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Foundations

Top Causes of Pier and Beam Foundation Damage


The foundation is no doubt one of the most important parts of any structure. It is after all the thing that holds everything else together. Because of the role these foundations play, they are designed to be super strong and durable. 

Most foundations can last for decades without any issues. However, foundation damage is also common. While some damages are simple and easy to fix, others are a bit complex and may cost very high in pier and beam foundation repair cost

Nonetheless, it is important to know some of the factors that may cause foundation damage in order to respond accordingly.

Poor Drainage 

Foundations are mostly destroyed by water damage. If there is water accumulation around the piers and the beans, they are going to get a dump, and eventually, cracks will start to appear. 

So, if you can manage to keep the water out of the foundation, you will avoid a lot of costly pier and beam foundation repair issues. 

Keeping water out means having proper drainage. Whether it's installing roof gutters and downspouts or creating a water channeling system on your property, ensure there is no accumulation of moisture around the foundation.

Soil Saturation

The foundation rests on the bedrock in most cases. However, it is also supported by the soil structure around it. 

However, as the soil around the foundation becomes saturated with water, it can easily lose its structural integrity. 

This may cause the foundation to either move or sink. Once this happens, it means the piers affected will have to carry more weight than normal. In the end, they will give in and before you know it, cracks will have appeared everywhere.

Poor Installation 

The process of installing a foundation is very crucial in building any structure. Since you have very little room to fix this down the line, it's better to take your time so you can get it right. 

One of the main reasons why foundations fail is simply because they were installed incorrectly in the first place. 

Do not make that mistake. Ensure you get top contractors if you have the chance to build your house from scratch. 

But if you are buying a new house, the least you can do is to get an inspection done on the foundation just to be sure things are okay down there.

How to Avoid Costly Foundation Damage

Now that you have a simple breakdown of how foundations get damaged, the next thing would be to look at some of the steps you can take to avoid serious damage. First, make sure you get a regular foundation inspection. 

Yes, foundations are typically very strong but over time, they too can feel the stress of weather and other factors. 

Inspections ensure that small issues are found before they progress into full-blow problems that will need a lot of work. 

Secondly, do not ignore a foundation issue. No matter how small it is, there could be other problems underlying it. So, get a pier foundation repair expert to see how they can help.

How Long Do Foundations Last?

Well, it depends on the type of foundation and the kind of maintenance you put in. In most cases, if you live in areas that don't typically experience extreme weather events, your foundation may last for decades with minimal maintenance. 

The type of soil also matters. For example, if the foundation is built on clay, then there is a huge risk of damage, especially when the soil dries and cracks after rainy seasons. Finally, sometimes you may need to upgrade your foundation depending on changing soil structure on your property. 

While this is not easy to do and may end up costing you a lot of money, it will at least ensure the foundation lasts long. 

An upgrade will also help you avoid serious or costly pier and beam repairs in the future. However, if there are significant changes in the soil structure, you may need a new foundation altogether.

Talk to a foundation repair expert today and request a free quote for your service! 

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