Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Gloucester
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Gloucester residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Gloucester home construction year is 1971. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Gloucester experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your selection against these characteristics.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's standing 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 insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Gloucester
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable destruction, the typical cost will be around $3,500. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $7,100. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $406 |
Leak Repair | $3,356 |
Stabilization | $5,879 |
Underpinning | $1,553 |
Waterproofing | $3,716 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Gloucester
How much does foundation repair cost in Gloucester?
What are the different types of foundations in Gloucester?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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)