Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Rock Island
A home in Rock Island might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Rock Island has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1958. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
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 trustworthy foundation repair contractor. Assess each company using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
Illinois doesn't issue contractor licenses at the state level, but larger cities in the Land of Lincoln will usually have their own licensing requirements and exams. We recommend contacting your local government office for more information before you begin your company search. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Rock Island
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,907 |
Stabilization | $5,047 |
Underpinning | $1,378 |
Waterproofing | $3,213 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Rock Island
How much does foundation repair cost in Rock Island?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
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 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 minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues immediately.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)