9 best foundation repair companies in Florence, Alabama

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to break down, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a skilled foundation repair technician immediately.

Florence gets an average of 53 inches of rain each year, which introduces moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain soaks the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. The swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will improve if you fix your foundation issues. Locate a Florence foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Florence

Look for foundation repair companies in Florence 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 give you many clues that it requires repair, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first hint of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• 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.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or separate from their frames.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space often indicates future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces appear in the walls as a damaged foundation shifts, making doors stick when shut or not close properly at all.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Florence perform a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a pro will inspect your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: The service professional's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly 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, resolve the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can fill cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the location and the angle. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a heavily involved process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually necessary 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 number of piers added, the method and the technical specialty required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best service for stopping further damage. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering 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 Florence

The right pro is important when repairing your foundation. To identify 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?

To ensure a foundation repair company is the right fit, ask if they understand the source of the problem and what they think is the best fix. If they suggest 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. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are different options. We recommend getting more than one quotes for price comparison, as most licensed experts will offer them for free. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

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?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

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.

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 often 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?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily stay elsewhere.

How can you protect the foundation of your Florence home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new home, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it should cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the width of the pour. Your foundation expert should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Performing routine inspections is the most effective way to shield your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, watch closely for any breaking, cracking or shifting in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major issue in Florence because the summers are fairly gentle. Still, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

As a final step, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your 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.