Post Replacement and Repair

in Portland OR and Vancouver WA areas

Post and Beam Foundation Services

While modern post and beam foundations are very stable, older ones constructed of wood (and even tree stumps) can deteriorate over time because of constant moisture or settling. Posts, piers, and beams are the backbone of your home’s foundation, keeping your house level and steady.

Posts are vertical supports that connect your home to the ground, and beams are horizontal supports that run across the top of the posts. Piers are the concrete or brick bases that posts sit on. 

The problem with these all-wood constructed foundations is that they are prone to wood rot, and they can crack over time. If your posts have rotted out, and you notice your floors sagging, they’ll need to be taken care of by a professional contractor. This is not something you want to neglect. Foundation issues will only worsen as time goes by.

Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters proudly delivers professional post replacement and repair services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our team will get underneath your home and inspect your foundation. We’ll let you know how many parts need to be replaced before repairing or replacing your existing posts or beams. Installing additional supports may also be necessary. 

Post and Pier Foundation Repair

We use strong materials and the right tools to make sure your foundation is fixed properly. Repairing posts and piers includes several important steps, including:

1. Checking all parts of the foundation for damage.
2. Addressing any water issues.
3. Strengthening weak or damaged posts.
4. Leveling out the foundation (if it has become uneven).
5. Adding extra support where it’s needed.
6. Treating any damaged wood.

Post and Pier Replacement

Sometimes repairs aren’t enough. In these cases, replacing posts and piers is the best choice. This process includes:

1. Carefully lifting your home with special equipment.
2. Taking out the old, damaged posts and piers.
3. Putting in new, strong posts.
4. Installing new concrete piers.
5. Making sure everything is level and lined up right
6. Adding waterproofing to protect against future damage
7. Checking that all new parts meet local building codes.
   

Does my foundation need to be repaired?

Below is a list of common signs that you may need to have your posts replaced:

• The foundation is getting wet due to wet conditions or standing water issues in the crawl space. Posts that have been subjected to water for extended periods of time lose their strength and are more susceptible to rot issues. So if posts get wet, they should be replaced. 
• Uneven floors, cracked drywall, sticking doors, or windows. Sometimes a few uneven or settled piers in your foundation can cause these issues. Resetting piers and posts at the correct heights can sometimes correct these issues.
• Pest damage. Termites and carpenter ants are wood-destroying pests here in the Pacific Northwest. They can damage your wood beams, posts, and piers substantially.
• Remodeling or moving load-bearing walls. Moving load-bearing walls, or placing extremely heavy objects in one area of your home can call for additional piers and posts to support the additional weight.

What are some common problems with posts?

There are several common problems with post and beam foundations, but most often, we see the following:

• Foundations that lack girders: A telltale sign that you might have a girder problem is uneven and wavy floors.
• Poorly designed parts: We’ve seen everything from a post just stuck in the ground, to pipes wedged between joists and ground, to makeshift brick columns. These are sure signs of a problem that’s been years in the making.
• Inadequately spaced piers: Piers, at a minimum, need to be no more than six feet apart to properly support a home, and in some cases, they should even be closer.

Experts in Foundation Post and Pier Servicing

Here in Portland, post and beam foundations are very common in homes. But because we experience a lot of rain, these types of foundations are very prone to getting damp, leading to wood rot, mold, and mildew — all of which can affect the structural integrity of your foundation.

Replacing posts and piers is no easy job, but our team has the skills to do it right! We’ll make sure your new foundation is strong, level, and ready to support your home for a long time. Whether you need your posts, piers, or beams repaired, or you would like to have your foundation inspected, contact Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters. We’ll get you started with a service estimate when you give us a call or fill out our request form.