8 best foundation repair companies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to become unstable, creating dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that require quick examination from a foundation repair specialist.

Your foundation in Baton Rouge may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 60 inches annually. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this swelling soil base can result in the formation of cracks and gaps.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a property with foundation issues as they don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's value will rise when you decide to sell if you address your foundation problems. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in Baton Rouge immediately when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Baton Rouge

Look for foundation repair companies in Baton Rouge 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 various hints your foundation needs attention, each with their own level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you find mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems such as 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.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or pull apart from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation problems.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a failing foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when shut or not close fully at all.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to shift and become uneven, your floors will too. They may have uneven sections or feel bouncy.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts in Baton Rouge provide a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a professional will assess your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The service professional's first step is to find the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, size 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive procedure that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Service providers use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually used when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or as a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the technical skill required, the process and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all by using a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Baton Rouge

Ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions to identify the right fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your property. 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?

To ensure a service provider is the right choice, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they recommend 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 a possibility instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. You can always get a second opinion from a different provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Most reputable professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

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 further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take 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?

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can often remain inside your home. You may have to leave if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Baton Rouge home?

Although consulting an expert is critical if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative steps you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future problems.

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 their process for foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Complete 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 require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best method to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, be vigilant for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these frequently indicate foundation damage.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. To promote proper air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

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

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by channeling rainwater away from your house'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.