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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.

Using the internet, a number of web sites allow searches by state, county, city, and zip code.

Insulations Options for your Attic


Adding insulation in your attic can drastically help reduce your heating and cooling bills each month. The attic is a perfect place for hot and cold air to leak in and out. With proper insulation, your attic can provide you with an energy efficient home. There are many options for insulating your attic.

Insulating your attic is the number one way to help improve your heating and cooling bills and help make your home more energy efficient. When properly installed, attic insulation can decrease your energy bill by about twenty percent or more per month. In addition, there are many different types of material that can be used for insulating your attic. In most cases, you do not even have to hire a professional to install. The homeowner can do most attic improvements.

When looking at the type of insulation you will want to install in your attic, think about the R-value. The R-value of insulation is the insulations ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective it will be to insulate. Insulations materials can vary in thickness. Some insulation averages R-3 while others are as high as R-8 per inch. It is important to remember that over time, any insulation will loose some of its ability to insulate and will reduce in R-value.

There are many reasons to consider replacing or improving attic insulation. For those who have little or no insulation, or who have very old insulation, replacing insulation has benefits. Also, you should consider insulation if you have high energy bills or if you attic or walls have been exposed during remodeling.

Before replacing or adding insulation to your attic you should determine whether or not you have moisture problems. Problems with moisture can become worse with adding insulation. Insulation can trap moisture causing mildew and mold to grow and spread. In addition, when water and moisture collect in the attic, it can cause stains and rot. Before putting in any insulation, it is best to seal all air leaks. This not only helps moisture, but also reduces heating bills by keeping cold air from entering the home.

There are many kinds of insulation that can be added to your attic. Insulation sheets and bats are easy to install. If you have an open attic space, some insulation sheets some may not be easy to install if the joists are not spaced evenly. Also, by applying a second layer of insulation blankets crosswise over the first layer can help seal cracks. This will help reduce heat loss. This can also prevent moisture problems.

Another type of insulation that is good for the attic is loose fill insulation. This is perfect for filling irregular shaped spaces. It also can have more complete coverage than bats. When installing loose fill insulation, it can be blown from a machine or hand poured and bought in a bag. If you like do-it-yourself projects, you can rent machines that will blow the insulation at rental stores. Caution should be used when using a machine to blow in insulation. The settings must be carefully set so that not too much insulation is used. If the insulation is too thick, it can cause settling and may not properly insulate the attic.

There are commonly used types of insulation that can be good options for using in attic spaces. Cellulose insulation is made from ground wood or paper. This type of insulation is often used in attics and usually has additives to prevent mold and resistance to fire. Fiberglass insulation is made of molten glass strands. This type is also fire resistant. Wood shavings used to be commonly used, but are not used much any more, especially in attics. Insulation made of wood shavings can be too heavy for the inside of attics and can promote fungal growth.

When working with insulation in your attic, extreme caution should be used. You should always protect your hands and eyes when applying insulation. Many types of insulation can irritate that eyes, nose and throat. It is always recommended to wear protective gear when using insulation in any part of you home. Adding or replacing insulation in your attic can be a good way to help lower your heating and cooling bill. Professionals can be hired to apply the insulation or many choose to do it themselves.