10 best foundation repair companies in East Haven, Connecticut

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. If your foundation isn't sturdy and reliable, it can cause your house to fall to pieces, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your family members and pets. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a major red flag that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Fixing foundation damage early on is essential to preventing further problems, such as roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation issue while it's still minor, saving you money and headaches.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's market value will rise if you address your foundation problems. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in East Haven immediately when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in East Haven

Look for foundation repair companies in East Haven 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 various clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• 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 under and around your home.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors stick when shut or not shut properly.
• 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 pulling the walls away from their initial location.
• 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.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat springy.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a variety of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a pro will inspect your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair professionals in East Haven:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to find 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 pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, position and size determine which sealant the technician 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best solution for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The one drawback 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 suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The process requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by using 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 East Haven

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so you need to find the right pro for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to protect 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?

Ask the foundation repair company if they understand what is causing the problem and what they think is the right 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 ask if stabilization is an option if the quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. If you don't think the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. We recommend getting a few estimates for price comparison, as most reputable experts will offer them for free. How much your foundation repair project will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or external companies that partner with them. Check for installment plans or a discount 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 over.

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 completed 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?

Foundation repair jobs are usually safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or relocate if the technician has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your East Haven home?

Although consulting an expert is crucial if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before concrete is poured for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is necessary to keep water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your contractor should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective method to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you perform an inspection, watch closely for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or near the slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often indicates foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

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 adequate air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home's foundation.

Particularly hot summers are not common in East Haven, which thankfully means that heat-related concrete shrinkage isn't a big worry. Nevertheless, when your city faces particularly high temperatures, consider watering your foundation slab as a precautionary measure.

Finally, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling rainwater away from your 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.