Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Hempfield
Some frequent reasons why Hempfield homeowners deal with foundation problems include:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: Hempfield has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Hempfield
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable destruction, the normal cost will be around $2,200. More intricate jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,600. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $278 |
Leak Repair | $2,119 |
Stabilization | $3,587 |
Underpinning | $1,071 |
Waterproofing | $2,329 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Hempfield
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Hempfield?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent 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 slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)