Pier & Beam Foundations: Ultimate Protection from Shifting Soil

In places like Abilene, Potosi, and Clyde, the ground moves more than people think. When the soil shifts, it can crack your walls, tilt your floors, and damage your home. A pier and beam foundation is one of the best ways to protect against that. 

It lifts your house off the ground and handles movement better than a concrete slab. If your home sits on soil that doesn't stay still, this type of foundation is worth learning about.

Soil around Abilene, Potosi, and Clyde moves a lot, especially with weather changes. That movement can cause cracks in your home’s walls and floors. A pier & beam foundation helps by lifting the house off the ground using deep piers and strong beams. This setup keeps things steady, even when the soil shifts.



It’s a simple and reliable choice for homes in places like Merkel, Baird, Sweetwater, and nearby towns. Many licensed and top-reviewed local contractors use this method because it works well in West Texas.

Soil moves for a few main reasons:



• Too much rain: Wet soil swells and pushes against your house.
• Too dry: Dry soil shrinks and pulls away.
• Tree roots: Trees pull water from the ground, drying it out.
• Poor drainage: Water that sits near your home makes the soil weak.
• Soil type: Clay swells. Sand can wash away.

When soil shifts, it can crack your foundation or make your house sink.

Pier and beam foundations work well when the ground isn’t stable. 



Here’s why they help:

• Raised off the ground: Helps protect your home from soil movement and water.
• Easy to adjust: Piers can be fixed without redoing the whole foundation.
• Better drainage: Water flows out instead of soaking underneath.
• Airflow under the house: Helps keep the space dry.
• Easy access: You can reach pipes and wires without digging. 
  

Pier and beam foundations are a better choice in many cases. Here’s why:

• They work well on uneven or soft soil.
• They don’t crack as easily when the ground moves.
• Fixing them is usually faster and cheaper.
• You can get to pipes and wires under the house without breaking anything.
• They help keep your home dry by staying off the ground.

If the soil under your home shifts a lot, pier and beam is the safer option.

Look out for these signs:

• Floors feel uneven or slanted
• Cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors
• Doors or windows that stick or won’t close right
• Gaps between walls and floors
• Damp spots, mold, or mildew under the house

If you see any of these, it’s time to call a foundation expert.

Basic upkeep helps avoid costly repairs. 

Here’s what to do:



• Inspect once a year: Look for cracks, wood rot, or soft spots.
• Use gutters and downspouts: Move water away from the base of your home.
• Keep it dry underneath: Use vents or a plastic barrier to prevent moisture.
• Watch tree placement: Keep large trees at least 15–20 feet away.
• Fix issues early: Small problems get worse fast if ignored.
  

Pier and beam foundations aren’t the cheapest option, but they make up for it over time.

• Costs more to build than a slab
• Cheaper and easier to repair
• Price depends on house size, soil, and materials. For larger structures, commercial concrete slabs are often used because of their durability and long-term performance in construction.
• Good materials last longer and need fewer fixes
• Easier access for plumbing and electrical work



You pay more upfront but save on repairs later.

Hiring the wrong person can lead to bigger problems and higher costs. Take a little time to check the basics before you say yes:



1. Check for a license and insurance
2. Read reviews from real customers
3. Ask for names of past jobs you can check
4. Find out what materials they use and how they’ll fix the problem
5. Ask if they offer a written warranty
6. Get the full cost and timeline in writing

If they won’t give clear answers, it’s better to move on.