Pier and beam foundation is the most popular type of foundation. The pier is typically constructed of cement or wood, while the beams are steel or reinforced concrete. Some builders will use other materials like a brick to build an external wall on top of their frame for aesthetic purposes. Pier and Beam’s foundations take up more space than others, but this can be advantageous if you work with limited ground space.
Suppose you want your house to last longer AND want it to look nicer. In that case, Pier and beam constructions are often your best option because they provide additional stability against earthquakes and windstorms than Flat Pile construction which technically has no pier at all.
Causes of Cracks in Pier and Beam Foundation
There are a few lines of thinking regarding the causes of cracks in the Pier and Beam Foundation.
One line of thought states that a settlement in a pier or beam can lead to a crack at its terminus where less bending moment exists than at midspan, where the beam’s prestressed tension is more significant.
The other line of opinion maintains that pressure from soil placed on foundation materials such as concrete, brick, lumber, and other supports decreases their ability to bear weight, leading to stress-related cracking. Soil placed on foundation materials can compress them while retaining moisture which eventually dries out, leading to shrinkage and then reinforced by freezing temperatures because frost penetrates deeper into wet soil than dry soil.
How to Prevent Cracks
The problem with the foundation is usually water. To prevent it, you should control the groundwater around your home and make sure that there are no standing puddles or lakes that will cause problems when building up soil elements like sand and silt for a perfect seal.
In most homes today, cracking from poor drainage because of bad weather conditions such as rain, which causes cupping due to increased pressure pushing against the concrete at depths below ground level. Keep this tip handy if you want accessorizes without looking cheap.
Regrading Your Yards
You need to grade your yard to slope away from the foundation. If this isn’t done, water will collect and cause problems for you down the line! A landscaper or a contractor specializing in foundation repair Garland can help with this task; sometimes, people do their grading depending on how high/low lying an area may be (think about rain barrels).
Installation of Drain Tile System
Drain tile systems are a great way to keep your home’s foundation dry. They allow water in the soil to flow away from that area and don’t pool around where you want peace of mind when building on top. There is typically at least one type installed with new construction, but they can also be put into older homes if needed, – so don’t let this minor detail stop any more than its worth.
Clean Gutters Debris
Gutters are designed to collect water and prevent it from spilling over the side of your house. If you have channels that aren’t working correctly, this can cause more than just an aesthetic issue-it puts harmful effluent directly next time steps may need cleaning or if there’s ever any work done on your home.
