The Positive and Negative Sides of Pier and Beam Foundation

Many people do not know that they don't need a basement to get a whole foundation for their house. This is possible because there are some houses where the frost line is very shallow. Hence, one can insert the insulation pipes without a basement. While many foundation options are available, pier and beam foundations are the most common ones in Oklahoma City. The foundation repair companies say pier and beam foundation repair is a lot easier than other foundation options. This kind of foundation is quite different and had its first pre-concrete usage. At that time, slab foundation was gaining popularity, with the concrete mix and techniques improving throughout the years.

What is It?

The pier and beam foundation are just how they sound- the pros place the whole structure in a deeply grounded pier and beam. It's like a house standing on crutches, and it helps houses that are prone to flooding or are in an area with tides. Nowadays, people use them in contrast to slab foundations in areas with heavy rainfall. They are still a norm in places that have soil conditions and climates where slabs might not work. The pier and beam foundation repair companies suggest it can be the only option available in bad soil situations.

Advantages

Access to Pipe and Wiring

When you use a concrete foundation, all the plumbing and wire components are set inside the concrete. However, the process changes for the pier and beam foundation; it has a crawl space that can easily access the wires. It also makes pier and beam foundation repair and modification easier for the contractors.

Excavation Costs are Less

Pear and beam foundation repair companies claim that the excavation cost of this type of foundation is dramatically less than that of a concrete foundation.

Protects from Flooding

Pier and beam foundations give the house a lift from the ground, which protects the house from flooding.

Repair

Pier and beam foundation repair costs a lot less than other kinds of foundation but also depends on the nature of the damage. This is because it's always easier to isolate part of the foundation that might need to be replaced.

Flexible

If your structure is on a slope, a concrete slab might show more problems than a pier and beam foundation because it works better for an uneven site.

Mobility

One can move pier and beam foundation more quickly than a concrete slab

Disadvantages

Dampness

One of the disadvantages of a pier and beam foundation is that the crawl space can sometimes become damp, and you might have to drain any water away from your foundation.

Heating Expense

During winter, cold air enters the house from the crawl space in the foundation, but the pier and beam foundation repair contractor can reduce the problem by subflooring.

Work with the Experts

The team at Ram Jack, by American Leveling, is proud to help their client maintain the most vital structure of their house. The company also provides an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Call to discuss the financial options in your area.