10 best foundation repair companies in Lafayette, Indiana

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to become unstable, creating dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a sign that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair expert.

To prevent future issues such as roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls, it's essential to resolve foundation damage as soon as possible. You'll save time and money in the long run by resolving the issue while it's still small.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation issues as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's market value will improve when you're ready to put it on the market if you fix your foundation problems. Reach out to a Lafayette foundation repair company right away if you suspect your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Lafayette

Look for foundation repair companies in Lafayette 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 clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually the first hint of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows separating from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears fractured or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space usually signals future foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls as a damaged foundation moves, making doors stick when closed or fail to shut fully at all.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Lafayette offer a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a pro will assess your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service technician will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, fix the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's size, position and angle determine which sealant the technician 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 a comprehensive technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often required when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed either on top of the foundation or in a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the technical skill required, the process and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to use the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Lafayette

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to get the ideal fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to protect you and your home. In Indiana, foundation repair professionals aren't legally required to have any sort of licensing. However, we recommend that you should focus your search on pros with a contracting license, as these experts know their way around a home's essential structures and the appropriate safety measures.

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

Ask the contractor if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right remedy. If raising your slab is the solution they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a possibility if the cost estimate is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs 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. We recommend getting a few quotes for price comparison, as most trusted professionals will offer them for free. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment 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?

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 costs, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

The severity of the damage significantly influences 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 further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can last from one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs usually 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 repairs. However, if the technician needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily relocate.

How can you protect the foundation of your Lafayette home?

It's essential to contact a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to shield your home's foundation from issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new home, ask your technician about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform regular inspections. During these inspections, keep an eye out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often point to foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. Adequate air circulation around your home is critical, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to stop potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big worry in Lafayette because the summers are moderately warm. Although, if your area encounters a particularly hot summer, consider watering your concrete slab to keep it hydrated.

Lastly, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help prevent 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.