Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Shreveport
A home in Shreveport might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Shreveport experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, 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 company 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will show how long it's been in business. It might also upload other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Shreveport
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $2,500. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. 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 Shreveport
How much does foundation repair cost in Shreveport?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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 avoid 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, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)