10 best foundation repair companies in Lakeside, Florida

Your foundation supports your house's structural integrity. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to crumble, leading to 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 inspected immediately by a foundation repair professional.

Your foundation in Lakeside may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 51 inches annually. Heavy rain continuously falling around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can cause the formation of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a house with foundation problems as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Your home's value will rise when it comes time to sell if you fix your foundation problems. Find a foundation repair company in Lakeside as soon as possible when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Lakeside

Look for foundation repair companies in Lakeside 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?

Your foundation will display various hints that it requires attention, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you see cracks in the ceiling.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation changes position, gaps form in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when shut or not close properly.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• 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 position.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Lakeside will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These technicians offer a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's position, angle and size determine the type of sealant used. 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best choice for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an in-depth technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Contractors employ this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often required 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 technical specialty required, the number of piers added and the method.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to channel 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 Lakeside

Fixing your foundation is important, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask professionals you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues Certified Contractor Licenses in Building, General Contracting and Residential Construction for foundation repair professionals, while further certifications are required at the local level. If you aren’t sure if your contractor has the correct license, check with your city’s local licensing board or the National Foundation Repair Association.

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

Find out if the contractor knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. 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. To get a complete understanding of your choices, ask about the pros and cons of each solution. A second opinion is always an option if you don't agree with the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are multiple options. Often, professionals will offer quotes for free. Get a few quotes so you can compare prices. 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 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 know what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary from one day to as long as two months based on the severity of the damage.

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, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs often 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?

Foundation repair projects are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the project. You may have to leave or relocate if the technician has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved jobs such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Lakeside home?

While you should always consult a professional if you think you already have foundation issues, you can take steps to protect 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 house, 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 area before concrete is poured for the foundation. Adequate drainage must also be established to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure properly. Your service professional must follow the setting standards for the material used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Doing regular inspections is the most reliable way to protect your home's foundation. inspect, be sure to look out for any indications of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation trouble.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. To promote proper air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

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

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting 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.