10 best foundation repair companies in Gadsden, Alabama

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a strong foundation, everything in your house can crumble, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that demand urgent action from a foundation repair professional.

Resolve foundation damage as soon as possible to stop further problems, including cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation. It's better in the long run to resolve the foundation problem while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

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 cost of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation issues will boost its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Contact a Gadsden 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 Gadsden

Look for foundation repair companies in Gadsden 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 variety of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing maintenance, each associated with a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation tilts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not shut properly.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows pulling away from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals in Gadsden provide a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a pro will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• 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 technician will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can close cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's dimensions, orientation and location. After cleaning out 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 has begun to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more economical and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals generally use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The process requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the procedure, the technical expertise required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to block water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Gadsden

Fixing your foundation is vital, so you need to hire the right expert for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to safeguard 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?

Ask the contractor if they can identify 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 a possibility instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a complete understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you don't like 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?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are multiple options. Most trusted companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair service will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some service providers may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups 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 finished. 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 finished.

How long will the repairs take?

The duration of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months depending on how severe the damage is.

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, based 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?

You can usually remain inside your home while foundation repairs are being carried out. You may have to relocate if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Gadsden home?

Although consulting an expert is crucial if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative steps 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 service provider. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to keep water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Your service professional has to follow the setting standards for the material used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective approach to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. During these assessments, look out for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently points to foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold that threatens your foundation. Prune 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.

The relatively mild summers in Gadsden mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Nevertheless, you may want to water your concrete slab during a very hot season to ensure it stays moist.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters guide rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, stopping water accumulation that can cause 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.