’s structure. While pier and beam foundations can be more resistant to soil movement and settling than slab foundations, they are still subject to wear and tear and may require repairs over time. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common signs that your pier and beam foundation needs repair and how Steady House Foundation Repair can help.
Sagging or Uneven Floors
One of the most common signs that your pier and beam foundation needs repair is sagging or uneven floors. Over time, the wooden beams that support your home’s floors can weaken or rot, causing your floors to sag or become uneven. This can lead to trip hazards, creaking floors, and other problems.
Visible Cracks in Walls or Ceiling
Visible cracks in your walls or ceiling can also indicate foundation damage. As your home’s foundation settles or shifts, it can cause cracks in the walls or ceiling. These cracks may be small at first, but they can grow larger over time, leading to more serious structural damage.
Doors or Windows That Stick
Doors or windows that stick or are difficult to open or close can be another sign of foundation damage. As your foundation shifts, it can cause your door and window frames to become misaligned, making it harder to open or close them.
Bowing or Sloping Floors
Bowing or sloping floors can also be a sign of foundation damage. As your foundation settles or shifts, it can cause your floors to slope or bow, making them uneven and difficult to walk on.
Gaps Between the Floor and Baseboards
Gaps between the floor and baseboards can be a sign of foundation damage as well. As your foundation settles or shifts, it can cause gaps to form between the floor and baseboards, indicating a problem with your foundation’s support system.
How Steady House Foundation Repair Can Help
At Steady House Foundation Repair, we offer a variety of services to repair pier and beam foundations, including:
- Pier and Beam Repair: We can repair or replace damaged piers and beams to restore your foundation’s structural integrity.
- Floor Leveling: We can level sagging or uneven floors to improve safety and restore your home’s appearance.
- Structural Repair: We can repair or replace damaged load-bearing walls or other structural components to ensure your home is safe and stable.
- French Drain Installation: We can install French drains to help prevent future foundation damage by redirecting excess water away from your home’s foundation.
- Crawl Space Encapsulation: We can encapsulate your crawl space to prevent moisture and humidity from damaging your foundation.
Pier and beam foundations can be more resistant to soil movement and settling than slab foundations, but they are still subject to wear and tear and may require repairs over time. By identifying the signs of foundation damage early, you can prevent more serious problems down the road. At Steady House Foundation Repair, we are committed to helping our customers maintain the safety and stability of their homes. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn how we can help repair your pier and beam foundation.