Pier and beam foundations are common in many older homes and areas with expansive or shifting soils like much of Texas. While they offer benefits like easy access to plumbing and flexibility in unstable soil conditions, they are not immune to problems. One of the most frequent issues homeowners face is foundation shifting. Left unchecked, this can lead to serious structural damage. DuraTech Texas will explain why pier and beam foundations shift, the signs to look out for, and practical ways to prevent it from happening.

Why Do Pier and Beam Foundations Shift?

Several factors contribute to the shifting of pier and beam foundations, most of them related to changes in the soil and moisture levels beneath your home.
Soil Movement: Soils, especially the expansive clay soils found in places like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, naturally expand when wet and shrink when dry. This constant change in volume causes piers to move, rise, or sink. This will result in uneven floors, cracks in walls, and stress on the frame of the home.
Poor Drainage: If water pools around your foundation during rainstorms or from improper drainage, it can soften the soil beneath the piers, causing them to sink or tilt. The foundation settles unevenly, doors and windows stick, and the crawl space becomes vulnerable to moisture damage.
Rotting or Damaged Support Beams: Over time, moisture in the crawl space can cause wooden beams or floor joists to rot, sag, or shift out of place. Floors will become bouncy or spongy, and structural stability is compromised.
Improper Pier Spacing or Design: Some older homes were built with improper pier spacing or shallow piers that don’t extend to stable soil. The foundation lacks adequate support and shifts under the home’s weight or during weather extremes.
Tree Root Intrusion: Large tree roots growing near your foundation can displace soil, interfere with moisture levels, or even push against the piers. This will result in uneven settling and misaligned structural elements.

Signs Your Pier & Beam Foundation is Shifting

Early detection is key. Watch for these warning signs around your home:
• Sloping or uneven floors.
• Cracks in drywall or ceiling corners.
• Doors and windows that stick or won’t latch.
• Gaps between the floor and baseboards.
• Moisture or mold in the crawl space.
• Bouncing or sagging floors.

What to Do if You Notice Shifting

If you suspect your foundation is shifting, don’t ignore it. A professional foundation repair company can:
• Inspect your pier and beam system.
• Identify the root cause of the movement.
• Recommend solutions like re-leveling, pier replacement, or beam reinforcement.

Foundation Inspection & Repair Services in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas

While pier and beam foundations are built to flex and adapt to changing soil conditions, they’re still vulnerable to the shifting ground especially in regions with unstable or moisture-sensitive soils. By understanding what causes foundation movement and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can protect your home from costly structural damage. If you need help assessing your foundation or correcting pier and beam issues, call DuraTech Texas today.