Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Joplin
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Joplin residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Joplin experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Joplin homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
Missouri doesn't issue contractor licenses, but foundation repair companies must still register with the Secretary of State. Local governments often have their own licensing requirements for contractors. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will display how long it's been in business. It might also publish blog posts to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to 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 handles 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 effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Joplin
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost falls at about $2,500. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $300 |
Leak Repair | $2,333 |
Stabilization | $3,983 |
Underpinning | $1,154 |
Waterproofing | $2,568 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Joplin
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Joplin?
What's the most popular foundation type in Joplin?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Hairline cracks
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
- Plumbing leaks
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 expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and repair 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)