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Your home's structural stability and integrity depend largely on its foundation. The most common foundation used in older homes is a pier and beam foundation, built without a concrete pad. While pier and beam foundations don't require frequent repairs, certain signs indicate your foundation may need a repair.
Whether you live in an older home with a pier and beam foundation or have just moved into a new place, your foundation must be in good condition. Keeping an eye out for the trouble signs is important to ensure your foundation remains stable and secure. Read the blog below to find out the tell-tale signs that your pier and beam foundation needs, know when to take action, and get it repaired by professionals.
Foundation Settlement Problems: Pier And Beam Vs. Slab Foundations
Are you in the same dilemma that foundation problems seem similar in all home types? Well, you're not wrong. Slab-on-grade and crawl space foundations are incredibly different in functioning and operating. While some common signs can indicate foundation settlement problems for any home, particular signs indicate a pier and beam or block and base house.
Now let's end this confusion and identify the signs that the pier and beam foundation is in need of repair:
Diagonal Cracks in Drywall Near Door and Window Frames
Diagonal cracks that come off at the corner of a door or window are usually the first sign of foundation settlement in your home. No matter how long or wide the crack is or if it is coming off from the top or bottom corners, it is a sure sign of an issue with the foundation. Look for this sign when inspecting the interior walls of your home, especially around door and window frames.
For instance, older homes may also have wall materials like plaster or paneling, which could hide the cracks. In such cases, it is wise to talk to a house foundation repair professional even if you don't see any visible signs of settlement.
Faulty Door Fitment
Doors that don't properly close, lock, latch, or are misaligned and get stuck completely are an indication that you need foundation repair for your pier and beam home. It means that the door frame is out-of-square, and the door's hole that is supposed to fit in doesn't fit anymore. If you're experiencing faulty door fitment and suspect it results from foundation issues, you should consult a professional.
Bouncing, Loose, or Rattling Floors
Expansive soil settlement can cause the interconnected structure of a crawl space foundation to loosen up. If any sill beam, shim, or pier moves, sinks, or becomes compromised, an effect can be felt throughout the flooring system.
All the essential parts of the pier and beam structure must be snug and secure so the flooring system can function properly. Other root causes, such as wood rot, long-term leaks, or termite damage, may also cause similar foundation problems but with different results.
Uneven Flooring Issues
A weak or settled pier and beam foundation can cause sagging or uneven flooring. If your floors were previously flat, you shouldn't notice any abrupt slopes or hills when walking across the room. But if you do notice, it clearly indicates that you have major pier and beam foundation issues that must be addressed immediately.
Damp Crawl Space Problems
Driving concrete beams reinforced with those steel beams deep into the ground make up a pier and beam foundation. This means a small crawl space between the bottom level of the home and the ground beneath. These spaces can be particularly susceptible to moisture problems causing the soil under the house to shift and weaken the foundation.
Foundation Piers Tilting Out of Place
If your concrete piers tilt out of place, it's a red flag that there are structural problems in the foundation. Beams can shift and move, which will cause further damage to your home. To fix this problem, you need to hire a foundation repair Tennessee specialist to stabilize the piers and correct any underlying issues.
Related Read: Advantages of Foundation Pier.
Mold and Mildew Infestation
When wooden beams are used in a pier and beam foundation rather than steel, they become more susceptible to water and moisture damage. If enough moisture gets into the crawlspace, it can cause the beams and joists to develop mold and mildew. This not only puts your foundation at risk but could also put the home's occupants at risk if the mold spreads. If you suspect that your wooden beams have developed mold and mildew, it's important to get them replaced by an experienced professional.
Wrapping Up
Pier and beam foundation problems are common, and it's important to pay attention to the signs and have them inspected by a professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, these problems can lead to extensive damage in your home, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Don't take chances with your foundation - contact a foundation repair expert today for an inspection and get peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure. These skilled professionals have the knowledge and experience to assess, diagnose, and repair pier and beam foundation problems quickly and effectively.
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