10 best foundation repair companies in Brick, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to break down, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

The average annual rainfall of 46 inches in Brick poses moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, potentially causing the development of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a house with foundation issues as they don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will rise if you resolve your foundation problems. Find a Brick foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Brick

Look for foundation repair companies in Brick 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's a range of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing maintenance, each associated with a different level of severity.

• 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.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls as a compromised foundation shifts, making doors stick when closed or not shut fully at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space usually signals future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat springy.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign 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: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• 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 plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning 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 is sinking, stabilization may be the best option for preventing further damage. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing 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: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals typically perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The method 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: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by adding a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier 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 Brick

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask experts you're vetting the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to protect you and your home. 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?

When evaluating a contractor, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best solution. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, ask 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 cost estimate is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the pros and cons of each solution. You can always ask for a second opinion from another provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for a quote. If there are several options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair job will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it 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 expert to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of coverage you'll have after the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

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 completed 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 remain in your home during foundation repair work. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily stay elsewhere.

How can you protect the foundation of your Brick home?

If you think your home has foundation problems, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to prevent future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Your foundation expert must follow the setting standards for the products used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. During these assessments, look out for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly suggest foundation damage.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Adequate air circulation around your home is critical, 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 stop potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a major concern in Brick because the summers are relatively mild. But, if your area goes through an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.