10 best foundation repair companies in Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's structural integrity. A weak foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, leading to unsafe conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that need quick action from a foundation repair professional.

Your foundation in Fair Lawn may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 49 inches annually. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this swelling soil base may lead to the formation of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a property with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will raise its value when you're ready to put it on the market. If your foundation is in jeopardy, reach out to a foundation repair company in Fair Lawn as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Fair Lawn

Look for foundation repair companies in Fair Lawn 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 maintenance, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space usually indicates future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• 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: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• 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.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a compromised foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when shut or not shut fully.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows separating from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular problem with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Fair Lawn will inspect it and advise you on the best solution. These companies provide a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will locate the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a service provider can fill cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's orientation, dimensions and location. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best choice for preventing further damage. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling. The main disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an in-depth technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts employ this process 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 technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• 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 adding 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 Fair Lawn

Fixing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair job, ask experts 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. 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?

When evaluating a service provider, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal remedy. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the estimated cost is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you don't agree with 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?

Get an estimate from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the service 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 time on site. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get more than one estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your repair professional may offer financing options, such as installment 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?

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 vary from one day to two months.

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, 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 projects are typically 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 services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Fair Lawn home?

While you should always consult a professional 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

For those building a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring concrete, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete needs to cure properly. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. As you inspect, keep an eye out for any 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 damage.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

The fairly mild summers in Fair Lawn mean that you don't have to be too concerned about heat-related concrete shrinkage. Nevertheless, consider watering your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your foundation and siding, stopping water accumulation 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.