10 best foundation repair companies in Barnegat, New Jersey

The foundation plays an important role in supporting your home. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to start to collapse, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a big clue that something is wrong with your foundation and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

The cold weather in Barnegat make foundations in the area vulnerable to shifting and cracking when built-up groundwater freezes and solidifies.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related issues. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will improve its market value when it comes time to sell. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Barnegat right away when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Barnegat

Look for foundation repair companies in Barnegat 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 attention, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first hint of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a failing foundation tilts, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not close correctly.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• 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 misaligned with their jambs.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals in Barnegat offer a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a pro will inspect your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair professional will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the position and the angle. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more economical and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive procedure that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often necessary 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 process, the technical skill required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board 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 opt for the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Barnegat

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so you need to hire the right professional for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to protect you and your property. A Home Repair Contractor License from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is required for foundation repair professionals working in New Jersey. They must also be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

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 they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the estimated cost is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for an estimate. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are different options. Most respectable professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, including 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 can expect 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 finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, based on the extent of the job. A pier repair often 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 often safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the work. You may have to leave or relocate if the service provider 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 Barnegat home?

If you think your home has foundation problems, it's best to speak with a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're building a new house, ask your service expert about their foundation installation process. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Additionally, adequate drainage is essential to keep water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. The concrete must cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Frequent inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. As you perform an inspection, stay alert for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking around or within the concrete. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often signal foundation issues.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and facilitate mold that threatens your foundation. Adequate air circulation around your home is essential, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to stop potential damage.

The moderately warm summers in Barnegat mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Nevertheless, you should water your concrete slab during a heat wave to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your foundation and siding, preventing water accumulation that can lead to 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.