Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Montgomery
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Montgomery residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Montgomery home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Montgomery receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair company. Assess each provider using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
In Alabama, foundation companies must be licensed prime contractors or subcontractors with a Building Construction classification. The state also recognizes credentials issued in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, but a company must still register with the Licensing Board for General Contractors to do work in the Yellowhammer State. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, its inspection processes and fees.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
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Montgomery Foundation Repair FAQ
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Montgomery?
You could spend about $2,700 on materials and labor for your foundation project. Ultimately, your costs will depend on your specific needs and the extent of the issues.
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
You'll typically need to waterproof your foundation when you see any of these signs:
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Uneven floors
- Discoloration or odors
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover foundation repair that results from normal settling, sinking, or wear and tear. However, you might have a claim if the damage was caused by a covered peril or disaster. Check your specific flood, fire, earthquake, and homeowners insurance policies and speak to your agent for accurate information.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid include negative feedback, insufficient credentials, unclear pricing, high-pressure sales tactics, inadequate warranty coverage, and unresponsive customer service.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)
