How to Enclose Pier and Beam Foundation the Right Way
If you have a pier and beam home, you may be looking for effective ways to protect the space beneath your house. Let’s get right to it.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to enclose pier and beam foundation—from moisture control to structural repairs.
What Is a Pier and Beam Foundation?
A pier and beam foundation uses vertical piers and horizontal beams to raise the home above ground level, creating a crawl space beneath. This design offers easy access to utilities and flexibility on shifting soils.
Pier and beam foundations are most popular in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and parts of the Gulf Coast, where expansive soils make a flexible foundation a smart choice.
Want more detail? Read our full guide to building a pier and beam foundation here.
Why Enclose a Pier and Beam Foundation?
Enclosing a pier and beam foundation improves your home’s appearance by hiding exposed supports and creating a cleaner, more finished look. It also protects the structure from weather-related damage, helping extend the life of your foundation.
Beyond protection, enclosures boost energy efficiency by reducing drafts and improving insulation, which can lead to lower energy bills.
Common Foundation Enclosure Materials
- Vinyl Skirting: Durable, low-maintenance, and available in various colors and styles.
- Metal Skirting: Strong and weather-resistant; commonly used for mobile homes.
- Brick or Stone Veneer: Offers a classic or natural look with longer-lasting durability.
- Lattice: Wood lattice allows ventilation and can be painted; vinyl lattice is lower maintenance and available in multiple styles.
- Concrete: Precast panels offer a clean look, while poured concrete creates a permanent, more labor-intensive enclosure.
- Wood: Pressure-treated or hardwood options like cedar offer natural beauty with resistance to rot and pests.
- Corrugated Metal or Aluminum: Corrugated metal provides a modern, durable finish; aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and available in many finishes.
- Stucco: Applied over masonry for a customizable, textured look.
- Insulated Panels: Foam-core panels offer thermal protection and can be finished to match your home’s exterior—ideal for improving energy efficiency.
How to Enclose a Pier and Beam Foundation Properly
The most effective way to create a closed pier foundation is through professional crawl space encapsulation.
This process seals the crawl space and protects your home from long-term damage.
Before encapsulation can begin, the crawl space must be enclosed appropriately, using durable, permanent materials like brick or masonry. This is essential for the system to function correctly and deliver long-lasting results.
Key Components of Proper Encapsulation:
- Crawl Space Drainage System: Installed to redirect water away from the foundation, keeping the area dry and protected.
- Sump Pump: Works with the drainage system to actively remove water from under your home.
- Vapor Barrier: A thick plastic liner placed along the floor and walls of the crawl space to prevent moisture from entering from the ground or walls.
- Dehumidifier: Maintains consistent humidity levels and prevents mold and mildew.
All of these systems are designed to work together to fully enclose and protect your pier and beam crawl space.
Why is Skirting Not the Best Choice for Pier and Beam House?
While pier and beam skirting (also known as skirting for pier and beam house) is a popular add-on for many homeowners, it’s important to understand its limitations. Skirting is typically installed around the perimeter of your home to cover the open crawl space and can provide some basic benefits:
- Hides the space for improved curb appeal
- Offers a visual barrier against pests and debris
- Provides light insulation depending on the material used
Common materials include vinyl, metal, wood, or insulated panels—each with varying levels of durability and cost.
However, skirting alone does not create a truly closed pier foundation. It’s difficult to fully seal off moisture, air, and pests using skirting by itself, and it does little to address underlying issues like poor drainage, humidity, or structural weakness. Without proper encapsulation, skirting can actually trap moisture inside the crawl space, making conditions worse.
For long-term protection, choose skirting that is compatible with crawl space encapsulation. This ensures your pier and beam home is fully protected.
Why Choose Groundworks for Your Pier and Beam Enclosure?
Choosing Groundworks to enclose your pier and beam foundation means partnering with a team that respects your time, understands the unique challenges of this foundation type, and delivers cost-effective, lasting solutions.
Our experts don’t just cover up symptoms—we identify and fix the root of the problem to ensure your home stays safe, dry, and stable for years to come.
Ready to protect your investment? Book a free inspection today and see why homeowners across the region trust Groundworks.
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