10 Best Foundation Repair Companies Near Me

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By This Old House Reviews Team |Last Updated: February 05, 2024

Common Causes of Foundation Problems

Most foundation problems arise due to specific regional conditions, but there are some issues every part of the country experiences.

  • Soil movement: The most common reason for foundation settlement is soil movement. Depending on local soil composition and regional weather patterns, the soil shrinks, expands, or heaves. This movement can cause foundation damage, including shifting, sinking, and cracking.
  • Tree roots: Though trees provide beautiful landscaping, their roots expand and grow, causing foundation damage. Tree roots may start to grow into your home's foundation and pipes or cause issues around the foundation as they extract water from the soil, leading to soil movement.
  • Poor construction: Foundation problems are often the result of poor construction. Builders may have installed the foundation unevenly or mishandled the concrete and moved it too soon during construction. Builders also sometimes create hollows, which are gaps in the soil. These gaps lead to basement walls bowing and threaten your home's structural integrity.

How To Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

The best foundation company may depend on the problem you're facing. However, here are some general factors to consider to find foundation repair services.

Reputation and Reviews

Reputation is crucial. Look for a company with many years of experience and ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Customer reviews can also give you valuable insight into real homeowners' experiences. Ensure that the Better Business Bureau accredits the company you're interested in. Then, read reviews on multiple sites to check for both positive and negative patterns. Note how the company handled customer complaints. You should also inquire about the company's warranties and check how they compare to other providers

Services offered

Foundation companies offer a combination of cosmetic and structural repairs. You may only need a simple cosmetic repair, but if you have structural issues, seek out a company with experience completing complicated repairs.

Cosmetic foundation repairs include the following:

  • Crack filling:It's common to fill in foundation cracks to improve appearance, but filling exterior cracks is also important to prevent water damage.
  • Landscaping:Putting landscaping around your foundation helps make it look more attractive. A foundation repair company may recommend a landscaping company, but some foundation repair technicians can assist with landscaping improvements.
  • Painting or staining:Painting or staining the foundation improves its appearance and makes it look more attractive, especially for crawl spaces. A contractor typically completes this cosmetic repair after structurally repairing the foundation.

Here are some common structural foundation repairs:

  • Foundation wall repair: Most foundation wall repairs target cracks or other visible damage to the foundation walls. The repair method depends on the type and severity of damage but may involve injecting epoxy or other materials into the cracks, installing carbon fiber strips, or rebuilding the damaged section of the wall.
  • Foundation underpinning: This is one of the most common repair methods. It involves adding support to the foundation by installing piers or piles underneath to increase the soil's load-bearing capacity.
  • Slab jacking: Slab jacking, or mud jacking, lifts and levels concrete slabs that have settled or sunk. It involves drilling holes into the concrete and injecting cement and other organic materials to lift the slab back into place.

Cost

Foundation repair costs vary significantly according to each project's specific problems and scope. You should expect to pay well over $1,000 unless you only need small cosmetic repairs. The following factors affect your total foundation repair cost:

  • Your home's foundation type
  • Your home's size and accessibility
  • The issues' severity
  • Labor rates, permits, and materials needed
  • Soil stability and foundation settlement

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This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.


FAQ's About Foundation Repair Companies Near Me

Are some foundations unrepairable?

Most foundations are repairable. Many foundation repairs involve simply filling cracks or installing piers. A structural engineer can help you create a reasonable repair plan. However, a foundation may be considered irreparable in rare cases.

What type of foundation repair is best?

Steel pier installation is the best long-term solution to stabilize a foundation. Galvanized steel piers are driven deep into the ground using a hydraulic machine to lift the foundation back to its proper level. Unfortunately, this option is usually the most expensive.

What is the strongest foundation for a house?

Poured concrete is the strongest type of foundation for a house. It can be poured into any shape, making it ideal for supporting weight. Block foundations are also solid but not as flexible as poured concrete.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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