The foundation repair methods that are used on pier and beam foundations depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Foundation repair experts might choose to reshim a home, which involves adding steel shims between piers and beams to increase support. This can help level floors and reduce sagging.
Older Houston homes often have pier and beam FCS foundation repair beams that can experience a variety of problems. Moisture is one of the most common culprits for pier and beam damage, as excess moisture can rot wooden elements. This can affect the beams that support a house, floor joists, and shaker sills.
Termites, rodents, and mold and mildew can also damage beams. These contaminants tend to grow in cracks and fissures in wood surfaces, causing deterioration and eventually allowing the structure to become unstable. Foundation piers may degrade or need to be rebuilt, and additional piers might be required to properly distribute the weight of a house and smooth out bowing floors.
Cracks and Beams: Understanding Foundation Repair and Beam Restoration
Another common issue is a spongy, bouncy, or wavy floor. This can be caused by the spacing between joists and the underlying piers that support them, which is often too wide to provide adequate support. In addition, a pier could collapse due to soil movement or erosion. This requires a solution that addresses the problem and prevents it from occurring in the future. Foundation repair specialists might dig tunnels underneath a foundation to access each of the piers, then use hydraulic jacks to lift the house and put support cylinders between each joist and pier.
