3 best foundation repair companies in Bossier City, Louisiana

The foundation is the most important part of your house's structure. A weak foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, leading to dangerous conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

The average annual rainfall of 47 inches in Bossier City creates moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, potentially causing the development of cracks and gaps.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation problems as they don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation problems will improve its market value when it comes time to sell. If your foundation is in danger, contact a foundation repair company in Bossier City right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Bossier City

Look for foundation repair companies in Bossier City 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 signs your foundation needs attention, each with varying levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first clue of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is dragging the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation problems.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space often points to future foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls as a damaged foundation shifts, making doors stick when closed or not shut fully.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel elastic.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Bossier City will inspect it and instruct you on the best solution. These companies offer a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: The professional'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 improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair professional will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. Which sealant the service provider uses depends on the crack's dimensions, the location and the angle. After cleaning 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally required 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 technical skill required, the process and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all through a speed strip, dimple board, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Bossier City

The right pro is vital when fixing your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to safeguard 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 evaluating a contractor, ask if they can identify the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal remedy. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a possibility if the price estimate is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each method. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another company.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are different options. Most reputable professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your foundation repair company 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 severity of the damage.

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?

In most cases, you can stay in your home during foundation repair work. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Bossier City home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing 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 lot before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to keep water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure completely after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your foundation expert should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best method to shield your foundation from future damage is through regular inspections. inspect, be sure to check for any indications of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Adequate air circulation around your home is essential, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

In Bossier City, the intense heat can lead to foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you should water your concrete slab from time to time, especially during the hottest summer months.

As a final step, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding 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.