4 best foundation repair companies in Fairhope, Alabama

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your house can start to collapse, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by an expert foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

The average annual rainfall of 62 inches in Fairhope can cause moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain continuously falls surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, possibly leading to the development of cracks and air gaps.

Not only are homes with foundation issues unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will increase its value when you decide to sell. Contact a Fairhope foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Fairhope

Look for foundation repair companies in Fairhope 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 display many signs that it requires repair, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space, it indicates you might have foundation issues especially a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial location.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a damaged foundation shifts, resulting in doors that stick when shut or fail to shut properly at all.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• 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 issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies perform a variety of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a professional will take a look at your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair technicians in Fairhope:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can fill cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an in-depth technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally necessary when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed either on top of the foundation or in 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.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This technique supports your foundation by keeping it in place and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent 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 getting in at all through a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Fairhope

The right professional is essential when maintaining your foundation. 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 insured and licensed to protect you and your home. Alabama foundation repair professionals must be Licensed Prime Contractors or Subcontractors with a Building Construction classification, and should be registered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. You can also check with the National Foundation Repair Association to determine if your repair company has the appropriate certifications for your specific job.

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

Find out if the contractor knows 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 estimated cost is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. 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 feel like the answer they give you is thorough 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?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. If there are different options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get several 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?

Some companies may offer financing options, including installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

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 done.

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.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't further damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based on the extent of the project. A pier repair commonly takes three to four weeks, while underpinning can take four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

You can often stay inside your home while foundation repairs are being completed. You may have to relocate if the service provider has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Fairhope home?

While you should always seek professional advice if you think you have foundation issues, you can take steps to protect your home's foundation against future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're building a new house, ask your service expert about their foundation installation process. Before pouring concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to stop water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure fully after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. As you perform these checks, be vigilant for any cracking, shifting or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Make sure you examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also indicate foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big concern in Fairhope because the summers are fairly gentle. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, make sure to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can pool.

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.