10 best foundation repair companies in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to fall to pieces, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your family members and pets. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by an expert foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

The low winter temperatures in Elizabeth make foundations in the area vulnerable 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, addressing your home's foundation problems will improve its value when it comes time to sell. If your foundation is at risk, find a foundation repair company in Elizabeth as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Elizabeth

Look for foundation repair companies in Elizabeth 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 several signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually the first hint of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to lean, your foundation may already be failing.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space can be a strong sign of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a damaged foundation moves, resulting in doors that stick when closed or not shut fully at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• 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?

Foundation repair professionals offer a variety of services from crack repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what precisely is wrong with your foundation, a pro will take a look at it and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service technician's first step is to find the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the angle. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that holds up to changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a heavily involved technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often required when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or in the form of a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the technical skill required and the process.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all by adding a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip 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 Elizabeth

Ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions to get the best fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured 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?

Ask the foundation repair company if they understand what is causing the problem and what they think is the best solution. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the pros and cons of each solution. You can always get a second opinion from a different provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Most trusted companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair professional 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?

Talk with your foundation repair company 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 expenses, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary significantly, from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take from one day to a week, based 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Elizabeth home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is critical if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your contractor pours the concrete. Additionally, adequate drainage is necessary to prevent water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly signals foundation damage, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The fairly mild summers in Elizabeth mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Nevertheless, you should water your concrete slab during a heat wave to help it retain moisture.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help cut down on standing water by redirecting 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.