Today, pillar and beam foundations (sometimes called posts and beams) are not as popular, but they are still the norm in certain parts of the country, especially in areas that receive a lot of rain or are prone to flooding. While & pillar beam systems create very stable foundations, and are preferable in some situations, they can deteriorate over time. However, they are usually easier and less expensive to repair than a slab base. It's also easier to install, repair, and add piping with this type of system.
Today, pillar and beam foundations are not used in new houses, mainly due to the cost factor. Despite the fact that they form a stable base, a disadvantage for them is their tendency to deteriorate. Since repairing them is less expensive than a tile base, they are still a favorite. The advantages of pillar and beam foundations are often reduced to cost, flood protection, and flexibility.
The technology for pouring concrete was not a refined technology until later, and this was the most stable way to build a foundation. That said, you'll need to make sure to inspect and address any small issues, as once this type of foundation starts to break down, it ages very quickly. However, on the positive side, it is easier to detect and treat such insect and pest activity than with a slab base. A & beam foundation is more likely to attract termites and rodents, however, it is also easier to detect and treat the problem compared to a slab foundation.
Due to the unique construction style of pillar and beam foundations, along with the relative age of many of this type of design, common problems arise. Let's look at the dock foundation and the dock construction in general, so you can better assess the pros and cons. Its unique construction style, combined with its age, means that many pillar and beam foundations require regular inspection. Repairing a pillar and beam foundation may require replacing rotted wood or installing new beams and joists or even re-shims the foundation.
If you have a pillar and beam foundation in your home, you will likely need to perform regular inspections of the structure for problems before they become too problematic and costly to fix. This reason alone is why many people in the Houston area are looking for a pillar and beam type of foundation. Even though their popularity has declined, there are still some sites where they may be the best foundation option, specifically in areas prone to flooding and where soils are prone to moving, which can cause cracks in concrete slabs (and the need to call in a foundation repair contractor). Fluctuating moisture changes in soil, surrounding landscape, old pipes, as well as construction and drainage problems are common causes of foundation failure.
Pillar and beam molds are manufactured by pouring concrete pillars reinforced with steel bars that form a strong cage inside the pillar. The advantages of a pillar and beam base over foundation types, such as a concrete slab base or a monolithic slab base, are presented below.
