Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Teaneck
Some common reasons why Teaneck homeowners suffer from foundation woes include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Teaneck gets, 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Aging plumbing: Teaneck has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1962. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair company. Assess each firm using the following factors:
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 the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out 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, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Teaneck
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant destruction, the typical cost will be around $2,600. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $317 |
Leak Repair | $2,496 |
Stabilization | $4,286 |
Underpinning | $1,218 |
Waterproofing | $2,752 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Teaneck
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Teaneck?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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.
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)