Not every home is the same. That especially rings true here in South Louisiana. The wide array of cultures in our part of the world influence everything from food and music to architecture. You can take a short drive in any direction and see a Spanish-style roof, an Acadian front porch, and antebellum columns all on a variety of homes. Just as these different, distinguishable features require unique care and upkeep, so too do the types of foundations on which these homes sit. The slab foundation that most homes are built on today didn’t become the preferred or commonly used method of foundation construction until the 1960s. And because it’s not uncommon to have a 60-, 70-, or 80-year-old home in Baton Rouge, many structures have pier and beam foundations.
Pier and beam foundations look quite different from solid slab foundations. However, they serve the same purpose. They support the home and are susceptible to the same perils of moisture and soil. With that being said, it is imperative to maintain and care for your Baton Rouge pier and beam foundation the same way you would a slab foundation—just with a few more considerations.
Are Your Beams Properly Spaced?
Key issues that arise for a pier and beam foundation stem from moisture and poor construction. The height of your beams and the number of beams used can affect the stability and durability of your foundation. Beams and piers must be spaced to distribute the weight of the home. Other consequences of poor design and drainage include mold, higher utility bills due to poor ventilation, creaking floors, and rotting wood.
Unfortunately, not all contractors follow the proper engineering guidelines for pier and beam installation. If you suspect that your foundation may have been damaged, schedule a free estimate from our Baton Rouge pier and beam experts at WCK Foundation Repair. We’ll inspect your foundation and develop an accurate cost estimate for repairs.
4 Signs of Pier and Beam Foundation Damage
While the above are consequences of foundation compromise, some signs can warn you about the state of your Baton Rouge home’s pier and beam foundation. The type of soil your home is built on can shift and move, leading to uneven pressure on your foundation. Or, moisture under your home can also lead to irregular foundation settling, wood rot, and poor ventilation. You may notice one or more of the following four signs:
- Sagging floors
- Gaps between the walls and floor on the inside of your home
- “Stair-step” cracks in the walls
- Door and window frames that are not level
Many of these problems can be expensive to repair. Not only that, if you don’t address the core issue, making crawl space and floor repairs will be a futile endeavor. Monitoring and addressing any pier and beam foundation concerns can not only save you headaches down the road but money as well.
Call Our Baton Rouge Pier and Beam Experts Today
If you suspect there may be some underlying issues with your foundation, time is not on your side. Fortunately, in the Baton Rouge area, WCK Foundation Repair is available to give you a free estimate and assessment as well as a comprehensive solution to correct your home’s pier and beam foundation. For over 30 years WCK has educated and helped homeowners across South Louisiana with high-quality foundation repair. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our experts, give us a call at 225-664-5956 or send us a message. We look forward to repairing and reinforcing your home’s foundation for years of integrity.