Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Altoona
Some common reasons why Altoona homeowners suffer from foundation issues include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Altoona has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1950. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist against 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 details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many prominent companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to 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. Instead, discover how a company handles 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 effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Altoona
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost is about $2,800. More involved projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $336 |
Leak Repair | $2,674 |
Stabilization | $4,615 |
Underpinning | $1,287 |
Waterproofing | $2,951 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Altoona
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Altoona?
What's the most popular foundation type in Altoona?
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.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)