Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Leesburg
A home in Leesburg might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Leesburg receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Leesburg 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
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 what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's credibility is to check 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
When you're researching a company's credibility, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Leesburg
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is more significant damage, 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 Leesburg
How much does foundation repair cost in Leesburg?
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 basement. Outdoor waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)