Repair pier and beam foundation can be quite expensive depending on the repairs needed. There are many factors that determine the type of repair, difficulty, complexity, and cost involved in any project. These include the size of the structure, condition of the foundation, severity of the settlement problem, repair solution selected, and geographical location. However, the main determining factors are labor costs and the amount of materials needed to complete the job.
One of the most common problems with pier and beam homes is moisture. This is caused by the wood piers and floor joist support beams that are used in this type of foundation system. The piers are often made of cedar because it is a rot-resistant wood. Over time, the piers can decay if they are exposed to excessive moisture and this can lead to significant structural damage to the home.
The Ultimate Guide to Repairing Pier and Beam Foundations: Tips and Techniques
The crawl spaces in pier and beam homes also tend to have problems with dampness. When this occurs, it can create musty odors and cause mold and mildew in the crawl space. It is important to keep the crawl spaces well-ventilated to prevent these issues. In addition, repairing broken vent screens can help with this issue as well.
One of the most common ways to correct problems with a pier and beam foundation is to have it lifted by adding or removing shims. Shims are small pieces of wood that can be wedged into gaps between the piers and sill beams. Reshimming is a simple and low-cost way to fix minor problems with a pier and beam foundation. This is a good maintenance task that should be done on a regular basis to prevent larger problems from developing.
