What is this? From this page you can use the Social Web links to save Pros & Cons Of A Pier And Beam Foundation | PIERMAN Foundation Repair OK & TX to a social bookmarking site, or the E-mail form to send a link via e-mail.

Social Web

E-mail

E-mail It
January 19, 2023

Pros & Cons Of A Pier And Beam Foundation | PIERMAN Foundation Repair OK & TX

Posted in: Industry News

Pierman-Foundation-Repair-Pros-And-Cons-Of-A-Pier-And-Beam-Foundation.jpegA pier and beam foundation, also known as a pier and post, pier and pile, or post and beam foundation, is a common type of house foundation in the United States. It is characterized by the use of concrete piers, posts or piles, and wooden beams to anchor and support the house. The concept is similar to that of a house on stilts, but in many cases the posts or piles are only a few feet tall and not visible from the street. This type of foundation is often used in suburban areas, such as the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but can also be found in wetlands regions like South Carolina and Louisiana. 

Pier and beam foundations were once widely used in some regions of the United States, but were phased out in favor of concrete slabs in the mid-20th century. Despite this, they can still be commonly found in older homes in Texas. However, they are still considered as a viable option in certain situations such as in areas at risk of flooding or where the soil is unstable, as they can better withstand such conditions without the need for frequent foundation repair.

In regions with harsh winters, such as the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, where home foundations must be placed below the frost line, pier and beam foundations are not typically used. Basement foundations are more common in these areas. However, if a pier and beam foundation is being considered, it is most likely as an alternative to a concrete slab foundation.

The Benefits of Pier and Beam Foundations

  • Most advantages of pier and beam foundations usually come down to cost, protection from flooding, and flexibility.
  • Pier and beam foundations offer protection from flooding as the house is elevated above the ground on posts.
  • The crawl space in a pier and beam foundation allows for easy access to pipes and wiring for repairs and modifications, unlike a concrete slab foundation.
  • Repairs for pier and beam foundations can be less costly as it is often easier to isolate and replace specific portions of the foundation.
  • A pier and beam foundation is more flexible for building on uneven sites, unlike a concrete slab which can present foundation issues.
  • Excavation costs are less when building with a pier and beam foundation compared to a full-basement foundation.
  • Homes with pier and beam foundations can be moved more easily than those with concrete slab foundations.

Possible Problems With Pier and Beam Foundations

The downsides of pier and beam foundations are mostly related to the crawl spaces that come with this type of home foundation. These include:

  • Infestations of insects and other animals that can be controlled by installing screens over openings.
  • Dampness in the crawl space that may require measures to drain water away from the foundation.
  • Increased heating expenses during the winter months as colder air enters the crawl space and cools the entire house. Installing subflooring can mitigate this issue.
  • Earthquake considerations, as houses can shift off their foundations in areas prone to earthquakes, which can be costly to repair. Bolting or anchoring beams to posts and posts to foundation piers is recommended. If earthquakes are a concern, stem wall foundations are typically preferred.

For more information about pier and beam foundations, and how our professional foundation repair company can help with your needs, give us a call today at (580) 453-0330.

 


Return to: Pros & Cons Of A Pier And Beam Foundation | PIERMAN Foundation Repair OK & TX