10 best foundation repair companies in Jersey City, New Jersey

The foundation plays an important role in supporting your home. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your house can start to collapse, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. 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 expert.

Jersey City gets an average of 47 inches of rain annually, which introduces moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain hits the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a property with foundation issues as they don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. When you decide to sell, your home's value will increase if you resolve your foundation issues. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Jersey City immediately when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Jersey City

Look for foundation repair companies in Jersey City 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 various hints your foundation needs attention, 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 under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• 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.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to shift and become uneven, your floors will follow suit. They may have high and low spots or feel springy.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces appear in the walls as a damaged foundation shifts, making doors stick when closed or fail to close fully at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space can be a strong signal of future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies provide a variety of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a pro will assess your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair experts in Jersey City:

• Leak repair: First, the provider will determine 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 specialist will isolate the leak, repair the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. Which sealant the service provider uses depends on the crack's dimensions, the position 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more cost-effective than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers usually suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable 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 number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by using a speed strip, moisture barrier, 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 Jersey City

Fixing your foundation is vital, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask experts you're vetting the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your property. 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?

When considering a contractor, ask if they can identify the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal remedy. If they recommend 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 a possibility instead. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. You can always ask for 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?

Get a quote from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are different options. Most respectable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair job will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your contractor directly or external companies that partner with them. Check for installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options so you'll know what protection you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a set period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the degree of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Fixing cracks and leaks can be done in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair commonly 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?

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can typically stay inside your home. You may have to stay elsewhere if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Jersey City home?

It's important to consult a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're building a new home, ask your technician about their foundation installation process. Before pouring the concrete, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective approach to shield your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. As you perform an inspection, stay alert for any cracking, breaking or shifting in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly indicates foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

The moderately warm summers in Jersey City mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. However, you may want to water your concrete slab during a heat wave to ensure it stays moist.

Lastly, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.