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FOUNDATION DYNAMICS, INC. Control Your Environment |
"...the pier is driven through the existing problematic soils until the frictional buildup is so great that the structure is lifted and can be supported." |
Support Pad System Support pads are made of double stacked 4"x16"x16" blocks for the base, with 8"x8"x8" or several 4"x8"x8" blocks for the support. Metal shims are used for the final adjustments. Support pads are used for lightweight sections of the structure such as porches, breezeways and wing walls. These areas should not be supported with piers because of the damage that could occur during installation. Support pads can also be used to support damaged grade beams on Pier & Beam structures. Support pads do not extend below the active soil level and are susceptible to seasonal movement therefore are not backed by warranty. |
Pier & Beam System Pier and Beam foundation repair can include many different support systems. Typically, a pier & beam foundation is supported by an exterior concrete grade beam. The sill plate will lay flat along the top of the grade beam and will support the floor joist. Many times, you will have rotting on the sill plate around exterior doorways or porch areas. This could lead to rotting of the ends of the floor joist as well. The interior floor joists are reinforced by double beams and secure the inside weight of the home. Both the floor joist and beams |
can be affected by interior water or sewer leaks. The pier and beam system should be supported by metal shims between the interior piers and double beams. One advantage of the pier and beam system is you can easily modify the inside elevations by adjusting your shim height. Ventilation from the outside is needed throughout the crawlspace to keep the support system good and dry. For every 150 square feet of crawlspace you should have one square foot of ventilation along the outside of the foundation. Each of these areas will be inspected during the assessment. Note: ALL woodwork in a pier and beam foundation should be replaced using treated lumber. One Year Reshim/Reset Warranty on all pier and beam work. |