YOUR TIMBER PILE FOUNDATION EXPERT

WOOD TIMBER PILING REPAIR

EXPERT FOUNDATION REPAIR SERVICES

FLORIDA'S WOOD PILING REPAIR SPECIALIST

On Florida’s coastline, it is commonplace to find elevated homes fixed on wood piles. Countless piling supported homes are located adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, bays, estuaries, and other bodies encompassing saltwater. The majority of the timber piling sustaining homes are usually protected under habitable space or verandas. As with anything subject to the extreme forces of nature, these pilings break down over time, often resulting in substantial damage to homes and costly repairs if left untreated.

TIMBER PILE REPAIR SOLUTIONS

DYNAMIC TIMBER PILE REPAIRS

The Florida coastline is home to some of the most beautiful seaside real estate available in the world. Residents frequent daily walks on sun drenched, exquisite white sand beaches, while enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Gulf Of Mexico while enjoying all that these areas have to offer.

However, these seaside homes may face a unique upkeep need which is essential to the maintenance of these structures. Instead of home foundation settling problems, over time, the wooden piles which support the structure can deteriorate and lose their structural integrity. When pilings commence deterioration, it is important to seek professional engineered advice for remediation and repair techniques.

A large proportion of treated wood pilings lasts indefinitely under ordinary Florida coastal conditions. This long resilience is characteristic of most wood utilized in houses and other buildings. However, under extenuating conditions, wood will have an inclination to be infected by many natural influences.

Dynamics

A prospective condition for decay exists when treated wood is sequentially wet and dry, or in interaction with the ground where it can absorb moisture and remain damp for an extended period. The rate at which piling deterioration takes place depends upon the nature of fungus, the treatment characteristics of the wood post and the measure of exposure to moisture and warmth. Florida’s constantly changing weather patterns, especially during our afternoon thunderstorms, wreak havoc on exposed wood timbers. Timber piling decay may gradually progress as to be scarcely noticed, eventually destroying the integrity of a wood piling.

Coastal Climatic conditions have a significant impact on the life expectancy of treated wood in Southwest Florida. Our humid climate is more favorable to decay in wood utilized outdoors than northern dry or cold climates.

Timber Decay

Moisture, Air, and Warmth

Timber decay is not limited to the ground line area but is repeatedly discovered also in the tops or sides of pilings many feet above the ground.

To survive, all decay fungi require four things, moisture, air, favorable temperatures, and suitable food material. If the other conditions are precise, they get their nourishment from the wood.

All life requires air, food, water, and an adequately warm natural environment or habitat to survive. Instinctively, the fungi, mold, insects, that inhabit and consume wood piles are no different.

Our Approach

Submerged or deeply penetrated wood piles, such as submerged piling that supports the foundations of stilt homes or large structures such as bridges, contains too little to no air. The soil becomes oxygen deficient a few feet below the surface of the ground because air supply is non-existent. Research determines at depths of more than five or six feet, the degree of decay is usually very slow.

If you discover a pile which is compromised, it is critical to have the timber piles and the building substructure inspected by structural engineering consultants and a foundation contractor experienced in wood pile deterioration and remediation. It is paramount that the homeowner must engage experts to assess the life safety risk concerns caused by the deteriorated building foundations and destabilized piles.

All timber piles subject to decomposition will eventually deteriorate and become too compromised to safely support the structure above. In an emergency, the elevated structure may be strengthened by placement of straps or steel sleeves to bond the solid portions of the pile together. Alternative approaches such as, installation of helical piling or screw piles to support the building above the ground, can be introduced. Ultimately, the timber foundation system longevity and engineered service life must be renovated, and a new engineered foundation system installed.

We welcome the opportunity to educate you of your wood timber pile repair options and earn your business. Contact our office today to learn more about our foundation repair solutions and how Coastal Foundation Solutions can help!

PHONE NUMBER

(239) 880-2987

EMAIL ADDRESS

Info@Coastalfoundationsolutions.com

ADDRESS

PO Box 248

Matlacha, FL 33993

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