10 best foundation repair companies in Gastonia, North Carolina

Your foundation supports your home's stability. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to fall to pieces, creating dangerous conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a big clue that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair professional.

Your foundation in Gastonia may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 44 inches annually. Heavy rain continuously falling around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can cause the formation of cracks and gaps.

Not only do foundation issues make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to take on the expense of foundation repair or related problems. When you decide to sell, your home's value will improve if you address your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, contact a foundation repair company in Gastonia as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Gastonia

Look for foundation repair companies in Gastonia 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 are several clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually the first hint of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a damaged foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not shut fully at all.
• 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: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies perform a range of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a professional will inspect your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair companies in Gastonia:

• Leak repair: First, the provider will find 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 professional will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the location and the orientation. After cleaning 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: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, contractors often offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a comprehensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The approach requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less disruptive and more economical than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it won't level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter 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, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to use the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Gastonia

Maintaining your foundation is essential, so you need to find the right expert for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. Foundation repair professionals in North Carolina are required to have either a Building or Residential Contractor License from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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

When vetting a contractor, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best solution. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. You can always get a second opinion from another provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for a quote. If there are different options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Most trusted companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. How much your foundation repair job will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, including installment 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 company offers so you know what kind of coverage you can expect once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is complete.

How long will the repairs take?

The severity of the damage significantly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be completed in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, based on the extent of the job. A pier repair typically requires three to four weeks, while underpinning takes between four and six weeks.

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

You can often remain inside your home while foundation repairs are underway. You may have to relocate if the contractor has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Gastonia home?

It's essential to contact a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to protect your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring the concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Additionally, adequate drainage is key to keep water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting regular inspections is the most reliable way to shield your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Make sure you take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Adequate air circulation around your home is critical, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

The fairly mild summers in Gastonia mean that you don't have to be too worried about heat-related concrete shrinkage. However, you may want to water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to keep it hydrated.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop standing water by guiding rainwater away from your home's 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.