Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cranston
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Cranston residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Cranston experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Cranston home construction year is 1969. 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.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to write down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these characteristics.
Licensing and Experience
Rhode Island requires foundation and concrete contractors to register with the State Building Office. To register, a company owner must prove they have minimum liability coverage, submit business filings, and take a five-hour course. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will display how long it's been operating. It might also share blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Cranston
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost will be around $2,600. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $317 |
Leak Repair | $2,496 |
Stabilization | $4,286 |
Underpinning | $1,218 |
Waterproofing | $2,752 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Cranston
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Cranston?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Outdoor waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)