Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bossier City
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for Bossier City residents:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bossier City 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.
- Aging plumbing: The average Bossier City home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
While Louisiana issues state contracting licenses, they're not required for every foundation repair job. To perform work between $7,500 and $75,000 in value, a contractor must apply for a Home Improvement license. More expensive jobs require a Residential license. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
Another way to assess a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bossier City
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,500. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $308 |
Leak Repair | $2,403 |
Stabilization | $4,112 |
Underpinning | $1,181 |
Waterproofing | $2,647 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bossier City
How much does foundation repair cost in Bossier City?
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 cellar. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed 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 slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)