Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Abington
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the top ones for Abington residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Abington experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Abington has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1956. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to choose the most qualified crew possible. Center your research on these attributes:
Licensing and Experience
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, foundation contractors must register with the commonwealth if they make between $5,000 and $50 million in annual revenue. Registration doesn't involve exams, but it does show a contractor meets bond, insurance, and background check requirements. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will mention how long it's been in business. It might also publish other content to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Abington
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity 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 deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,600. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,100 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $413 |
Leak Repair | $3,424 |
Stabilization | $6,005 |
Underpinning | $1,580 |
Waterproofing | $3,792 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Abington
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Abington?
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 crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)