Under-slab areas are insulted by the concrete floor slab foundation dug one to three feet into the ground. The ground’s natural warmth and heat from the interior of a home protect the slab and plumbing under a slab.
Pier and beam foundation homes have a crawlspace between the floor and the ground. The more open a crawlspace, the more likely pipes in a crawlspace freeze. When water lines freeze and burst, water floods the crawlspace. In extreme cases, flooding may cause foundation movement.
Easy home maintenance steps protect pipes from freezing:
Cover crawlspace vents:
Find vents along the sides of the foundation. Covering the vents traps heat from the ground and the house. The trapped heat reduces the chance of pipes freezing. When you are clear of winter freeze days, remove the vent covers. Vents allow air to circulate. This helps control humidity. During the rest of the year, you need the air circulating. This helps prevent condensation damage.
Inside Faucets:
When temperatures dip, drip water from your inside faucets. Keep the water moving. Even the slightest movement prevents pipes from freezing.
Wrap pipes in crawl space:
For extra protection, get pipe wraps. It isn’t pleasant, but get under your home. Wrap the exposed pipes. This extra insulation can make all the difference when protecting pipes against freezing. You can leave the wraps on all year, so it is a once-done project. Find pipe wraps at your local hardware store, such as Lowes, Ace Hardware, and Home Depot.
Cover outside Spigots:
You have wrapped the pipes. You have covered the crawlspace vents. Remember also to cover any outside spigots. Get spigot covers from any local hardware store. They are easy to put on and take off.
Contact us for more information about protecting your Pier and Beam Foundation. Foundation Problems? Schedule a foundation inspection today!