10 best foundation repair companies in Bristol, Connecticut

The foundation is a critical part of your home. Without a strong foundation, everything in your house can start to collapse, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Fixing foundation damage early on is key to preventing further issues, such as cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation. Resolving the issue while it's still minor will save you money and headaches in the long run.

Not only do foundation issues make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the cost of foundation repair or related issues. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation problems will raise its market value when it comes time to sell. Find a foundation repair company in Bristol as soon as possible when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Bristol

Look for foundation repair companies in Bristol 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 many clues your foundation needs maintenance, each with their own level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to pop up more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a damaged foundation tilts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not close properly at all.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation shifts the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Bristol perform a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a professional will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The service technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a provider can close cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's dimensions, location and orientation. After cleaning 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 good options.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts employ this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically required when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in the form of a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary depending on the number of piers added, the technical specialty required and the method.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This service supports your foundation by keeping it in place and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to come into 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 moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Bristol

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to hire the ideal fit for your job.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your home. 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 service provider can figure out what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best approach, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the quoted price is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of each. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most trusted professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, including payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your contractor 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 defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is influenced by the severity of the damage, but projects generally range from one day to two months.

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 remain 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 Bristol home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new home, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure completely after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Doing consistent inspections is the most effective way to shield your home's foundation. As you perform an inspection, watch closely for any cracking, breaking or shifting in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Check your walls and framings for similar kinds of damage, as these often indicate foundation problems.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup as it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

Particularly hot summers are not common in Bristol, which thankfully means that concrete shrinkage due to heat isn't a big concern. Nevertheless, when your city experiences unusually high temperatures, consider watering your foundation slab as a preventative measure.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home'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.