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What Is A Pier and Beam Foundation? Problem Signs, and Repair Solutions

Pier and beam is a prevalent choice for homeowners in Memphis and surrounding areas, including Shelby County, Tipton County, and Fayette County. This foundation type is particularly suitable for the region’s expansive clay soils, providing stability and flexibility. 

Homeowners in Memphis would know if they have a pier and beam foundation if they have a crawl space beneath their home. If your home has a crawl space, you more than likely have some type of existing pier and beam. 

Additionally, many homes in older neighborhoods or areas with hilly terrain also tend to have pier and beam foundations, as this system was historically used to create a stable base for homes in locations where traditional slab foundations might not have been feasible.

What Is A Pier and Beam Foundation?

A pier and beam foundation is a type of support system where vertical piers are installed deep into the ground to provide stability. Horizontal beams are placed on these piers to elevate the structure, creating a crawl space underneath. This design helps with utility access, soil moisture control, and offers stability in areas prone to expansive soils or flooding.

What Are The Types of Pier and Beam Foundations?

Knowing the specific type of pier foundation your home has is key to ensuring proper maintenance and addressing any needed repairs. The most common types include:

  • Block and Base: A foundational system that uses blocks under beams for support.
  • Stilt and Platform: Elevates homes on stilts, often used in flood-prone areas.
  • Grade Beam: A continuous concrete beam combined with piers for added stability.

What Are The Benefits Of Pier And Beam Foundations?

  • Elevation from Soil: The foundation’s design lifts the structure off the ground, protecting it from moisture-related issues like flooding and soil erosion, which are common in Memphis. Memphis has clay-rich soils that expand and contract with moisture levels. Pier and beam foundations can adjust to these changes, reducing the risk of cracking or settling.
  • Easy Maintenance Access: The crawl space beneath the home provides easy access to utilities and makes it simpler to perform repairs or inspections.
  • Durability and Long-Term Support: Properly installed pier and beam foundations provide lasting support, especially when properly maintained, ensuring the home’s structural integrity for years to come.
  • Flexibility for Flood-Prone Areas: Many areas of Memphis are susceptible to flooding, and a pier and beam foundation helps elevate the home above potential flood levels.

Are There Any Pier And Beam Precautions?

Proper beam foundation spacing is critical for stability, influenced by the building’s load, beam size, and local codes. Incorrect spacing can result in sagging beams and uneven floors. Consulting a professional for repairs is essential for lasting foundation stability. 

DIY fixes lack the expertise to address underlying issues, risking further damage and costly repairs. Experts have the necessary tools and knowledge to correctly diagnose and resolve foundation problems, preventing future structural concerns.

How Do You Know If You Have Problems In Your Crawl Space?  

Signs that you have issues with your crawl space and could be an indicator you need pier and beam replacement:

Moldy, rotten wood

How Can You Repair A Pier And Beam Foundation?

Regular inspections are essential for preserving the integrity of your foundation. If you observe problems like rotting beams, shifting piers, or uneven floors, it’s crucial to seek professional pier and beam foundation repair. Common repair techniques include:

Beam Replacement or Reinforcement: Damaged beams are either replaced or strengthened.

Foundation Support: Steel support jacks are used to reinforce the foundation, preventing future movement.

Moisture Control: Encapsulation or drainage systems are installed to protect against water damage. Sealing entry points assists with this, and can also help to prevent pest infestations.

Pier and beam foundations are a reliable and adaptable choice for homes in Memphis. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the longevity of these foundations. If you’re looking for foundation repair for your pier and beam, don’t hesitate to schedule a free inspection with Groundworks’ local experts.

When you’re looking to avoid crawl space moisture, there are several things you can do. You need to take things into your own hands if you’re trying to make sure that your crawl space is as healthy as possible, which is exactly what these suggestions help you do.

  • Avoid the Biggest Problems

Crawl space moisture has an impact on many different aspects of a home, so it’s important to identify and prepare for those events. You may need to cover crawl space vents, encapsulate the space, waterproof, or even just install a dehumidifier to handle some of the biggest problems with crawl space water.The good news is that it’s possible to fix all sorts of crawl space moisture concerns. Crawl space encapsulation is completely possible with the help of an expert and vent covers can be beneficial for a home that currently has vents. These are all top-level fixes for crawl space moisture, but the actual installation is relatively straightforward.

  •  Talk to an Expert

Talking to a crawl space repair expert will be your best option if you’re looking to understand how you can handle moisture in and around your crawl space. An expert will have the appropriate tools, experience, and knowledge to fix the problems in your space. You might not have that gear or knowledge, making an expert by far the best option.

When you talk to a crawl space expert, you’ll be able to get personalized advice regarding your current problems. This can include information about how to fix problems that might not be common. It’s always a good idea to get help from an expert, especially when the problem could develop into a serious concern.

When you add crawl space supports, you’re enhancing the amount of structural support your crawl space has available. That can help you avoid sagging floors, which often have to do with a lack of support for your crawl space. 

  • An Effective Fix for Some Homes

Crawl space supports can be a great option if the problem in your crawl space revolves around an issue with your joists not having enough support overall. Many homes just need more load-bearing capacity underneath their joists. Rather than trying to sister the joist or just ignore the problem, crawl space supports can help you address the problem head-on.

Because of this, when you’re dealing with joists that are struggling under your home’s weight, crawl space jacks can be a great option. However, although crawl space supports can help you with sagging floors in some homes, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all repair. There are some instances where this just might not work well.

  • Request Help from an Expert

The best way to make sure you know what’s going on with your crawl space is to get help from an expert. A professional will be able to give you more information about the root causes, the associated issues, and any small warning signs you’ve overlooked. This will helps you pick the right fix, not the one that just seems acceptable.

Plus, the SettleStop IntelliJack™ support system is only available through a Groundworks expert, so you can get a high-grade solution to your problems. There are a lot of crawl space support opportunities, so you never have to worry about not having enough options. You can schedule an inspection today to get more help with your crawl space, no matter what’s happening.

The three most common types of foundations found across the country are basement, crawl space, and slab. While each one is constructed a bit differently, they all have a concrete footing to help give them a solid base. Even a crawl space, which typically has a dirt floor, is constructed by first pouring a footing and then adding foundation walls on top of it. There are other ways of constructing homes, however, including pier and beam foundations that are common in Texas. These foundations are similar to crawl spaces but are not enclosed. 

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.