Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lima
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Lima residents:
- Aging plumbing: Lima has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage 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 rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
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 trustworthy foundation repair provider. Evaluate each contractor using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
While Ohio doesn't regulate foundation repair companies at a state level, cities can choose to require licenses, exams, or continuing education. Contact the Lima city hall, Allen County, or your regional building district for more information about what's necessary. Talk to team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also share blog posts to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lima
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost falls at about $2,600. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $318 |
Leak Repair | $2,506 |
Stabilization | $4,304 |
Underpinning | $1,222 |
Waterproofing | $2,763 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lima
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lima?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a 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 prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)