What Is a Beam Foundation?

Pier and beam extensions can quickly develop serious problems that need home foundation repair. In addition, older concrete slabs can become severely cracked. Cracks can extend from just above the surface to the base of the structure. Since basement walls can become severely damaged, cracks can also extend within the walls.

Since deteriorating foundation conditions can cause foundation problems, homeowners should always look out for signs of potential trouble. Any cracks or other types of changes in the soil around the house should be investigated. In older homes, problems with foundation conditions may not usually be apparent until there is significant subsidence. Homeowners can typically expect their houses to settle and dip at a rate of about six inches per year.

Several symptoms can indicate imminent problems. Generally, these symptoms include cracks in floor slab flooring (significantly above the garage), walls, ceilings, and even basements. Signs of moisture infiltration can also reveal themselves through stains or pools of water that appear on insulation or exposed surfaces. Prolonged exposure to water can also show mineral stains such as calcium, lime, or nitrate deposits. Of course, the presence of these different colors does not necessarily mean that there is more to concern.

In addition to the symptoms described above, homeowners should also look out for changes in color and texture within the soil surrounding their homes. For example, if a foundation problem has developed in the ground around the house, the surface can darken over time. Contrast this with lighter-colored concrete slabs close to the foundation. Likewise, if dirt is being pulled up from around the house, there could be evidence of settling or movement beneath the pier and beam.

What’s more, some homeowners have reported sagging in the beams of their homes. A sagging beam can result from losing weight over time or simply because gravity is pulling the structure down. Regardless of the cause, sagging and dropping beams can pose significant damage to the home’s interior. As a result, the need to repair or replace the rays of a house could very well come into play at some point. However, it would be a mistake to attempt to remedy this problem by installing another concrete slab on top of the damaged one.

Rather than repair a damaged beam foundation, homeowners should instead focus on preventing further damage to their property. In most cases, this means improving the soil around the house so that soil that once hid injury is now accessible. Improving the soil will also make it much easier to spot damage or moisture infiltration. With the right mix of materials and tools, a homeowner can quickly improve the soil around the foundation or crawl space of a home, making for a much safer foundation and much more comfortable living conditions.

There are many other types of pier foundations, but these two are the most commonly used. Newer homes are being built with crawl spaces that are left open to the public. This means that more potential for water damage comes from the soil surrounding the structure. In older homes, however, the soil is usually filled with mortar. However, if the house was built before 2021, the mortar may have been weakened by age and is more susceptible to damage.

A beam foundation repair specialist knows how to identify the different signs of damage and fix them. When it comes to repairing these structures, knowing the symptoms of a foundation problem can be crucial. Not only can the homeowner know what is wrong, but they can also take steps to fix it right away. In addition, being able to spot problems early is the best way to prevent further damage. For this reason, having a professional evaluate a foundation can make all the difference in the world.