Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Manchester
A home in Manchester might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Manchester experiences, the soil soaks up 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Manchester has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its stability, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each provider using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
In Connecticut, foundation repair companies need at least a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer Protection for work valued at over $200. Applicants must prove that they have at least $20,000 in liability insurance. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many prominent companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. 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 favorably. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Manchester
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,900. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,900 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $347 |
Leak Repair | $2,785 |
Stabilization | $4,822 |
Underpinning | $1,331 |
Waterproofing | $3,076 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Manchester
How much does foundation repair cost in Manchester?
What's the most popular foundation type in Manchester?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
Do Manchester foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)