3 best foundation repair companies in Alexandria, Louisiana

The foundation is the most important part of your house's structure. Without a robust foundation, everything in your house can fall apart, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

Address foundation damage early on to stop further problems, including cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation. You'll save time and money in the long run by resolving the problem while it's still minor.

Not only are homes with foundation issues dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Your home's value will improve when it comes time to sell if you resolve your foundation issues. Contact a Alexandria foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Alexandria

Look for foundation repair companies in Alexandria 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 display several signs that it requires maintenance, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• 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 find cracks in the ceiling.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial location.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation changes position, spaces develop in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when closed or not close fully.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have uneven sections or feel bouncy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space can be a strong indicator of looming foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be damaged if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Alexandria will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These technicians offer a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have a few different causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service technician's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, size and position determine which sealant the contractor 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Service providers use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally needed when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed either on top of the foundation or in a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the process and the technical skill required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best option for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it won't level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to prevent 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 stop water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to use the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Alexandria

The right professional is vital when maintaining your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. However, licenses are only required for foundation repair companies in the state of Louisiana if the job is valued at more than $7,500. For jobs between $7,500 and $75,000, professionals must have a Home Improvement License, while jobs worth more than $75,000 require a Residential License. Both licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

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

When considering a contractor, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the right remedy. 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 ask if stabilization is an option if the quoted cost is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most reputable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it 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 installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

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 particular costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is over.

How long will the repairs take?

The extent of the damage significantly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, depending on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require 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 easily remain inside your home throughout the project. 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 services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Alexandria home?

It's important to consult a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation from issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before concrete is poured for the foundation. Adequate drainage must also be established to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure completely. Your service professional has to follow the setting standards for the material used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting regular inspections is the most reliable 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. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently suggests foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base because buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to stop potential damage.

The high heat in Alexandria can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so you may want to water your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hot summer months.

Lastly, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help decrease standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your foundation and siding, which stops water damage.

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.