The focus of this article is on foundation piers, which should not be confused with the piers used in underpinning. Instead, foundation piers are a type of foundation that can be compared to basements and slabs. If you’re currently in the process of building or purchasing a new home and are unsure about what type of foundation you require, this article aims to provide helpful insights.
Foundation piers are a vital component of a support system referred to as pier and beam. Their primary function is to transfer the weight of your home into the soil below, while wooden beams are placed over the piers. The two components work together to keep your home above ground level. Pier and beam foundations are typically utilized in sloping properties or areas prone to rising tides. It’s worth noting that these types of foundations are also known as crawl space foundations, as they leave a gap beneath your home.
When Construction Might Call For Foundation Piering
Here are some instances where contractors might opt to use pier foundations, which are often utilized when constructing a traditional basement or slab is deemed challenging:
- When your property has a predominantly decomposed rock near the surface.
- When your property has an extensive tree root system.
- When your property has an abundance of rigid and resistant clay.
- When your property has a low water-bearing capacity.
- When constructing a home from logs or timber.
- When building on a slope.
Foundation piers are indeed effective. Below are some advantages of choosing to build or purchase a home with this type of foundation:
Benefits of Foundation Piering
Reduced material usage: Since piers are spaced out, they require fewer materials to construct.
Greater design versatility: Home builders have various types of foundation piers to choose from, including concrete blocks, solid piers, and drilled caissons. Contractors can modify or supplement the design even after the foundation is built.
Less excavation and disruption: Compared to basements or slabs, pier and beam foundations require less excavation since contractors only need to build individual piers.
Reduced water damage: Because foundation piers elevate your home off the ground, rising water can no longer damage wooden beams and joists.
Enhanced accessibility and visibility: Wires or pipes running underneath your home are more accessible to electricians, plumbers, and sewer line professionals. This also makes it easier for foundation repair specialists to inspect any damage to your home.
Reduced vibration: Foundation piers transfer the weight of your home into the soil, making them more resistant to earthquake movements.
Should My Home Have Foundation Piering?
The foundation of a structure usually consists of footings, which are concrete platforms situated at the bottom of piers or basement walls. There are various types of footings, including t-shaped pad footings, stepped footings, and sloped footings. Piers, which are concrete columns or piles, rest atop the footings and are frequently interconnected using steel rebar.
When properly maintained, foundation piers are typically deemed permanent. Barring significant events such as mudslides or severe earthquakes, foundation piers can endure for an extended period, sometimes even beyond the life of the house.
The general guideline for determining the appropriate size of foundation piers is to use “1 inch per foot of span.” For example, if the foundation is 20 feet wide, the piers should have a diameter of 20 inches.
Although slabs are less expensive to construct, they require more upkeep as time goes by. In contrast, foundation piers provide greater adaptability and accessibility, making them less demanding to maintain as they age. The cost of building a slab foundation for homeowners is typically between $5,000 and $20,000, while constructing a pier foundation costs homeowners between $16,000 and $30,000.
How PIERMAN Foundation Repair Can Help
For foundation repair services in the Northern Texas and Oklahoma areas, contact PIERMAN Foundation Repair. Our team has extensive experience in repairing all types of foundations, including piers. We will conduct a thorough inspection of your home to determine the root cause of your foundation problems and recommend the best solutions available. In addition to foundation repair, we offer a range of other services, including foundation waterproofing to encapsulate your crawl space. Call us today at (580) 453-0330 to schedule an inspection and request an estimate.
