Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Ashburn
A home in Ashburn might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Ashburn homes are fairly new, some still use 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 done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Ashburn receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity relies on its foundation. It's vital to hire the best team possible. Center your research on these characteristics:
Licensing and Experience
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues licenses to foundation repair companies. The license a company has determines what work it can do and what size projects it can handle. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out 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. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Ashburn
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,400. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $394 |
Leak Repair | $3,236 |
Stabilization | $5,657 |
Underpinning | $1,507 |
Waterproofing | $3,582 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Ashburn
How much does foundation repair cost in Ashburn?
What's the most popular foundation type in Ashburn?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Ashburn foundation repair services?
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 avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)