Pier & Beam Foundation Repair
Pier and beam foundations lift the subfloor of a structure above the ground and create a crawl space beneath the structure. Pier and beam foundations consist of a pier or column, typically wooden, that supports and raises the wooden beams and floor joists from the ground. Repair of a pier and beam foundation most commonly entails the replacement of the wooden piers. The most common reasons for pier replacement in a pier and beam foundation include wood rot and leveling. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Enter the crawlspace beneath the structure and set up the light and materials near the damaged pier. The light must fully illuminate the pier and the adjacent area to provide a safe working space.
2. Measure the distance between the beam and the foot of the pier with a tape measure, to calculate the length to cut the new replacement pier. Exit the crawlspace, cut the pier to length, and then return to the crawlspace with the pier.
3. Place the plywood onto the ground within 1 foot of the damaged pier. Set the hydraulic jack on top of the plywood and align it with the center of the beam directly above the pier. Raise the jack just enough to slightly lift the beam 1/8 of an inch. This will relieve the weight from the damaged pier.
4. Remove any nails or fasteners securing the pier to the beam, and then remove the damaged pier and lay it aside.
5. Insert the new pier into the former location of the damaged pier. Lower the jack to allow the beam to rest upon the new pier. Secure the pier to the beam by hammering nails diagonally through the beam and into the top of the pier.
6. Disengage the jack and exit the crawlspace with the damaged pier and working materials.
Tags: damaged pier, beam foundation, Beam Foundation, Beam Foundation Repair, beam foundations, beneath structure, crawlspace with
