10 best foundation repair companies in Columbus, Indiana

The foundation plays a key role in your home's structural integrity. A weak foundation can cause your house to fall to pieces, creating 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 examined immediately by a foundation repair professional.

Columbus gets an average of 45 inches of rain annually, which can pose moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain pools around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only are homes with foundation problems dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will rise if you address your foundation problems. Find a Columbus foundation repair company right away if you suspect your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Columbus

Look for foundation repair companies in Columbus 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 several hints that it requires repair, with each having a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not close properly.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial position.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space, it indicates you might have foundation issues especially a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to shift and become uneven, your floors will follow suit. They may have uneven sections or feel springy.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Columbus will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These experts offer a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can seal 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 good options.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a heavily involved procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers employ this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often needed 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. Costs vary depending on the method, the number of piers added and the technical specialty required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best service for stopping further damage. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling. The main disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by installing a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board 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 Columbus

Fixing your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask providers you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. In Indiana, foundation repair professionals aren't legally required to have any sort of licensing. However, we recommend that you should focus your search on pros with a contracting license, as these experts know their way around a home's essential structures and the appropriate safety measures.

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

To ensure a contractor is the right choice, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal fix. 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 a possibility if the cost estimate is too high. To get a complete understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are different options. Most reputable businesses will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what protection you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

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.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take from one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs often take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take between four and 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 projects. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily stay elsewhere.

How can you protect the foundation of your Columbus 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 house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete should cure properly. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan regular inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, watch closely for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Examine your walls and framings for similar kinds of damage, as these frequently suggest foundation trouble.

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

The moderately warm summers in Columbus mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Still, consider watering your concrete slab during a very hot season to ensure it stays moist.

Lastly, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help decrease standing water by guiding rainwater away from your home'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.