10 best foundation repair companies in Birmingham, Alabama

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. Without a solid foundation, everything in your home can become unstable, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be assessed by a skilled foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Fix foundation damage quickly to stop further problems, such as a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation problem while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

Not only are homes with foundation issues unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will improve its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Reach out to a Birmingham foundation repair company right away if you suspect your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Birmingham

Look for foundation repair companies in Birmingham 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 various clues that it requires maintenance, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• 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.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space can be a solid sign of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a broken foundation moves, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not shut correctly.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be damaged if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to find the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, repair the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can fill cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, orientation and dimensions. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more cost-effective than leveling. The only downside is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a comprehensive process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The approach requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the procedure, the number of piers added and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways 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 dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Birmingham

Maintaining your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair job, ask experts you're vetting 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. 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?

When vetting a foundation repair company, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal fix. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of each. You can always ask for a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are different alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most respectable companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem 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 percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your service provider about their warranty options to understand the protection you'll have after the repairs. Some companies offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty covering various costs, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, based on the extent of the job. A pier repair usually 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?

While foundation repairs are being carried out, you can often stay inside your home. You may have to relocate if the technician cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Birmingham home?

While you should always seek professional advice if you think you already have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard your home's foundation against future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it has to cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting regular inspections is the most effective way to shield your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Check your walls and framings for similar signs of damage, as these frequently indicate foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base because buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Adequate 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 avert potential damage.

The summers in Birmingham are moderately warm, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it stay moist.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help cut down on standing water by guiding 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.