10 best foundation repair companies in Cornelius, North Carolina

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. A compromised foundation can cause your house to start to collapse, creating unsafe conditions for you and your family and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by an expert foundation repair technician immediately.

The low winter temperatures in Cornelius make foundations in the area susceptible to shifting and cracking when built-up groundwater freezes.

Not only are homes with foundation problems unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will raise its value when it comes time to sell. Locate a Cornelius foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Cornelius

Look for foundation repair companies in Cornelius 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 attention, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you find moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation issues such as a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that stick when closed or fail to close fully.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• 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.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial position.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Cornelius will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These pros perform a variety of common 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 plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's size, position and angle determine which sealant the professional uses. 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.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Service providers employ this process to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often used when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in 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, the best service for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it won't level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by installing a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip 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 Cornelius

Maintaining your foundation is important, so you need to get the right professional for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies 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. Foundation repair professionals in North Carolina are required to have either a Building or Residential Contractor License from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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

To ensure a contractor is the right fit, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the right remedy. If raising your slab is the solution 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 quoted price is too high. To get a complete understanding of your choices, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. You can always get a second opinion from a different company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Often, contractors will offer estimates for free. Get a few estimates so you can compare prices. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the foundation repair company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is complete.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent 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, 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?

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can typically stay inside your home. You may have to leave if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Cornelius home?

It's essential to contact 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

If you're constructing a new house, ask your service provider about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the ground. Additionally, proper drainage is essential to keep water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Your contractor has to 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

The most effective approach to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you inspect, check for signs of breaking, cracking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation problems.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. To promote proper air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots keep away from your home's foundation.

The high heat in Cornelius can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so you may want to water your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hot summer months.

Lastly, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters guide rainwater away from your foundation and siding, preventing pooling water 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.