10 best foundation repair companies in Manchester, New Jersey

The foundation plays a key role in supporting your home. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to start to collapse, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that demand immediate action from a foundation repair professional.

Built-up groundwater that freezes and turns into ice can cause foundations in Manchester to shift and crack.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a property with foundation troubles as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation problems will raise its value when you decide to sell. Reach out to a Manchester foundation repair company immediately if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Manchester

Look for foundation repair companies in Manchester 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 various clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly checking the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• 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 signify foundation problems.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors jam when shut or not shut fully.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is shifting the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Manchester will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These pros perform a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service technician's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can seal cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• 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 one downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts usually offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The technique requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the procedure, the number of piers added and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all by using a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Manchester

Repairing your foundation is vital, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask experts you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured 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 evaluating a foundation repair company, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal remedy. If raising your slab is the solution they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a possibility if the estimated price is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. Get a second opinion if you don't like the answer or feel like they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the service will cost. If there are multiple options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, professionals will offer estimates for free. Get a few quotes so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment 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 company that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you should have once the repairs are finished. 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 finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

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

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can often stay inside your home. You may have to relocate if the technician cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Manchester home?

It's essential to contact a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new home, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Additionally, proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. The concrete must cure completely after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. inspect, be sure to look out for any indications of breaking, cracking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently points to foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris since it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to stop potential damage.

The summers in Manchester are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about heat-related concrete shrinkage too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, make sure to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters channel rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, stopping pooling water that can cause 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.