Common Causes of Foundation Problems in The Woodlands
A home in The Woodlands might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: While many The Woodlands homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall The Woodlands gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer the process.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also share articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to 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. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we recommend you search other platforms, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in The Woodlands
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the typical cost will be around $2,800. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $336 |
Leak Repair | $2,680 |
Stabilization | $4,626 |
Underpinning | $1,290 |
Waterproofing | $2,958 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in The Woodlands
How much does foundation repair cost in The Woodlands?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Do The Woodlands foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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 prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues promptly.
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)