Pier and Beam Foundation Repairs

Piers provide support for crawl space foundations, sheds, elevated homes, and even fishing piers. They are especially useful for structures built on soil that cannot tolerate the load of a slab foundation. Because piers are located under ground, they tend to be less affected by changes in weather and soil conditions than concrete foundations. However, pier and beam foundations still face a wide range of problems that can affect the stability of the structure.

Like any other type of home or building, pier and beam foundations can suffer from a number of issues, such as sinking and sagging floors and a general lack of structural integrity. Pier and beam homes are also susceptible to moisture, which can cause the wood parts that connect the joists and beams to warp or break. In addition, piers can shift as the soil beneath them loosens or erodes.

If these issues go untreated, they can create serious damage that threatens the integrity of your entire structure. This is why it’s important to hire a professional for regular inspections of your foundation. There are a few different types of pier repairs methods that foundation contractors use to restore a sagging or sinking pier and beam foundation, including reshimming and the installation of concrete piers.

Reshimming is a simple but effective repair process that involves using small pieces of wood (known as shims) to fill gaps between the pier and wooden sill beams. It is a preventative maintenance measure that should be performed regularly, along with a thorough crawl space cleaning and inspection.

Another way to repair a sagging pier and beam foundation is to install new joists and girders. This can be a relatively inexpensive repair, but it’s also important to consider that you may need to remodel your home at the same time. As a general rule, it’s better to repair a faulty pier and beam foundation before starting any remodeling projects on your home.

Drilled caissons are a more permanent solution to foundation problems. Unlike push piers, which can loosen and lose their load-bearing capacity, drilled caissons are made of steel and rebar that are drilled into the soil until they reach bedrock. These piers can bear more weight than traditional push piers, making them an excellent choice for larger structures.

The installation of helical or steel piers can be more expensive than other repair options, but they are also one of the most durable. These piers are driven into the soil by hydraulic jacks until they reach competent strata, which can be as deep as 10 feet below ground level. These piers are ideal for stabilizing older pier and beam foundations that have been damaged by shifting soil.

Pier and beam foundations are often used for older homes, which makes them more likely to develop a variety of problems. These include sagging or leaking floors, a lack of structural integrity, and mold or rot in the crawl space. Because pier and beam foundations are more prone to moisture, it’s essential that homeowners have a proper drainage system in place and regularly inspect their crawl spaces for signs of moisture. If moisture is found, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly and implement a waterproofing system to protect your foundation and the rest of your home from future water damage.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all works.