Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Pensacola
Some common reasons why Pensacola homeowners deal with foundation issues include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Pensacola experiences, 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 keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair business, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
Florida's contractor licensing system is rather unique. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues "certified" contractor licenses in building, general contracting, and residential construction that foundation companies must earn. There are also "registered" licenses issued at a local level. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload 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 positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and favorably. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Pensacola
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost is about $2,500. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $306 |
Leak Repair | $2,383 |
Stabilization | $4,075 |
Underpinning | $1,174 |
Waterproofing | $2,624 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Pensacola
How much does foundation repair cost in Pensacola?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Do Pensacola foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure 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, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)