Pier & Beam vs. Concrete Slab: How Repairs Differ in Austin
- Level Best Foundation Repair
- Sep 26
- 1 min read
Not all foundations are built the same—and repair methods aren’t either. In Austin, many older homes use pier & beam construction with a crawl space, while newer homes are often concrete slab-on-grade. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect if issues arise.
Pier & Beam Foundations: Signs & Solutions
Common signs: Bouncy floors, interior wall cracks, doors out of square, musty crawl-space odors, visible wood deterioration.
Typical repairs may include:
Shimming & re-leveling: Adjusting beams with steel shims to bring floors back to level.
Pier adjustments/replacement: Replacing failed piers (poured concrete, pre-cast blocks, or older cedar stumps).
Wood replacement: Repairing or replacing damaged beams, joists, and subflooring with treated lumber.
Moisture control: Ventilation improvements, vapor barriers, and drainage fixes to keep the crawl space dry.
What to expect: Many pier & beam repairs are performed from the crawl space with minimal interior disruption. Access, safety, and moisture management are key.
Concrete Slab Foundations: Signs & Solutions
Common signs: Slab or tile cracks, brick/masonry stair-step cracks, doors that drag, gaps at trim/cabinets, uneven floors.
Typical repairs may include:
Underpinning: Installing concrete pressed pilings or steel piers to stabilize and lift the slab.
Slab piers/interior supports: Targeted stabilization for interior slab areas.
Crack & structural remediation: Addressing symptomatic cracking after structural corrections.
Drainage correction: Surface grading, downspout extensions, and drains to keep water away.
What to expect: Most work occurs along the perimeter (and sometimes interior) with careful phasing, site protection, and post-lift measurements.
Choosing the Right Repair
A proper assessment considers your structure, soil profile, drainage, and access. An experienced contractor will explain options, walk you through pros/cons, and recommend a tailored plan.
Comments