Pier & Beam Repair Services
Because of their different structure from slab or basement foundations, pier and beam foundations suffer from different problems. That means that pier and beam repair solutions are often different from those used on other foundations.
That is why it is important to trust your pier and beam foundation to a company that understands the different needs of pier and beam foundations and matches the fixes to the precise problems at hand.
What is a Pier and Beam Foundation?
Pier and beam foundations are also often known as crawl space foundations. This is because the manner in which pier and beam houses are constructed creates a crawl space beneath them.
With most other types of homes, the foundation is a concrete slab that rests either below the first floor of the home or below the basement if one exists.
With pier and beam foundations, however, there is no concrete slab. Instead the structure of the home sits on top of a series of piers. These piers can range from the type that are sunk into the ground to a support post made of bricks or cinder blocks. They not only provide support around the perimeter of the house but also in a grid pattern beneath the house in line with the location of the beams.
The piers support and elevate off the ground a series of support beams, which are often made from wood. Upon the beams are placed floor joists. These floor joists support the subfloor and everything above it
Because the piers elevate the beams off the ground, they create a crawl space beneath the house. There is no fixed height for the crawl space.
Problems that Pier and Beam Foundations Face
Because there are both more components as well as the crawl space beneath the home, pier and beam foundations can face a wider variety of problems. These include:
- Sunken Piers: Just as the slab in a slab foundation can begin to settle and sink, so too can the piers in a pier and beam foundation. This causes many of the same problems as the beams are not receiving uniform support and can cause the structure to become misaligned.
- Weakened Piers: Whether caused by time, water damage or construction issues, piers can sometimes weaken to the point where they cannot adequately support the structure.
- Rotting or damaged beams or floor joists: Crawl spaces, especially those with moisture issues, can be havens for wood rot. When that rot affects your home's beams or floor joists, it can cause significant structural issues.
Pier and Beam Repair Methods
Our pier and beam foundation repair methods include"
- Pier Replacement: We can both replace the damaged or sunken pier and reinforce the soil at the pier's base to prevent future sinking. This will provide the beams with consistent support over their length to prevent them from becoming misaligned.
- Beam Replacement: Damaged beams, whether from rot, water damage, or any other reason, need to be replaced. Replacing damaged beams with new ones can greatly increase the strength of the foundation.
- Floor Joist Replacement:Floor joists, floorboards, and any other part of your floor’s structure that needs replacing will be done with expert experience and precision. This will stop the sloping or spongy floors you might be experiencing and head off more significant structural issues.
Searching for a Pier and Beam Repair Contractor Near You in the Muskogee Area? Choose Pierman Foundation Repair Services
For pier and beam repair in Muskogee, OK or the surrounding area, contact Pierman Foundation Repair Services today. We also provide exterior waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation. At the first sign of pier and beam foundation failure, don't hesitate to contact us. Call us today to get started with your free estimate!