10 best foundation repair companies in Lodi, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's stability. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to fall to pieces, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Built-up groundwater that gets cold enough to freeze and solidify can cause foundations in Lodi to move and break.

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 dangerous conditions. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will improve its market value when you decide to sell. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Lodi as soon as possible when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Lodi

Look for foundation repair companies in Lodi 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 signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly 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.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, spaces appear in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when shut or not close properly at all.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or separate from their frames.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you find mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation issues especially a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals in Lodi provide a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a professional will inspect your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service technician 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, repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position 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: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a comprehensive procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors employ this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically necessary 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 number of piers added, the method and the technical specialty required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it won't level out your home.
• 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 dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to opt for the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Lodi

Ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions to find the ideal fit for your needs.

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?

Find out if the service provider can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. To get a comprehensive understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with the answer or think they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are several alternatives. Most respectable businesses will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Some companies may offer financing options, including installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what protection you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

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

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

You can usually stay inside your home while foundation repairs are in progress. You may have to stay elsewhere if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Lodi home?

It's important to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to shield your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Before pouring the concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure completely. 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

The most effective method to shield your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. As you inspect, check for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often points to foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them too.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and facilitate mold that threatens your foundation. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to prevent potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big problem in Lodi because the summers are fairly gentle. Still, if your area goes through an extreme heat wave, consider watering your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help decrease standing water by redirecting 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.