Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Smyrna
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Smyrna residents:
- Aging plumbing: While many Smyrna homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Smyrna experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to hire the top professionals possible. Focus your research on these attributes:
Licensing and Experience
In Tennessee, foundation work has its own residential building contractor license classification. Any company that performs foundation work valued at over $25,000 must have a license, no matter whether it is a primary contractor or subcontractor. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also share other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Smyrna
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost will be around $3,700. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,100. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $425 |
Leak Repair | $3,535 |
Stabilization | $6,212 |
Underpinning | $1,624 |
Waterproofing | $3,918 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Smyrna
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Smyrna?
What are the different types of foundations in Smyrna?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Smyrna foundation repair services?
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.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
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)