Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Poughkeepsie
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Poughkeepsie residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, 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 completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Poughkeepsie receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: The average Poughkeepsie home construction year is 1966. 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability relies on its foundation. It's essential to choose the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these features:
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 what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will discuss how long it's been in business. It might also share blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Poughkeepsie
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,200. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $370 |
Leak Repair | $3,009 |
Stabilization | $5,236 |
Underpinning | $1,418 |
Waterproofing | $3,327 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Poughkeepsie
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Poughkeepsie?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure 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.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues immediately.
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)