Pier and beam foundations lift your home approximately 24 inches above the ground, creating a crawl space beneath your house, rather than sitting directly on the soil. Concrete or brick piers are driven into the ground to act as anchors, while wood or steel beams run horizontally across them to support the weight of the […]

An interior drain tile system is a drainage solution installed along the inner perimeter of the foundation floor to prevent water from pooling. It uses a perforated pipe buried under a bed of washed gravel to collect excess water at the base of the foundation and then release it away from the property using a […]

Floor joists are horizontal support beams that form the base structure of your floor system. These structural pieces sit beneath your flooring and spread weight evenly across the foundation by connecting load-bearing walls or support beams. Without them, floors wouldn’t be able to safely hold the combined weight of building materials, household items, and the […]

Foundation tar coating is a black, sticky material that protects basement walls from underground moisture. The tar coating creates a waterproof barrier between the foundation and the surrounding damp soil. Builders apply this substance to the outside of foundations during construction to stop water from entering through the concrete. How to Apply Tar to a […]

A cove joint is the seam where your basement floor and wall come together. This gap forms because builders typically pour the concrete for your foundation walls and floor separately during construction. When heavy rain soaks the ground around your home, water pressure builds up and forces moisture through this seam into your basement, making […]

Sealing foundation walls helps prevent water from entering your basement or crawl space, which helps lower the risk of mold growth, structural damage, and higher energy bills. You can protect your foundation by coating the exterior walls before backfilling, or by treating the interior surfaces with waterproofing products. Exterior sealing provides the best protection by […]

Rim joists are the structures made with pressure-treated wooden boards. They’re installed horizontally on top of your foundation wall and form the outer edge of your floor framing system. Running along the edges of your home, these span the regular floor joists at the ends and act as a connecting link that holds everything in […]

Efflorescence is that white, powdery substance you see on brick walls, concrete, or stone surfaces that are exposed to moisture. It appears as a white or gray deposit that can make surfaces look worn or dirty, especially against darker tones. The white, dusty appearance results from the presence of soluble salts such as carbonates, chlorides, […]

Different types of soil affect the foundation of your building in various ways. Some soils remain stable, while others can expand, shrink, or shift over time, but these changes can put stress on a foundation and impact its long-term stability. Choosing the right soil type is essential for a stronger foundation, and understanding the available […]

Concrete footings are the solid base under a foundation that supports the weight of a building. They’re made of reinforced concrete and poured into trenches beneath walls, columns, or piers, spreading the weight over the soil to prevent settling and shifting. When built correctly, they keep the foundation stable and support the building for the […]