Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Gastonia
A home in Gastonia might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Gastonia home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Gastonia experiences, 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 keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair firm. Evaluate each company using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
According to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, foundation repair and concrete companies in the state must have either a Building Contractor license, a Residential Contractor license, or both. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will show how long it's been in business. It might also share other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to 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 unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that strives for positive outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Gastonia
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,400. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,700 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $291 |
Leak Repair | $2,239 |
Stabilization | $3,809 |
Underpinning | $1,118 |
Waterproofing | $2,463 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Gastonia
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Gastonia?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Gastonia foundation repair services?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)