Are you familiar with a pier foundation? Have you ever seen a home that looks it’s built on stilts? These homes are built on a pier, or pier-and-beam foundation, a construction style similar to building a wooden deck. Follow along! This article will go over the pros and cons of a pier foundation.
What Is A Pier Foundation?
A pier foundation is a series of vertical pillars or piles that transfer the building load to the soil. Beams are then built on top of these columns. They lift the house off the ground and are very popular in coastal regions where rising tides are a problem.
Pier foundations work well in sites where it might be challenging to build a traditional foundation, such as around trees or vast root systems. Other reasons pier foundations are used:
- When decomposed rocks are close to the surface, and there is firmer soil just below them.
- When there is a lot of stiff clay in the soil that offers resistance.
- When a home is built from log or timber.
- When the homes need to be built on a slope.
- When the soil has a low water-bearing capacity.
Types Of Pier Foundations
There are two types of pier foundations used today, masonry or concrete piers and drilled caissons.
- Masonry or concrete piers – Made of concrete, these solid piers depend on the level of the stratum (load-bearing soil). If good soil is not too deep below the foundation, masonry piers are used.
- Drilled caissons – Sometimes referred to as drilled piers because of their cylindrical shape, these piers are drilled into the ground and then filled with concrete and reinforcing materials. With caisson drilling, weight-bearing concrete columns (supported by steel cages or other reinforcements) can reach the bedrock, providing a more stable base for large structures.
Pros Of A Pier Foundations
Below are the pros of using a pier foundation.
- 1. Requires fewer materials due to the spacing of the columns.
- 2. Wide design variety.
- 3. Doesn’t require extensive excavation and a lot of concrete.
- 4. Causes minimal disruption to the soil environment.
- 5. As it lifts the house off the ground, it keeps rising waters below the home.
- 6. The space between house and ground is enough to install utilities like plumbing and electrical wires among them.
- 7. Workers can easily get under the space between house and ground to solve issues related to plumbing and electrical as there is enough space to crawl.
- 8. The home floor doesn’t rest on a firm surface and is comfortable for walking.
- 9. Because of the spacing, maintenance and inspection are easier.
- 10. Engineers can change or add to the design when needed.
- 11. The ground vibration generally associated with driven piles is absent in the case of drilled pier construction.
- 12. Bearing capacity can be increased by under-reaming the bottom (in non-caving materials). Under-reaming is when you enlarge of hole past its original drilled size.
- 13. Air circulates under the house, so mildew and rot are uncommon.
While the pros seem very attractive, a few cons come with building a pier foundation. All foundations will have their problems, so it’s up to you and a trained professional to find the best solution.
Cons Of A Pier Foundation
Below are the cons of using a pier foundation.
- 1. Floors over pier foundations can sag, and the beams can shift. When your structure sinks or settles, all kinds of more significant problems occur.
- 2. Piers can tilt and contribute to foundation failure.
- 3. Concrete piers can collapse and crack over time.
- 4. Poor construction. If contractors don’t know what they’re doing, simple human nature can lead to foundation failure.
- 5. When your crawlspace is exposed to moisture, the piers can lose their structural integrity.
- 6. Your wooden beams and joists are exposed and can be affected by mold and mildew.
- 7. Floors must be heavily, heavily insulated, and protected from critters.
- 8. The under-floor must be protected from the elements.
- 9. If one post or pier is damaged, it can lead to significant damage to the overall foundation.
- 10. It can be energy-inefficient if not appropriately insulated.
- 11. Best for smaller buildings.
- 12. Can be affected by earthquakes or hurricanes.
- 13. More subject to creaking floors.
Now What?
If you have a pier foundation and want to know if it needs repairs, replacement, or you want a simple inspection, who should you call? You’re going to want to talk to professionals who not only know what they are doing but have the real solutions.
Know more about – How to Know Your Property Has a Good Foundation
The Real Seal
If you live in the Chicagoland area, call The Real Seal for all of your pier foundation needs. We can inspect your foundation, find any problems or signs of potential damage, and get you on the right path.
2 Responses
Good morning
I’m in the process of building tiny homes on my property…after reading your post I jus want your professional opinion… do you think I should go with pier or slab foundation? My original plans were to go with pier after reading your post I’m leaning more towards pier… very informative by the way thank you… I guess I’m looking for your stamp of approval…lol thanks in advance
Hi Summer!
Thanks for the question. It really depends on how heavy the homes you are building are, what kind of soil they are on, and what your long-term plan for them is. It would be best to consult with a local architect so you can get all of those questions answered and a specific answer. Slab and pier foundations are both acceptable foundations for their use types. Basically, get an architect to help you get the specifics so you get the right foundation for your project.