When Your Crawl Space Foundation Needs Repairs, Turn to Pierman
Not all foundations are built the same, and therefore not all of them experience the same problems. That means that each kind requires a different kind of repair. Crawl space repairs are going to, for instance, be different from slab-on-grade repairs, even if the symptoms are similar.
If you have a crawl space, it likely involves some sort of piering system supporting beams and floor joists within the crawl space. If any of these are weakened, it could cause varied problems for your home.
Crawl Space Repairs Options
1. Replacing Piers
Crawl space foundations usually come with some sort of piers that support the structural beams the home rests upon. They could be made of metal or cinder blocks or bricks. If one of these piers begin to degrade or sink, however, the beams won’t be provided with uniform support, which can cause problems throughout the foundation.
In these cases, the piers will likely need to be replaced. And, if necessary, the ground beneath them can be reinforced to keep them from sinking again.
2. Replacing Beams
Crawl spaces can be unkind to the wooden substructure that resides within them. This is because if they are not properly encapsulated they can be a haven for water and other moisture problems.
Excessive moisture in crawl spaces can both lead to wood rot and provide an attraction for insects that can further damage the wood. If a beam is damaged, it can’t provide the support needed for the home. This can throw off the home’s alignment and lead to foundation problems
While additional piering support can sometimes assist beams with minor damage, in many cases the beams will need to be replaced.
3. Replacing Floor Joists
The third part of the substructure that can fail are floor joists. These can suffer from many of the same wood rot and related issues as the beams.
Weakened or rotting joists can give your home’s floors a spongy feel, as at least one of the joists isn’t properly supporting the subfloor. As with the beams, the solution is often to replace any affected joist in order to provide the floors with the support they need to stay strong, level and stable.
Looking for a Crawl Space Repair Contractor Near You in Oklahoma? Contact Pierman
If you are noticing problems with your crawl space foundation, contact Pierman Foundation Repair for a free estimate for crawl space repairs. We also offer crawl space encapsulation services so if moisture problems caused the crawl space damage we can seal it to prevent the issues from recurring.
