Doesn’t a home look great when it’s bricked in around the perimeter? Many homeowners prefer this style because it can hide the piers a home sits on. Covering around your home is also great for keeping critters out. However, there is also a real downside in that it can cause serious damage to your foundation in the long run. So, when clients ask whether closing in completely pier and beam foundations with brick and siding is bad, the answer is simple: yes! Pier and beam foundations need ventilation. But why is this so important? Learn more about the need for ventilation in pier and beam foundation homes from the professionals at WCK Foundation Repair.
Why Ventilation Matters for Pier & Beam Foundations
Having proper ventilation is a must for all pier and beam homes in South Louisiana. With many homes, we have seen foundations completely covered with brick or siding. Everyone knows how humid it can get with Louisiana weather. So, not having proper ventilation can lead to pier and beam rot, including the subfloor and joists. Replacing these things can become significantly expensive because the work is very tedious.
For these reasons, we want to educate homeowners about the importance of having proper ventilation for homes with pier and beam foundations. Unfortunately, this problem is all too common among homes in South Louisiana. And the consequences of poor ventilation for these foundations can be costly, while avoiding the problem can be simple. With that in mind, WCK Foundation Repair has some valuable pier and beam foundation ventilation recommendations to share. These tips can help you save time, money, and headaches when it comes to maintaining your home’s foundation.
WCK Foundation Repair Ventilation Recommendations:
- One vent should be installed for each 8 to 10 feet of foundation wall. These vents allow outside air to circulate under the floor in summer to prevent the moisture buildup that encourages mildew and rot. In winter, when the air is drier, the vents can be closed to reduce the chance that the pipes in the crawl space might freeze.
- Expanded metal vent covers are also a great option for keeping moisture to a minimum while keeping critters out.
- Vent fans can help the air flow underneath and keep your soil dry. Constant soaking of the soil can cause it to swell and move the foundation. This also leads to drainage issues. If you’d like to read more about our drainage recommendations, check out our blog on poor drainage and its effects on homes in Baton Rouge.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home’s Foundation
Ultimately, the choices you make when building a home can have a real impact on your foundation’s health down the line. So, before building a brand new pier and beam house, please discuss with your contractor the importance of installing proper ventilation to the home. Or, if you have a pier and beam home without proper ventilation please call WCK Foundation Repair today at 225-664-5956 or contact us online. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Get a free quote from us and rest easier knowing your home’s foundation is more secure.