Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Montgomery
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Montgomery residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Montgomery receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- 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, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against these qualities.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will show how long it's been operating. It might also publish articles to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Montgomery
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost will be around $2,700. More intricate jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $329 |
Leak Repair | $2,614 |
Stabilization | $4,504 |
Underpinning | $1,264 |
Waterproofing | $2,884 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Montgomery
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Montgomery?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Montgomery foundation repair services?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
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)