10 best foundation repair companies in Homewood, Alabama

The foundation plays an important role in supporting your home. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be examined immediately by a foundation repair professional.

Resolve foundation damage quickly to stop further problems, including cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage. Resolving the issue while it's still small will save you money and headaches over time.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation problems as they don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Your home's market value will improve when you're ready to put it on the market if you address your foundation problems. If your foundation is in danger, locate a foundation repair company in Homewood right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Homewood

Look for foundation repair companies in Homewood 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 hints your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate 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 shifting the walls away from their initial location.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a broken foundation moves, resulting in doors that jam when shut or not shut fully at all.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies in Homewood perform a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a pro will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to identify 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 technician will isolate the leak, repair the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a provider can close cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's orientation, dimensions and location. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex technique that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The method requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the technical expertise required, the procedure and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing further movement. It's less disruptive and more cost-effective than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it won't level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all through a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Homewood

Ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions to get the right fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have 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 foundation repair company if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best solution. If they think raising your slab is the best solution, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the estimated cost is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. You can always get a second opinion from another provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

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. Most trusted businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your service provider about their warranty options to understand the protection you'll have after the repairs. Some companies offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty covering various expenses, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending 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?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily stay elsewhere.

How can you protect the foundation of your Homewood home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. Additionally, proper drainage is key to stop water from gathering on or near 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

The most effective method to protect your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, be vigilant for any 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 indicate foundation trouble.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Trim 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.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a big worry in Homewood because the summers are moderately warm. However, if your area goes through an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling 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.