10 best foundation repair companies in Garfield, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your home's stability and durability. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to break down, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family members and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

Built-up groundwater that freezes and solidifies can cause foundations in Garfield to shift and crack.

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 expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. Your home's market value will rise when you decide to sell if you fix your foundation problems. Find a foundation repair company in Garfield immediately when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Garfield

Look for foundation repair companies in Garfield 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 severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a broken foundation moves, resulting in doors that stick when shut or not shut properly at all.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be damaged if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows separating from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space commonly indicates future foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• 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.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Garfield will assess it and advise you on the best solution. These professionals offer a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: The service provider's first step is to find the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. Which sealant the service provider uses 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best choice for preventing further damage. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling. The one downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an extensive technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts employ this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally required 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 number of piers added and the technical specialty required.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to redirect it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Garfield

Repairing your foundation is essential, so you need to hire the right pro for the job. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to protect you and your property. 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?

Find out if the contractor can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal solution. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a possibility if the estimated cost is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. A second opinion is always an option if you don't like the answer or think they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Most respectable professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your contractor directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of 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 usually stay inside your home while foundation repairs are underway. You may have to leave if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Garfield home?

It's important to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to shield your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your foundation expert pours the concrete. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete must cure properly. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. inspect, it's crucial to check for any indications of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar signs of damage, as these frequently point to foundation problems.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is critical, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big concern in Garfield because the summers are moderately warm. Although, if your area encounters a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to keep it hydrated.

Finally, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your 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.