From Tree Trunks to Galvanized Steel : An important Upgrade within Crawl Spaces

Across Quebec and North America, many of old homes with crawl spaces were originally built using tree trunks as support beams. This method was practical at the time as it offered a cost-effective foundation solution. But while these homes have held their ground for decades, the realities of modern building science have exposed major flaws in these rustic structures. 

A Brief History: Tree Trunks as Crawl Space Beams 

Back in the early 1900s, builders often used untreated tree trunks as vertical supports or horizontal beams in crawl spaces. These logs were easy to source, and strong enough to support modest home structures. When placed on stone or dirt, they created a simple but effective base that elevated the home above the moist earth. 

Advantages of Tree-Trunk Supports 

• Accessibility of materials: Logs were easily available and cheap to harvest. 
• Quick construction and installation: No need for heavy equipment or concrete mixing. 
• Elevation off the ground: Helped protect the house from minor flooding and provided space for plumbing and utilities. 

However, as charming as this method may seem, it comes with significant drawbacks in the modern era, especially when the crawl space is poorly insulated. Here are some red flags for usage of tree trunks as beams: 

1. Moisture Issues: Tree trunks are organic materials and prone to absorbing moisture. This creates the perfect environment for mold, rot, and even pest infestations, especially within an unsealed crawl space. 

2. Structural Instability: Over time, the wood can rot, warp, or shift, creating sagging floors and unsafe conditions. Thus, tree logs lack the adjustability or longevity of modern support systems. 

3. Air Quality & Health Risks: Mold spores developed on rotten wood, and musty air from the crawl space naturally rise into the home through the stack effect, contributing to several health risks such as allergies, asthma, and general discomfort. 

Modern Solutions: Encapsulation and Support Systems 

At Systèmes Sous-sol Québec, we specialize in transforming outdated and poorly insulated crawl spaces using a proven system that addresses structural, moisture, and energy efficiency problems at once. 

Instead of tree logs, we install our galvanized steel SmartJack beams. These piers are designed to permanently stabilize and, if needed, lift the sagging floors caused by failing wood supports. SmartJacks are installed on engineered footings, they’re adjustable and resistant to corrosion and moisture. 

Thus, SmartJack supports are a perfect replacement for unstable tree trunk supports, engineered to last and backed by a long term warranty! 

In addition to our strong beams, we are experts in crawl space encapsulation which will eliminate moisty crawl spaces, regulate humidity to enhance the air quality inside the house, and reinforce its energy efficiency: 

Our CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System is a heavy-duty vapor barrier installed over the ground and possibly walls. This thick membrane seals the crawl space from outside air and moisture. In addition, it prevents mold, musty smells, and pest intrusion.  

On the other hand, a crawl space encapsulated with CleanSpace can be used as stockage area as there won’t be any risk of deterioration of the goods with high moisture. 

For perfect energy efficiency, our SilverGlo Rigid Foam Insulation are installed on the walls and between joists. They reflect heat back into the home while insulating the crawl space. Unlike fiberglass, SilverGlo won’t absorb moisture and thus helps reduce energy consumption. While tree trunks were once a clever solution for supporting crawl spaces, they were never meant to stand the test of time in today’s demanding climate. If your home still relies on these aging supports, or if your crawl space is cold, damp, or musty, it is the time for an upgrade. Systèmes Sous-sol Québec has the tools and expertise to modernize your crawl space with strength, efficiency, and peace of mind. Let’s also not forget about the long-term warranty!