Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Erie
A home in Erie might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of factors to help you steer the process.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. 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, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Erie
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost lands at about $2,800. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. Below are 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Erie
How much does foundation repair cost in Erie?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
- Mold and mildew
Do Erie foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy equipment, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)