10 best foundation repair companies in Branford, Connecticut

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to start to collapse, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a professional foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Built-up groundwater that freezes and solidifies can cause foundations in Branford to shift and crack.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to take on the cost of foundation repair or related problems. Your home's value will improve when it comes time to sell if you fix your foundation issues. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Branford as soon as possible when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Branford

Look for foundation repair companies in Branford 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 maintenance, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you see cracks in the ceiling.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation shifts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to catch when closed or not shut correctly.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space can be a strong sign of looming foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or detach from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial location.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Branford will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These pros perform a range of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to locate 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 specialist will isolate the leak, fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a provider can close cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's orientation, dimensions and location. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also possibilities.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best choice for stopping further damage. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Professionals use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally necessary 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 in the form of a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the technical skill required and the process.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to redirect it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board 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 Branford

Fixing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair needs, ask professionals you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your property. Foundation repair professionals performing work valued at more than $200 must have a Home Improvement Contractor License from the Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, these professionals should have at least $20,000 in liability insurance.

What do you think is the cause of the problem, and how do you recommend fixing it?

Find out if the foundation repair company can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If raising your slab is the solution 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 an option if the quoted cost is too high. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. A second opinion is always an option if you don't like the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. If there are different alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, professionals will offer quotes for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair service will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount 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 company that has financing plans available.

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 completed.

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.

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, based 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 repairs. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Branford home?

It's essential to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to protect your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Adequate drainage must also be established to prevent water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure completely after it's poured. Your service professional must follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. As you perform these checks, watch closely for any shifting, breaking or cracking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup because it can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to prevent potential damage.

Thankfully, Branford doesn't have excessively hot summers, so heat-related concrete shrinkage isn't a major issue. But, you may want to water your foundation slab if your area experiences particularly hot conditions.

As a final step, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your house's 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.