Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Royal Palm Beach
A few common reasons why Royal Palm Beach homeowners encounter foundation issues include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Royal Palm Beach homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Royal Palm Beach 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.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine 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 unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Royal Palm Beach
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,400. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $293 |
Leak Repair | $2,263 |
Stabilization | $3,853 |
Underpinning | $1,127 |
Waterproofing | $2,490 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Royal Palm Beach
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Royal Palm Beach?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Do Royal Palm Beach foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
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)