Fixing the Foundation Using Posts and Pads
Are you sick of having bowed floors, slanted floors, floors that bounce and squeak even if you tiptoe across the house? If so, you should consider having your floors leveled. Are you terrified at the prospect of crawling beneath your house once more to stuff shims into cramped spaces in the vain attempt to make your floor level? If this is the case, it is probably time to look into a more permanent solution, such as replacing the post and the pad.
What exactly are pier-and-beam foundations or post-and-pad foundations?
A post and pad foundation, also known as pier-and-beam or crawlspace foundation, is a type of raised foundation, which means that it is suspended above ground or “above grade.” Other names for this type of foundation include post and pad foundations. It should come as no surprise that the term “posts” refers to wooden posts or blocks that are inserted into cement pads or anchors. Together, these two components suspend and support the weight of the house.
The load of the house is primarily supported by beams, which are in turn supported by the posts and pads of the post-and-pad foundations. These foundations are supported by concrete footings (which are spaced every 6 feet for single-story homes and every 4-5 feet for second-story homes).
There will be times when the cement pads are buried into the subgrade (especially if they were poured prior to the home flooring installation). Pads that are buried in the subgrade are typical of a size that makes it impossible to dig them up and remove them during the repair process. Sometimes the pads are elevated above grade, usually resting on a bed of gravel that has been compacted and is known as engineer fill.
The rotting and corrosion of the posts and pads over time are caused by water damage, which can occur as a result of leaks or poor drainage. The presence of water causes the cement pads to crumble and contributes to the development of a damp environment in which mold and fungus can flourish (both of which rot and eat away at untreated wood posts). In addition, termites can wreak havoc on wooden posts, reducing them to sawdust in the process.
What to Look for in Terms of Symptoms and Signs Posts and pads for your raised foundation have been replaced.
When posts and pads fail, the signs and symptoms are painfully obvious, just like they are with the majority of other types of foundation failure. A damaged pier-and-beam foundation system can give the appearance that your house is haunted, especially if:
Walls with cracks; Floors that slope; Floors that bow; Bowed floors
– Floors that are springy and squeaky
– Cupboards that are pulling away from the wall – Doors and windows that are difficult to open and/or close – Chimneys that are leaning to one side or another
The fact that most of the damage can be seen with the naked eye beneath the house is one of the advantages of having a foundation in the form of a crawlspace. If the existing pier-and-beams are crooked or too far apart from one another, you already know that the posts and pads need to be replaced or added to, even if you haven’t noticed any “symptoms.”
The Process of Replacing Posts and Pads
The installation of new posts and pads is a relatively non-intrusive method for repairing foundation damage, which is excellent news. The crawlspace below your house is where all of the repairs will be carried out. As a result, there will be very little disruption to you and those living with you throughout the entirety of the repair process. The vast majority of pier-and-beam repairs can be finished in a single day.
We are able to provide services for the Foundation Inspection Bellflower and repair of the foundations. For further information, please contact RLM Retrofit Foundation right away.
