Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bensalem
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Bensalem residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Bensalem home construction year is 1971. 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.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bensalem 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, foundation contractors must register with the commonwealth if they make between $5,000 and $50 million in annual revenue. Registration doesn't involve exams, but it does show a contractor meets bond, insurance, and background check requirements. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Another way to assess a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
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 complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bensalem
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost falls at about $3,100. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $359 |
| Leak Repair | $2,899 |
| Stabilization | $5,032 |
| Underpinning | $1,375 |
| Waterproofing | $3,204 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bensalem
How much does foundation repair cost in Bensalem?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)
