10 best foundation repair companies in Hempstead, New York

The foundation is a critical part of your home's structure. Without a strong foundation, everything in your house can fall to pieces, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by a skilled foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Repairing foundation damage as soon as possible is key to preventing future issues, such as a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. Addressing the issue while it's still small will save you time and money over time.

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 cost of foundation repair or related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation issues will raise its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. If your foundation is in jeopardy, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Hempstead right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Hempstead

Look for foundation repair companies in Hempstead 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: The first sign of an issue 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: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation shifts the walls away from their initial location.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a broken foundation tilts, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to catch when closed or not close correctly at all.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Hempstead will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These experts offer a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service professional will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can fill cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. Which sealant the contractor uses depends on the size of the crack, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands 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, the best service for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more cost-effective than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an in-depth technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this method to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often used 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 number of piers added, the method and the technical specialty required.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by installing a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Hempstead

The right professional is critical when repairing your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Although the state of New York doesn't require any specific licensing for contractors, many cities have their own legal requirements. We recommend choosing a professional that has a contracting license of some kind, and checking with your local building department to determine the requirements in your city or county.

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

Ask the contractor if they know what is causing the problem and what they think is the right remedy. 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 an option instead. To get a comprehensive understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. You can always get a second opinion from a different provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are several alternatives. Most trusted companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, including payment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

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.

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?

Foundation repair services are usually safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the technician has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Hempstead home?

If you think your home has foundation damage, it's best to speak with a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to protect your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about their process for foundation installation. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your foundation expert pours the concrete. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure properly. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your contractor should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan regular inspections. As you inspect, check for any cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly suggest foundation issues.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The fairly mild summers in Hempstead mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. But, consider watering your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters channel rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, preventing standing water 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.