Crawl Space Subfloor & Wood Replacement

In a pier and beam home, the wood structure above the crawl space plays a critical role in how the floors feel and how the entire house performs. When subfloor panels, beams, joists, or plates begin to rot, crack, or sag, the results are felt throughout the living space. Brown Foundation Repair replaces damaged wood components in the crawl space to restore strength, safety, and long-term stability.

Subfloor and wood replacement is often recommended after a detailed crawl space inspection reveals moisture damage, decay, or structural failure in key areas.

Subfloor Replacement in the Crawl Space

The subfloor is the layer of wood that sits directly beneath your finished flooring. When moisture, leaks, or long-term humidity affect the crawl space, subfloor panels can weaken or rot. This often leads to soft spots, bouncy areas, or noticeable deflection when you walk across the room.

Our crews remove damaged sections of subfloor from underneath when possible, replace them with new material, and ensure proper support from the underlying joists and beams. In many cases, subfloor replacement is performed alongside joist replacement or beam repairs to correct the full support system.

Wood Beam (Girder) Replacement

The main beams, often called girders, carry the load of the floor system and transfer that weight to supports in the crawl space. When these beams are undersized, cracked, or rotted, the entire structure can sag. Brown replaces compromised beams with properly sized members designed to carry the load of the home more effectively.

Beam replacement may be combined with mono post installation or improved support pad and cinder block systems to ensure the new beam is supported correctly.

Joist Replacement

Floor joists run between beams and support the subfloor above. Joists can rot, split, or become overloaded over time—especially in high-moisture crawl spaces. When joists fail, the floor above may sag, bounce, or feel uneven.

We replace weakened joists with new lumber or engineered solutions, tying them securely into the surrounding structure. In some cases, sister joists are added alongside existing members to reinforce areas that are stressed but not fully failed. Joist work is often paired with crawl space adjustments to restore levelness.

Sill Plate Replacement

The sill plate is the horizontal wood member that sits on top of the foundation or perimeter beam and supports the floor framing. If the sill plate is exposed to repeated moisture or pest activity, it can decay and lose its ability to transfer loads properly.

Sill plate replacement involves carefully supporting the structure, removing sections of damaged sill, and installing new treated material. This work is especially important near exterior walls where settlement and moisture often combine to cause damage.

Sole Plate Replacement

The sole plate (often the bottom plate of interior or pony walls) helps distribute vertical loads from walls down into the floor system. When a sole plate is damaged or rotted, walls can shift, floors can deflect, and cracks may form above.

Brown replaces compromised sole plates to restore a solid connection between the wall and floor structure. This is frequently performed along with subfloor or joist repairs in the same area.

Pony Wall Design & Replacement

Pony walls (short interior crawl space walls) are sometimes used to support beams or divide spans under a pier and beam home. If they are poorly built, out of alignment, or set on inadequate supports, they can contribute to sagging floors and uneven rooms.

We redesign and rebuild pony walls where needed, using proper framing techniques and improved support conditions. This may include new support pads and cinder blocks beneath the wall or mono posts where point loads must be carried.

When to Consider Crawl Space Wood Replacement

You may need wood replacement in the crawl space if you notice:

• Soft or spongy spots in the floor
• Persistent musty or damp odors
• Visible wood rot, fungus, or insect damage
• Severe floor sagging or bouncing
• Cracks in walls or ceilings above crawl space problem areas

In some cases, preparation work such as crawl space debris removal or crawl space excavation is recommended so we can safely access and repair the structure.

Schedule a Free Evaluation

If you’re dealing with sagging floors, soft spots, or wood damage in your pier and beam home, Brown Foundation Repair can help. Schedule a free evaluation to learn whether subfloor, joist, beam, sill plate, sole plate, or pony wall replacement is needed to restore your home’s structure.