9 best foundation repair companies in Houma, Louisiana

Your foundation supports your house's structural integrity. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to break down, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your family. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a major red flag that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair professional.

Fixing foundation damage early on is essential to preventing future issues, including roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to resolve the foundation problem while it's still minor, saving you money and headaches.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a property with foundation problems as they don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Your home's value will improve when you're ready to put it on the market if you fix your foundation problems. Contact a Houma foundation repair company immediately if you suspect your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Houma

Look for foundation repair companies in Houma 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 signs your foundation needs repair, each with different levels of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation shifts the walls away from their initial location.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat elastic.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more regularly. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation problems.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a broken foundation changes position, gaps develop in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when shut or not shut fully at all.
• 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?

If you're unsure of the particular issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Houma will take a look at it and advise you on the best solution. These professionals perform a range of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service technician's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's size, position and angle determine which sealant the professional uses. 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive procedure that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Contractors use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically required 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. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical skill required and the process.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This service supports your foundation by maintaining its position and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more economical and less invasive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by adding a speed strip, dimple board, moisture barrier 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 Houma

Repairing your foundation is essential, so you need to find the right professional for the job. To identify 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 protect you and your home. However, licenses are only required for foundation repair companies in the state of Louisiana if the job is valued at more than $7,500. For jobs between $7,500 and $75,000, professionals must have a Home Improvement License, while jobs worth more than $75,000 require a Residential License. Both licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

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

Find out if the service provider can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best approach, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the estimated cost is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. You can always get a second opinion from a different company if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most respectable professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a percentage off 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 what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects generally vary from one day to two months.

Fixing 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, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair usually 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 stay inside your home while foundation repairs are underway. You may have to stay elsewhere if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Houma home?

If you think your home has foundation damage, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures 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. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is necessary to prevent water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure completely. Your service professional must follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best way to protect your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. As you perform these assessments, watch closely for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly indicates foundation problems, so don't forget to check them as well.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. To promote proper air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots keep at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The high heat in Houma can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so you should water your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hottest summer months.

Finally, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters channel rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, stopping standing water that can lead to 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.