Protect Your Waterfront Home with House Pilings



[Posted on March 29th, 2013 by Aaron Presley]

It is very important to know how to protect your home with house pilings, when you purchase property on the coast. Rising water can cause thousands in damages if it is high enough to enter your home. There is a greater chance of incurring this damage if you own a house that is at, or close to, sea-level. Homeowners insurance can be high for properties that are located next to the ocean or other large bodies of water. This is because of the frequent storms that can cause extremely high tides and flood damage.

Protection from Water Damage

Protecting your waterfront home with house pilings is a brilliant method to keep your home safe during floods. House pilings can raise the house off the ground to a safe height. The average house piling height is 10-15 feet off the ground. The house sits on a platform that is erected on these pilings. Most homeowners use the area under the house for storage, outside showers, and car parking areas.

House pilings are vital for protecting the homeowner from water or sand getting into the house during hurricanes or severe storms. When it is high tide and there is a storm, most oceans are at least 8 feet over the highest tide level. Water that is 8 feet or more over high tide can bring large amounts of water inside your home. As the average waterfront home is built 3-5 feet off the ground, severe weather can prove to be problematic. Gushing waters will race into the doors and can crack the foundation.

Protection from Sand and Mud

Water is not the only culprit when it comes to residing near the coast. Sand and mud can enter the house as well. Rushing water from heavy rain will bring water and mud into the front living areas of the house. Mud will ruin wood floors, carpet, and furniture. The cost of repairs and replacements can be extreme.

A house sitting on pilings allows the water and mud to rush under the foundation of the house saving thousands in damages. When purchasing pilings, consider purchasing those that are already treated and preserved. These wooden posts will last for years without rot or damage. It is also important to drive the pilings in deep; 20 feet is the average amount used to bury of the piling. Add concrete around the piling and fill the hole. The concrete will need time to dry in order to provide the right amount of support for the home.

Building your home on treated pilings can save you time and money. The anxiety and concern felt at the thought of an impending storm will decrease. House pilings not only offer security to beachfront homes, but can also be aesthetically pleasing. There is also room for the addition of custom stairs and porches. Homeowners who invest in the integration of pilings can obtain piece of mind as well as a home that they know is protected from the elements.