Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Longview
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for Longview residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Aging plumbing: The average Longview home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Longview experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
In Texas, local governments can choose to require contractor's licenses. Even some major cities do not require licensure to alter or repair foundations. We recommend contacting your local officials to learn more about contractor and building standards. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Another way to evaluate a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Longview
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $3,000. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $351 |
Leak Repair | $2,817 |
Stabilization | $4,881 |
Underpinning | $1,343 |
Waterproofing | $3,112 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Longview
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Longview?
What are the different types of foundations in Longview?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
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 lawn.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)