10 best foundation repair companies in Hillside, New Jersey

The foundation is an essential part of your house's structure. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your family members. Cracks in or around the outside of your home strongly indicate foundation problems that demand urgent action from a foundation repair expert.

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

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's market value will rise when you're ready to put it on the market if you resolve your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, reach out to a foundation repair company in Hillside right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Hillside

Look for foundation repair companies in Hillside 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 repair, 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 home.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.
• 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 suggest foundation problems.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial position.
• 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.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat springy.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors jam when closed or not shut fully.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a wide selection of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a professional will inspect your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair professionals in Hillside:

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to find 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 professional will isolate the leak, fix the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's position, size and angle determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best solution for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The main disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually necessary when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or as a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the process and the technical skill required.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip 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 Hillside

Maintaining your foundation is essential, so you need to choose the right pro for the job. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies 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. 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?

To ensure a contractor is the right choice, ask if they can identify the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they suggest 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 an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't like 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 detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are different options. Often, professionals will offer estimates for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair professional to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party company that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to know what kind of coverage you'll have after the repairs are complete. 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?

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

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Sealing 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 technician needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Hillside home?

If you think your home has foundation damage, it's best to speak with a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to prevent future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your service provider pours the concrete. Additionally, proper drainage is key to prevent water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it should cure properly. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your service professional should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Frequent inspections are the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. As you perform an inspection, be vigilant for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or near the slab. Be sure to take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation issues.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is essential, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to avert potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big concern in Hillside because the summers are moderately warm. Although, if your area encounters an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your house's 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.