Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bloomfield
A home in Bloomfield might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bloomfield gets, 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Bloomfield has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1960. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair firm. Assess each contractor using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors, including foundation companies, to register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs. They're also required to apply for a home repair contractor license with the Department of Banking and Insurance, which regulates the financial business of construction work. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Another way to measure a company's reputation is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge 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 rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bloomfield
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost lands at about $2,800. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $336 |
| Leak Repair | $2,680 |
| Stabilization | $4,626 |
| Underpinning | $1,290 |
| Waterproofing | $2,958 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bloomfield
How much does foundation repair cost in Bloomfield?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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 prevent 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 slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)
