10 best foundation repair companies in Albany, Oregon

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your home can start to collapse, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are an indicator that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

Your foundation in Albany may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 65 inches each year. Heavy rain continuously falling around your home causes the soil to absorb water and swell, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can cause the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Your home's market value will improve when it comes time to sell if you fix your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, reach out to a foundation repair company in Albany immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Albany

Look for foundation repair companies in Albany with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

What are some signs you need foundation repair?

There are several clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a failing foundation changes position, spaces appear in the walls, which can cause doors to stick when closed or fail to shut properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you see cracks in the ceiling.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space commonly signals future foundation troubles, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to lean, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows pulling away from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros in Albany provide a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a professional will inspect your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service professional's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's position, angle and size determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning out the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best option for preventing further damage. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The one downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Professionals use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually used when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary depending on the technical specialty required, the method and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Albany

The right expert is critical when maintaining your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to protect you and your home. Professionals in Oregon must have either a Residential General or Residential Specialty Contractor's License from the Oregon Construction Contractor's Board in order to perform foundation work in the state.

What do you think is the cause of the problem, and how do you recommend fixing it?

Find out if the foundation repair company can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. Get a second opinion if you don't like the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are different options. Often, professionals will offer estimates for free. Get multiple quotes so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair service will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your service provider directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of coverage you'll have after the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the degree of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can last from one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs commonly take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take between four and six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

You can typically remain inside your home while foundation repairs are in progress. You may have to relocate if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Albany home?

If you think your home has foundation problems, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to prevent future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring the concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Frequent inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. inspect, it's crucial to look out for any indications of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation problems.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and facilitate mold that threatens your foundation. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big issue in Albany because the summers aren't particularly hot. Still, if your city faces particularly hot weather, it's a good idea to water your foundation slab.

Lastly, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by channeling rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can pool.

Our methodology for selecting foundation repair companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.