10 best foundation repair companies in Long Branch, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a strong foundation, everything in your house can break down, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your family. 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 specialist.

The freezing temperatures in Long Branch make foundations in the area susceptible to shifting and cracking when built-up groundwater freezes.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related issues. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will increase if you fix your foundation problems. Find a foundation repair company in Long Branch as soon as possible when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Long Branch

Look for foundation repair companies in Long Branch 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 hints your foundation needs attention, each with their own level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space commonly signals future foundation troubles, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a failing foundation shifts, resulting in doors that stick when closed or not close properly.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• 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 shifting the walls away from their initial position.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies provide a range of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a pro will take a look at your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair technicians in Long Branch:

• Leak repair: The service provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair professional will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's size, position and angle determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning out 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 has started to sink, the best solution for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The only disadvantage is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an in-depth procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The process requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by adding a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Long Branch

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to identify the right fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect 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?

When evaluating a service provider, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best remedy. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the estimated cost is too high. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with the answer or feel like they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are different options. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get several estimates so you can compare prices. The severity of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your repair professional may offer financing options, such as payment 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?

Talk with your foundation repair company 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 expenses, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take from one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs commonly 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 stay in your home during foundation repair jobs. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Long Branch home?

If you think your home has foundation damage, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to keep water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete must cure completely. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Doing routine inspections is the easiest way to shield your home's foundation. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also indicate foundation issues.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold that threatens your foundation. Sufficient air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

The relatively mild summers in Long Branch mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. But, you should water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to keep it hydrated.

As a final step, make sure to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters guide rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, stopping standing water that can lead to 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.