Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Springfield
A few frequent reasons why Springfield homeowners encounter foundation issues include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Springfield 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: The average Springfield home construction year is 1973. 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through the process.
Licensing and Experience
Oregon foundation repair companies need either a Residential General Contractor or Residential Specialty Contractor license from the state Construction Contractors Board. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload blog posts to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, review 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 unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Springfield
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost falls at about $3,000. More complex projects involving excavating, 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 | $353 |
Leak Repair | $2,845 |
Stabilization | $4,933 |
Underpinning | $1,354 |
Waterproofing | $3,143 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Springfield
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Springfield?
What's the most popular foundation type in Springfield?
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 typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- 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 cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)