3 best foundation repair companies in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The foundation plays a key role in supporting your home. A compromised foundation can cause your house to fall apart, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your family and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a licensed foundation repair technician urgently.

The average annual rainfall of 53 inches in Lake Charles can cause moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, possibly leading to the development of cracks and air gaps.

Not only are homes with foundation problems unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Your home's value will increase when it comes time to sell if you address your foundation issues. If your foundation is in jeopardy, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Lake Charles immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Lake Charles

Look for foundation repair companies in Lake Charles 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 maintenance, each with different levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space often signals future foundation troubles, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or pull apart from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial position.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a broken foundation shifts, gaps appear in the walls, causing doors to jam when shut or fail to close properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair specialists offer a range of services from crack repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what exactly is wrong with your foundation, a professional will inspect it and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the technician will find 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 pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. Which sealant the professional uses depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the angle. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an in-depth technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually used 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 process, the number of piers added and the technical skill required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, stabilization may be the best service for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling. The one drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• 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 installing a moisture barrier, speed strip, 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 Lake Charles

The right expert is vital when repairing your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

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

When considering a foundation repair company, ask if they can identify the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best fix. If they think raising your slab is the best solution, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being thorough enough, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. We recommend getting multiple estimates for price comparison, as most licensed professionals will offer them for free. The overall cost varies based 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 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?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't further damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair typically 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 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 temporarily stay elsewhere.

How can you protect the foundation of your Lake Charles 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 issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new home, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your contractor pours the concrete. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete must cure properly. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Check 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 as buildup can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

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

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your 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.