10 best foundation repair companies in Manalapan, New Jersey

The foundation plays a key role in your home's structural integrity. Without a strong foundation, everything in your home can deteriorate, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your family. 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 professional.

Address foundation damage early on to prevent further problems, including cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage. You'll save money and headaches over time by resolving the problem while it's still minor.

Not only are homes with foundation problems dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will improve if you fix your foundation problems. Contact a foundation repair company in Manalapan immediately when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Manalapan

Look for foundation repair companies in Manalapan 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's a variety of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing repair, each associated with a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially 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 mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space commonly indicates future foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls as a damaged foundation shifts, making doors jam when closed or fail to close properly at all.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have high and low spots or feel bouncy.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural 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 dragging the walls away from their initial location.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts in Manalapan offer a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a professional will take a look at your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a provider's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's size, position and angle 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.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers often offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an in-depth technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The approach requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the technical expertise required, the number of piers added and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This approach supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Manalapan

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to hire the right fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard 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?

Ask the service provider if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best solution, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the estimated cost is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. We recommend getting a few estimates for price comparison, as most licensed providers will offer them for free. How much your foundation repair project will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer financing options, such as installment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you can expect once the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering particular costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is complete.

How long will the repairs take?

The timeline of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months depending on how extensive the damage is.

Fixing cracks and leaks can be completed in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair often 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?

Foundation repair services are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can easily remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Manalapan 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

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. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. 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

Conducting routine inspections is the best way to shield your home's foundation. inspect, you must look out for evidence of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often signal foundation problems.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. To promote sufficient air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots keep away from your home's foundation.

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

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your house's 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.