South West Florida Realtor

Concrete Slab vs. Pier System Which is a Better Foundation?


Pier Systems can add more of a foundation that concrete slabs. They also add extra support without damaging the internal structure of you home.

Signs that your home needs to be stabilized include the following:

Horizontal cracks in the walls
Step cracks in block or brick foundation
Uneven floors, windows or doors not working properly

One pier system used is called the helical pier system, and it involves the following installation steps:

A torque anchor is screwed in to the stable subsoil. This is done until then torque indicates that the necessary load capacity had been achieved.
Adjustable brackets then are attached to the foundation walls. These brackets are connected to the screw anchors. The screw anchors are connected to the foundation.
The weight of the home shifts to the screw anchors. This stops further movement, because foundation walls and floors are retained.

This system contrasts with other foundation strengthening methods which use the weight of the home to force the pipes in the ground. Other methods have a tendency to negatively affect walkways and landscaping.

Another helical pier system uses similar principals as the foundation system with the torque anchors described above. One of the only different it has a weaving pipe system. These interwoven pipe system creates added strength for the foundation, even more so than the pier system above.
A third kind of pier system is the called the magnum steel push method. Each unit looks like something that is a cross between a pogo stick and a shock absorber for a car. The only difference is, this magnum steel system holds over 30 tons. This is one of the best support systems ever made. This steel push system powered by hydraulics is fairly easy to install. It is well worth the effort, because it is sure to prevent a home from sinking.

Another very effective pier system is a disaster resistant pier system. This one helps sustain a home in the case of an earthquake. It also anchors the house in the event of high winds, frost heaves, and floods. This system consists of stout members connecting to a slab, grade beams or array of pads. A secondary system called a seismic isolator works in conjunction with the earthquake resistant system. This helps prevent the house from dropping too low to the ground. These two systems working together are very cost-effective, and also save lives.

The entire above mentioned pier systems are far more supportive than a concrete slab system. The different is in the anchors. The only thing a concrete slab is supported by is poles, and foundation walls. It offers very little support, and the weigh of the house shifts.
Again, as mentioned earlier, signs that a house needs a more stable foundation are cracks in the floors, walls or ceilings. On the contrary, the pier systems offer additional support to the home without damaging any floor, walls or ceilings.

It is up to you to decide for yourself which system is better, the concrete slab system one of the pier systems. However, if you know anything about concrete slab systems you will know that it consists of supportive posts and beams. Moreover, it does not offer the same anchoring and support that the pier systems offer. Many houses have been sunk or torn off in various disasters such as an earthquake or tornado.

Not only that, but even during fair weather conditions houses on concrete slabs have sunk. It only happens after a long period of time if there is no disaster that hits. However, imagine if you could live to see what a home on a concrete foundation looks like in a hundred years. Most likely it would not hold up to one of the more modern pier systems.

Not only that, but the home with the concrete slab is more likely to be condemned, versus the home with one of the many pier systems available.

Therefore, you should consider the benefits of a pier system and check into the possibility of installing one to protect your family and your home, and your future. It is up to you to find out the truth for yourself. You and your familys lives depend on it.

This is the score that the homeowner needs to make correct.

Drywall Dilemmas: Ten Dos and Donts to make your Job Easier

If youre new to drywalling, then there are some basic tools and methods that you need to familiarize yourself with. Here are the ten top things you should know to make your next drywalling project as easy as can be.
1. Do the proper preparation
Before beginning any new project, you should have an inspection done to make sure that your work will comply with local building codes. You also want to measure your space carefully so you buy the right amount of drywall.
2. Maintain a consistent climate
You may be surprised to hear it, but the climate of your space can have an impact on your drywalling job. Both temperature and humidity can affect joint treatment. You want to make sure that the area you are working in is at 55 degrees for two days before you start the project and two days after it is completed.
3. Wear protective gear
The dust that comes off of drywall (gypsum dust) can cause a great deal of irritation to your eyes and lungs. You want to make sure that you wear goggles and a mask to protect yourself from any health issues. The air you are working in should also be well ventilated.
4. Know Your Tools
The first thing youll need is a basic utility knife to cut the drywall. A T-square will also be useful when making square cuts and a drywall saw will come in handy when you have to make cuts around obstacles in the room. A keyhole saw will help make cuts for smaller obstacles (like electrical boxes).
You might find that getting drywall up on the ceiling is challenging. If so, then you might look into renting a drywall lift. This tool is used by professionals to hold drywall in place while it is nail or screwed to the joists.
To put those nails and screws in place, there are two tools you can use. First, there is a drywall hammer. This hammer is made so that it makes a dimple around the nail without actually breaking the surface of the paper. Second, you can use a drywall screw gun. This tool (like the drywall hammer) allows you to sink in the screw without damaging the surface of the paper.
There are also specific tools for finishing. Taping knives of different sizes will help you get a smooth joint. With each layer, youll want to use a taping knife that is one or two inches longer than the previous one you used.
5. Know Your Fasteners
You cant use just any old screws or nails you have lying around to install drywall. There are nails and screws specifically made for drywall that you will need to purchase at your local hardware or home improvement store. You should be using ring shank nails, which will hold the drywall in place and will prevent the nails from popping out later. There are also different size drywall screws depending on the thickness of your drywall.
6. Cutting and Framing
Whenever possible use a full sheet of drywall. When you need to make a cut, start by scoring the drywall with your utility knife. You should then be able to snap the drywall back and have it break away at the cut.
You want to make sure that all of your studs are securely in place and that they are spaced out evenly. No edge should be unsupported by a distance of more than two feet and all corners should be nailed.
7. Ensure proper insulation
Before sealing up your walls, you want to make sure that you have inserted the proper insulation. Moisture or vapor barriers are also important to consider.
8. Know Your Compounds
Once your drywall is in place, youll want to move on to taping and finishing. Joint compounds come in powder form or they come in a pre-mixed state. If you are using a powder compound, there are two different textures. The first kind is a taping compound, which is used when at the taping stage. It is stronger and courser than topping compound, which is used for the finishing, coats. There is also all-purpose compound, which is halfway between a taping and topping compound.
9. Finish the Joints
Before you start taping ensure that all fasteners are sunk down below the surface. You also want to make sure that corner beads are installed on all of your outside corners.
The taping process is actually a four step process that should take you about four days. You start with the tape coat, which is when you apply compound to the seams and insert paper joint tape. That first tape coat should level off everything. Your next two layers should smooth the surfaces and you should be using a slightly wider taping knife for each application. Your final coat is a finishing one.
10. Sand, Prime and Paint
Now that your drywall is up, you can sand the room and then prime and paint. People are often quick to skip over the sanding process, but to ensure smooth walls; youll want to devote as much attention to this stage as any of the other.