Before you can understand a foundation problem, it helps to know which type of foundation your house has. In the Baton Rouge area, most homes are built on one of two types.
Slab foundations
A slab foundation is a thick layer of concrete poured on the ground. The house sits directly on it, and there is no crawl space. Slabs are common in newer neighborhoods.
Common slab problems
- Cracks in the concrete or in tile above it
- One area of the slab settling or tilting
- Plumbing leaks under the slab that wet the soil
Pier and beam foundations
A pier and beam foundation lifts the house above the ground on piers, with wood beams and joists spanning between them. You can usually see vents around the base of the house and there is a crawl space underneath. They are common in older homes.
Common pier and beam problems
- Piers that sink, tilt or shift
- Wood rot or termite damage in beams and joists
- A damp crawl space that keeps wood wet
How to tell which one you have
Walk around the outside of the house. If you see a low wall of vents or lattice and the floor sits well above the ground, it is probably pier and beam. If the floor is close to ground level with no crawl space, it is probably a slab. Some houses have a mix, especially if there is an addition.
Which one is better?
Neither is better in every case. A slab is solid but hard to reach if something goes wrong underneath. Pier and beam is easy to inspect but exposed to moisture. What matters is that the foundation is checked and kept dry. Read more about slab foundation repair and pier and beam foundation repair.
Seeing any of this at home? Request a free estimate and a local foundation repair contractor can take a look.
