Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Norristown
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Norristown residents:
- 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 threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Norristown gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: Norristown has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, 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 breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Norristown
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale 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 damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,600. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling 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 Norristown
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Norristown?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
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 avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
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)