Pier & Beam Repair in Lakeland
Generally, lakefront homes built before 1960 are likely to have pier-and-beam foundations. There are advantages and disadvantages to these types of foundations, including the ability to provide an accessible crawl space, but they also have drawbacks. Because moisture plays a major role in most foundation failures, it is imperative that you hire a foundation repair company in Lakeland that you can trust.
A large number of our thousands of satisfied local clients can attest to the fact that we can resolve nearly any problem related to pier and beam foundations. In addition to free estimates, comprehensive evaluations that pinpoint where the problem comes from, expert repairs, and preventative maintenance, we offer pier and beam foundation services. We’re standing by to help you.
What is a Pier & Beam Foundation?
Treated lumber, concrete, and/or Sonotube components form the piers and beam foundation, which raises a home several feet above the ground, usually by creating a crawlspace to facilitate construction. There are concrete piers and blocks made of Sonotube supporting the timber beams on either side of the house, along with 18″- to 24″-long perpendicular joists. The base stations or piers are constructed of concrete for long-term stability. Typically, a plywood subfloor is placed over the foundation structure, followed by a moisture barrier and the actual flooring of the home.
Benefits of a Pier & Beam Foundation
Several Lakeland homes built before 1960 still use this type of foundation, which has its advantages. This house sits a few feet above the ground, so it has a crawl space under it. An elevated pier-and-beam foundation offers flood protection for a home, and an open crawlspace makes it easy to access utilities for repairs.
Common Pier & Beam Foundation Issues
Foundations with piers and beams can be very good in some aspects, but if problems are not dealt with promptly and effectively, they can become severe. Moisture is the most common cause of pier and beam foundation problems. The moist conditions in a shady space, such as a crawl space, can cause rot on wooden foundation components if they are not adequately ventilated. In crawl spaces, the pressure of the soil can result in cracks and holes in the walls, which may lead to mold growth. Flooding, pooling water, pipe breaks, and rodent and pest infestations among other problems occur to homeowners with this foundation type.
You can avoid these issues by maintaining the interior and exterior of your crawl space. We recommend getting your pier and beam foundation inspected if you notice any of these signs:
- Cracked walls, floors, or ceilings in the home or cracks in the crawl space walls
- Gaps between doors or windows and the wall surrounding them or doors and windows that don’t open and close properly
- Sagging or creaking floors in the home
- Any sign of moisture in the crawl space, like condensation on utilities, leaking, pooling, or flooding
- Rodent infestation
Why Hire Florida Strong Foundation Repair?
Do-it-yourself foundation repairs should not be attempted by people without experience in pier and beam foundations. Trying to fix pier and beam problems yourself is a waste of time and money. More than 20 years ago, we began offering local homeowners expert pier & beam foundation repair services. Aside from foundation inspections and root barrier installation, we also provide comprehensive drainage system installation and maintenance. We use the best tools and materials to ensure the best service for our clients. The members of our team are well-trained and thorough.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free service quote on all pier and beam repair, as well as house lifting and raising services. You will receive a free price quote for your pier and beam repairs when our contractors assess your property. Get in touch with us now at 863-617-7674 for more information about our services