10 best foundation repair companies in Linden, New Jersey

The foundation plays an important role in supporting your home. A compromised foundation can cause your house to break down, creating dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home strongly indicate foundation problems that demand urgent attention from a foundation repair professional.

The freezing temperatures in Linden make foundations in the area vulnerable to moving and breaking when built-up groundwater freezes.

Not only do foundation issues make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or related issues. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will improve its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Contact a foundation repair company in Linden right away when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Linden

Look for foundation repair companies in Linden 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 many clues that it requires repair, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, gaps appear in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when closed or fail to close properly at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space can be a strong indicator of future foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• 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: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears fractured or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Linden provide a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a pro will take a look at your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service technician will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. Which sealant the technician uses depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often necessary 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. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the technical skill required and the process.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This technique supports your foundation by maintaining its position and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avert 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 speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Linden

Repairing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair job, ask providers you're choosing between 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. 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 vetting a service provider, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best fix. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, find out 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 estimated cost is too high. To get a complete understanding of your options, 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?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair service will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a percentage off 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 group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the foundation repair company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is over.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Repairing 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, based 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?

In most cases, you can stay in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the contractor 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 Linden 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

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot 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. Once poured, your concrete must cure completely. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your contractor should comply with 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 regular inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation trouble.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to avert potential damage.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major problem in Linden because the summers are relatively mild. However, if your area encounters a particularly hot summer, you should water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop standing water by channeling rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, which stops water damage.

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.