Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Thornton
A home in Thornton might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: Thornton has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1963. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer the process.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many prominent companies offer educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Thornton
The cost of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost will be around $3,800. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,200. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $431 |
Leak Repair | $3,591 |
Stabilization | $6,315 |
Underpinning | $1,645 |
Waterproofing | $3,980 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Thornton
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Thornton?
What's the most popular foundation type in Thornton?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, 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.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)