House Pilings Are An Important Aspect Of Coastal Homes

[Posted on March 6th, 2014 by Aaron Presley]

There is a variety of benefits when it comes to house pilings, especially on coastal homes. These are used as a form of stability for the homes. Many stilt homes have the pilings made of wood, though there are some homes that use concrete as well as other materials.

When there are large storms, a lot of information can be obtained from the pilings. FEMA has even been able to see how old the home is based upon the conditions of the pilings. In order to ensure the home is as structurally sound as possible, new pilings may need to be added on occasion.

Considerable benefits exist for adding house pilings. Not only does it help with new and existing architecture, it also offers opportunities for fishing around pilings. Many fishermen have noticed a difference based on the fish that can be found around wood pilings versus the concrete ones.

Lumber yards in Houston provide an array of options for you to discover when you are looking at building a home – or securing the one that you already have. The house pilings are designed to go into the coastal land so that they are more stable. Different types of wood can be used and it is important to know the pros and cons of each kind.

The wood is typically treated and this is to ensure that it can withstand the salinity of the water. Especially when there are homes along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, there is a significant amount of salt water. If the wood is not treated to withstand the salt, the wood can deteriorate quickly. This is when you typically see the most damage from storms because the house pilings were not strong enough to withstand the waves and wind.

When you look for wood, it is important to find the right kind as it is going to impact the structure and the future of your home. When you work with a lumber yard, it is important to explain that you need the wood for the purpose of house piling. A professional can then talk to you or the builder about your options and help you to make an informed decision.

Many people have made the mistake of using just any available wood because they didn’t realize there were differences. As a result, many people have lost their homes because of storms. You don’t have to be a victim when a storm is coming through. Simply acknowledge that pilings make a difference and that will make it easier to locate a lumber yard that can walk you through the steps of choosing piling so you can build a strong home in a coastal area. The next time a storm comes through, you will be able to breathe easily.