10 best foundation repair companies in Albertville, Alabama

Your foundation supports your house's stability. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to become unstable, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by a licensed foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Resolve foundation damage as soon as possible to prevent further problems, including a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. Resolving the issue while it's still small will save you money and headaches down the road.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will boost its market value when you decide to sell. Locate a Albertville foundation repair company immediately if you think your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Albertville

Look for foundation repair companies in Albertville 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?

Your foundation will give you several signs that it requires attention, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first sign of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows pulling away from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space commonly indicates future foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• 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.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation shifts, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not close properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals offer a variety of services from crack repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a pro will inspect it and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will locate the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair professional will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, position and size determine which sealant the professional uses. After cleaning 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 has started to sink, the best option for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The one downside is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers typically perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The process requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by using a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Albertville

Fixing your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair needs, ask experts you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your home. Alabama foundation repair professionals must be Licensed Prime Contractors or Subcontractors with a Building Construction classification, and should be registered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. You can also check with the National Foundation Repair Association to determine if your repair company has the appropriate certifications for your specific job.

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

Ask the contractor if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. If raising your slab is the solution they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is an option if the quoted cost is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Often, companies will offer estimates for free. Get a few quotes so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair service will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some companies may offer financing options, such as installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the foundation repair company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is over.

How long will the repairs take?

The timeline of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months depending on how severe the damage is.

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based on the extent of the project. A pier repair commonly takes three to four weeks, while underpinning can take four to six weeks.

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

Foundation repair projects are usually safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the work. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the technician has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger jobs such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Albertville home?

It's important to contact a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to protect your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Before the concrete is poured, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. inspect, you must look out for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly signal 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. To promote adequate air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major concern in Albertville because the summers are fairly gentle. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

As a final step, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.