Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Central Islip
A home in Central Islip might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Central Islip 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.
- Aging plumbing: The average Central Islip home construction year is 1968. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer the process.
Licensing and Experience
New York's state government doesn't issue contracting licenses, but cities often choose to require them of foundation companies and other builders. For example, New York City requires foundation and excavating contractors to obtain a "Safety Registration Number" with a concrete work endorsement. They also need to register as a general contractor or home improvement contractor. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also share other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Central Islip
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost lands at about $2,900. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $343 |
Leak Repair | $2,742 |
Stabilization | $4,740 |
Underpinning | $1,314 |
Waterproofing | $3,027 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Central Islip
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Central Islip?
What are the different types of foundations in Central Islip?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Outdoor waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
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 avoid 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, 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)