Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Scranton
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Scranton residents:
- Aging plumbing: Scranton has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1961. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your list against these 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. Talk to staff to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will mention how long it's been operating. It might also share other content to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Scranton
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $2,800. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. This table shows 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 Scranton
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Scranton?
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.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. 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)