9 best foundation repair companies in Altamonte Springs, Florida

The foundation plays a key role in your home's structural integrity. A weak foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, creating dangerous conditions for you and your family. 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 specialist.

Fix foundation damage as soon as possible to stop further problems, such as a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. Resolving the issue while it's still minor will save you time and money in the long run.

Not only do foundation issues make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related problems. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will raise its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. If your foundation is at risk, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Altamonte Springs immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Altamonte Springs

Look for foundation repair companies in Altamonte Springs 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's a range of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing attention, each associated with a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space often indicates future foundation troubles, such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a damaged foundation moves, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not close properly.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Altamonte Springs provide a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the specific issue is, a professional will inspect your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service professional will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position 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.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals usually offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an in-depth process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable 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. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it won't level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to opt for the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Altamonte Springs

The right pro is important when repairing your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect you and your property. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues Certified Contractor Licenses in Building, General Contracting and Residential Construction for foundation repair professionals, while further certifications are required at the local level. If you aren’t sure if your contractor has the correct license, check with your city’s local licensing board or the National Foundation Repair Association.

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 ideal solution. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair provider to make sure you have a complete understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with the answer or feel like they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. If there are several options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Often, companies will offer estimates for free. Get more than one estimates so you can compare prices. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Check with your repair provider to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Discuss a company's warranty options so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a set period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects can range from one day to two months.

Fixing cracks and leaks can be completed in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair commonly requires three to four weeks, while underpinning takes between four and 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 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 services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Altamonte Springs home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure completely after it's poured. Your contractor must follow the setting standards for the material used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best approach to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. When you conduct an inspection, you must look out for evidence of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly points to foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them too.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. Sufficient 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.

The high heat in Altamonte Springs can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so consider watering your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hot summer months.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your house's 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.