10 best foundation repair companies in Kearny, New Jersey

The foundation is a critical part of your house's structure. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to crumble, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your family members and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a sign that something is wrong with your foundation and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

The average annual rainfall of 47 inches in Kearny poses moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain continuously falls surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. This expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, which may result in the development of cracks and gaps.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will increase its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Find a Kearny foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Kearny

Look for foundation repair companies in Kearny 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 many signs your foundation needs attention, each with varying levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• 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 issues.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation issues such as a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a failing foundation moves, making doors stick when shut or fail to shut properly at all.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is dragging the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals offer a range of services from crack repair to stabilization. Even if you don't know what exactly is wrong with your foundation, a pro will take a look at it and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will locate 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 technician will isolate the leak, fix the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can seal cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's dimensions, orientation and location. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This approach supports your foundation by keeping it in place and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an extensive process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Contractors use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally 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. Prices vary depending on the method, the technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by adding a speed strip, dimple board, 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 Kearny

The right professional is essential when fixing your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to safeguard 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 fit, ask if they understand the source of the problem and what they think is the best fix. 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. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the pros and cons of each technique. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is thorough 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 for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are different options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, professionals will offer estimates for free. Get multiple quotes so you can compare prices. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your contractor 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 defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

The extent of the damage significantly impacts how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can span one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs typically take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take between four and 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 repair projects. However, if the service provider 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 Kearny home?

While you should always seek professional advice if you think you already have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before concrete is poured for the foundation. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your contractor should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. During an inspection, keep an eye out for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently points to foundation issues, so don't forget to check them as well.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup because it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The summers in Kearny are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it keep hydrated.

Finally, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home'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.