PIER / POST / JACK STAND / GRADE BEAM TILTED SHIFTED / SINKING home inspectors

PIER / POST / JACK STAND / GRADE BEAM TILTED SHIFTED / SINKING: Occasionally we see piers and grade beams settled away from floor supporting beams under buildings. Often shimming up the post with shim shingles is all that is needed to remedy the situation. Failure to occasionally shim up floor supports which have settled may result in cracked walls and/or springy and creaky floors, door jambs out of square, sticky doors, and numerous other nuisances. Shim shingles are available at all Building Supply Outlets and are relatively easy to install. It may be necessary to jack the beam up before shimming. In some cases it may be necessary to pour concrete footings under the piers to help prevent further settling or tilting, such as in the case of unavoidable excess moisture under the building. Although lifting and shimming a structure is relatively easy for most property owners, it may be necessary for you to contact a General Building Contractor for assistance, especially if under floor access is impossible and the removal of inner floor sections is necessary. Be aware that the inspector does not necessarily indicate whether repairs of a condition such as this will be easy or inexpensive. Further discussion regarding this aspect is always encouraged. Jack stands are primarily used under mobile homes and deficiencies are not uncommon. The inspector will ordinarily indicate in the report, the condition he or she has encountered. It is recommended that you contact a Mobile Home Repair Service for assistance in rectifying jack stand problems. In areas prone to seismic action you may want to consider installing the Matt Guard Support System. This system has been recognized by the state of California as a permanent foundation. 

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