In texas pier and beam foundation, homeowners commonly build homes with either a slab foundation or a pier and beam foundation. While concrete slab foundations are common in newer Dallas homes, a pier and beam foundation is more prevalent in older Austin area houses. Both types of home foundations have their pros and cons. But if you own a house built on a pier and beam foundation, be prepared to deal with wood decay and other issues associated with this type of home construction.

One of the major benefits of a pier and beam foundation is that there’s usually an easily accessible crawlspace under a house. This allows for easy access to electrical and plumbing lines. It also makes it easier for a homeowner to remodel their home without having to remove the foundation. Additionally, since a pier and beam foundation is raised up off the ground, it’s resistant to termite attacks.

The Advantages of Choosing a Pier and Beam Foundation for Your Texas Home

But the perks don’t stop there. A pier and beam foundation can also be used to lift a home and move it from one location to another, which is useful for people who want to move out of floodplains and other areas with high water tables. However, when water leaks into the wooden beams of a pier and beam foundation, it can cause problems.

Problems with a pier and beam foundation are usually noticed when floors begin sinking, sagging or buckling. This occurs when the soil shifts, causing pressure on the understructure of a house. To prevent this from happening, a pier and beam foundation needs to be regularly inspected for signs of failure, like cracks in the walls or uneven floors. Periodic “re-shimming” is also necessary to help the understructure stay in balance as the soil changes and wood materials shrink or swell.