Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Middletown
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Middletown residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Middletown gets, 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 stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Middletown home construction year is 1970. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair contractor. Assess each firm using the following criteria:
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. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload blog posts to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Middletown
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $359 |
Leak Repair | $2,899 |
Stabilization | $5,032 |
Underpinning | $1,375 |
Waterproofing | $3,204 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Middletown
How much does foundation repair cost in Middletown?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues promptly.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)