7 Best Foundation Companies in Altoona, PA

On average, Altoona homeowners pay about $2,812 for foundation repair, although the total cost will change based on several factors. The fastest way to estimate the cost of your specific job is to request quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. The total price will be determined by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

The main types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary based on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the total cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can include interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure it gets the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Altoona house become too wet or too dry – make changes to your gutter system to route water away, or water your foundation if it starts to get too dry. Additionally, be sure to promptly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of potential concerns as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, be sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information about how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight potential future problems.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but acquiring one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should obtain all the permits and other documents required in Altoona, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

You should ask your foundation repair technician about this issue before starting any project. Normally, yes, you and your family will be able to remain in your home while foundation repairs are underway.

Foundation repair, particularly extensive repairs such as basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is particularly true when you employ a reputable company. When you solve systemic foundation issues, or reinforce important areas, you reduce the risk of future problems.