Get to Know the Modernized Pier and Curtain Wall Crawlspace

Pier and curtain wall foundations have been used in construction for decades, but modern engineering techniques have led to an upgraded and optimized version of this classic crawlspace design. By leveraging reinforced concrete, strategic spacing, and adjustable components, the modern pier and curtain wall foundation creates a sturdy, versatile, and accessible foundation space.

Read on to learn what exactly pier and curtain wall foundations are, how they work, and the many benefits that make them an appealing foundation option for today's homes and construction projects.

How Pier and Curtain Wall Foundations Work

Pier and curtain wall foundations involve two main structural components - piers and curtain walls. Here is a breakdown of each element and how they work together:

Piers

Piers are vertical structural elements made of reinforced concrete. Steel rebar reinforcing rods are commonly used within the concrete piers to provide extra strength and durability. Piers work by supporting vertical loads from the building above and transferring these loads downward into the footing below.

In a pier and curtain wall foundation, piers are strategically spaced out in a grid pattern around the interior and perimeter of the crawlspace area. The spacing allows for an accessible layout while still providing ample support.

Curtain Walls

The curtain walls in this foundation type are non-load bearing walls erected between the vertical piers. Curtain walls are typically constructed using concrete masonry units (CMUs) or brick.

The curtain walls serve some important functions:

• Provide lateral stability and help resist horizontal forces from soil pressure
• Divide the crawlspace into sections and create enclosed areas
• Prevent cracks and failures that can result from shifting or expanding soils

Footings

Beneath each pier is an enlarged concrete footing that extends below the frost line. These footings help distribute the weight carried by the piers and provide a wider base to prevent settling and shifting.

Proper engineering is critical to size and reinforce the footings adequately to handle the loads from above.

Crawlspace Area

With the piers and curtain walls in place, an enclosed crawlspace is created. This is an unfinished, accessible space between the ground and the first floor of the home.

Access panels are included in the curtain walls to allow entry and maintenance access within the crawlspace.

Benefits of Pier and Curtain Wall Crawlspaces

There are many advantages to choosing a modern pier and curtain wall foundation rather than a basic crawlspace or slab foundation. Some of the top benefits include:

Adjustability

A major advantage of pier and curtain wall foundations is their adjustability. The segmented nature of the piers and footings enables each section to be individually leveled and adjusted as needed. This allows the system to accommodate shifting or unstable soils more effectively.

Suitability for Poor Soils

Pier and curtain wall foundations perform well on a variety of soil types - even troublesome soils like expansive clays or those with high water tables. This makes them a good alternative to expensive soil stabilization or ground improvement methods.

Prevention of Cracking

The curtain walls stabilize the soil and provide continuous lateral support between piers. This reinforced perimeter helps prevent cracks and failures caused by shifting foundation soils.

Widely spaced interior piers are more crack-resistant than a continuous wall or rigid slab.

Increased Accessibility

Unlike closed crawlspaces with limited access, the open layout of a pier and curtain wall foundation allows excellent accessibility throughout the space. This enables easier maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to systems like ductwork, plumbing, and electrical.

Energy Efficiency

The enclosed crawlspace environment helps moderate temperature swings. This can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer - potentially lowering energy costs associated with heating and cooling.

Pest Protection

Keeping the crawlspace separated from the surrounding soil helps deter pests like termites, ants, and rodents from being able to enter the home and cause damage.

Noise Reduction

The curtain walls provide additional mass and damping between exterior noise sources and the home's interior living spaces. This can noticeably reduce noise transmission.

Design Flexibility

Since the floor system is elevated and supported by the piers, this opens up design possibilities. Pier foundations can more easily accommodate features like sloped floors or unique flooring materials and layouts.

Ideal Conditions for Pier and Curtain Wall Foundations

Some of the best applications for modern pier and curtain wall crawlspace foundations include:

• Sites with expansive or unstable soils prone to shifting or settling
• Areas where basement construction is not feasible
• Renovating an existing home's crawlspace system
• New home construction where enhanced energy efficiency is desired
• Adding a conditioned, usable space beneath the first floor

The adjustable nature and cracking resistance make pier and curtain wall foundations a great solution for problematic soils. Their accessibility also suits projects where mechanical systems upgrades are needed.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While advantageous in many situations, pier and curtain wall foundations also have some downsides to weigh:

• Higher initial construction costs than a basic crawlspace or slab on grade
• Not suitable for extremely rocky or wet soil conditions
• Require professional engineering and skilled installation
• More complex construction process compared to a basic crawlspace

Proper moisture control and drainage systems are essential to ensure long-term viability and prevent moisture issues within the enclosed space.

With innovative engineering techniques and quality materials like steel-reinforced concrete piers, the modernized pier and curtain wall foundation provides an optimized, adaptable crawlspace unlike builder-basic options. The adjustable piers, stable curtain walls, and increased accessibility create a strong, energy-efficient foundation well suited to unstable soils and homes with crawlspace challenges.

If you're embarking on a foundation project, whether new construction or renovating an existing structure, explore how a pier and curtain wall design can provide enhanced performance while maximizing your usable space.