When it comes to the foundation of a home, the stakes are high. A strong foundation is essential for the safety and stability of a home, and any damage or instability can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. However, some homeowners have attempted to improvise the foundation piers of their homes using unconventional methods and items, which can be dangerous and even unbelievable.
Foundation piers are an essential component of a home’s foundation system. They are designed to support the weight of a house and distribute the load evenly across the soil. The foundation piers act as a stabilizer and support the foundation to prevent settlement, heaving, and other forms of structural damage. Foundation piers can be made of various materials, including concrete, steel, or wood, and they are installed deep into the ground to provide support for the foundation.
However, foundation piers are subject to damage from constant exposure to moisture. Intruding moisture can cause the soil around the foundation to swell, shift, and settle, leading to foundation damage. This can result in cracks in walls and floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, and uneven floors. If left unaddressed, foundation damage can lead to safety hazards, such as mold, rot, and pests. It is important to take preventative measures to protect your foundation piers from moisture damage and to address any issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home or business.
Some Homeowners Attempt Repairs Without Professional Experience
One common method that homeowners have used to improvise their foundation piers is by using old car parts, such as engine blocks, as makeshift piers. The idea behind this method is that the weight and durability of the engine block can provide support for the home’s foundation. However, this method is not only unreliable, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Car parts are not designed to support the weight of a house, and they can shift or break under the weight and pressure, leading to a collapse or other structural damage.
Another improvisation method used by homeowners is using stacks of cinder blocks or bricks as foundation piers. This method involves stacking the blocks or bricks on top of each other until they reach the desired height, and then placing the home’s foundation on top of them. While this method may seem like a cost-effective solution, it is not a safe or reliable way to support a home’s foundation. Cinder blocks and bricks are not designed to support the weight of a house, and they can shift or crumble over time, leading to foundation failure.
In some cases, homeowners have used tree stumps or telephone poles as foundation piers. While these items may seem sturdy and strong, they are not designed to support the weight of a house. In addition, they can rot or decay over time, leading to instability and potential collapse. This method is not only dangerous, but it is also not an effective way to stabilize a home’s foundation.
Other improvised methods used by homeowners include using old tires, bottles, and even beer cans as foundation piers. While these methods may seem creative, they are not a safe or reliable way to support a home’s foundation. Items such as old tires and bottles are not designed to support the weight of a house, and they can shift or break under the weight and pressure. Beer cans, on the other hand, are not durable enough to provide any support and can lead to structural damage.
When To Seek Help To Properly Support Your Home
The use of these improvised methods is not only dangerous but can also lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. Foundation failure can lead to structural damage, including cracks in walls and floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, and uneven floors. In addition, foundation failure can lead to safety hazards, such as mold, rot, and pests, which can cause additional damage to your home or business.
If you suspect that your home’s foundation is unstable or has been improvised using unconventional methods, it is important to contact a professional foundation repair company. A professional company can assess the damage and provide effective solutions that will stabilize your home’s foundation and prevent further damage. Professional solutions may include piering, house leveling, crawl space encapsulation, and drain system solutions, all of which are safe, reliable, and effective.
In conclusion, improvising a home’s foundation piers using unconventional methods and items can be dangerous and even unbelievable. While these methods may seem cost-effective and creative, they are not safe or reliable ways to support a home’s foundation. If you suspect that your home’s foundation has been improvised using unconventional methods, it is important to contact a professional foundation repair company to assess the damage and provide effective solutions. A strong and stable foundation is essential for the safety and stability of your home, and it is not an area to be improvised.
How PIERMAN Foundation Piering Can Help
At PIERMAN, we provide quality foundation piering services to repair your home’s foundation in Oklahoma and Northern Texas. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to assess your foundation and provide effective solutions that will stabilize your home and prevent further damage. We specialize in foundation repair, house leveling, crawl space encapsulation, pier and beam repair, and drain system solutions. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible service. If you are experiencing foundation issues, don’t hesitate to contact PIERMAN for reliable and effective foundation repair services.
Give us a call today at (580) 453-0330 for more information and to schedule an evaluation of your home’s foundation today.
