Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Upper Darby
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Upper Darby residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Upper Darby receives, 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.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Aging plumbing: Upper Darby has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1949. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair business, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of factors to help you go through 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.
Another way to evaluate a company's reputation is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high 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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Upper Darby
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost lands at about $3,100. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,913 |
Stabilization | $5,058 |
Underpinning | $1,381 |
Waterproofing | $3,220 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Upper Darby
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Upper Darby?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)