Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Jacksonville
A home in Jacksonville might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Jacksonville experiences, 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: While many Jacksonville homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's vital to hire the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these characteristics:
Licensing and Experience
According to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, foundation repair and concrete companies in the state must have either a Building Contractor license, a Residential Contractor license, or both. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's credibility 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 knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Jacksonville
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is substantial damage, the typical cost falls at about $1,900. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,500. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $245 |
Leak Repair | $1,798 |
Stabilization | $2,992 |
Underpinning | $946 |
Waterproofing | $1,969 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Jacksonville
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Jacksonville?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are the different types of foundations in Jacksonville?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)