Compared to slab concrete foundations, pier and beam foundations are easier to maintain and associated with numerous benefits. With concrete piers protruding out of the ground upon which the house rests, they give you sufficient crawl space simplifying inspection.
Do you want to save time and avoid unnecessary and expensive repairs?
You need to ensure your foundation remains in good shape. If you want to keep your foundation in great condition and spend less on repairs, here are helpful tips for you.
Contact Granite Foundation Repair for a Free Inspection!
Maintain a Good Drainage System
This is the most critical tip in pier and beam maintenance. For a foundation to remain strong, a good drainage system is needed. A foundation is exposed to damage when moisture seeps under the foundation. During the dry season, the ground becomes dry and when heavy rains begin, water accumulates under the house. Damp or wet piers cause moisture related issues such as rotting wood, mold and termites.
Always ensure water doesn’t accumulate under the house, pass beneath the house or flow towards the foundation. A good drainage system with regular maintenance will ensure water is not trapped near your house.
Use a Moisture Maintenance System
To ensure your foundation lasts for long, control moisture levels especially under and around the perimeter of your house. Interior support piers are extremely vulnerable to moisture as mud causes piers to sink. The same damage also happens to the exterior sections of piers. Previously, the concept was to ensure the soil remains dry but technology has introduced new techniques for determining the moisture content of air molecules.
Properties in areas with high humidity have high moisture content which if allowed to enter beneath the structure, causes a buildup of moisture, making it more costly to maintain foundations. The latest technology is to ensure the underside of the structure is completely sealed off and de-humidifiers installed to get rid of excess moisture that finds its way into the crawlspace.
Do Foundation Damage Checks
You can do simple checks on your house to determine if something is not right with the foundation. If you notice your ceiling, shower tiling, and walls above doors have visible large cracks, all is not well. In addition, if your doors and windows fail to shut properly, there could be a large shift in your foundation. In such cases, immediate remedies need to be carried out to avoid further damage and complications.
Unfortunately, by the time you realize these defects, you’re no longer dealing with minor issues implying professional intervention is needed. In most cases, water and poor drainage are to blame for these defects.
Beware of Water
Water is a major cause of foundation weakening and damage. Whether water gets into the crawlspace from cracks in your perimeter grade beam or through the air, support soils are weakened, eroded and damaged over time. Once soil becomes softer or mud forms, your piers begin to settle causing gradual damage in walls and eventually, the entire structural damage.
Regularly Inspect the Crawl Space
Make an effort to inspect the crawl space after every six months and see whether there are any signs of movement. Fortunately, in a pier and beam structure, you can easily check because it is easy to see how the post meets the beam. You should be able to see whether there is angling of the piers or the pier has shifted position. Should this be the case, it is obvious movement has taken place and therefore, house structural damage is imminent.
Examine Gutters and Downspouts
Don’t forget to always check your gutters and downspouts. Gutters should be prevented from splashing out water directly on the ground below bordering the foundation. Water discharge should be done at least 5 feet from the house.
There are numerous benefits associated with post and beam construction, but you need to be keen with underground support as any tiny movement of a single pier can cause extensive damage inside the house. Don’t have gardens to close to the house and if they must be, drains must be fitted to ensure water is drained effectively. Peat, mulch or barks tend to hold more water than needed affecting the underground.
Plant Small Shrubs
Focus on planting shrubs with a short root system to increase water absorption. When soil absorbs too much water, it shrinks causing the foundation to settle thus increasing movement. Trees and plants with a large and extensive root system under the soil can damage the pier. It is risky to have trees or large bushes next to the foundation and so they should be removed. Small shrubs can be used as a drain.
Dig Trench Drains
Trench drains are useful especially in areas which are prone to heavy flooding or any other unexpected soil moisture complications. Doing this helps to prevent the soil underneath from becoming wet thus reducing movement.
Contact Granite Foundation Repair For A Free Inspection
If you need of professional pier and beam foundation repair services, contact Granite Foundation Repair.
We also provide you with the best drain system and moisture maintenance system tailored according to your specific needs. We have extensive business experience spanning several years, and we’re delighted to be of assistance to you.
Call 214-865-8609 to receive timely and professional assistance!
