10 best foundation repair companies in Maplewood, New Jersey

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. A compromised foundation can cause your house to fall to pieces, creating unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones. 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 professional.

Your foundation in Maplewood may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 49 inches each year. Heavy rain soaking the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can cause the formation of cracks and air gaps.

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 problems. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will improve its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Reach out to a Maplewood foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Maplewood

Look for foundation repair companies in Maplewood 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 maintenance, each associated with a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you find mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems especially a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation issues.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a failing foundation shifts, making doors stick when shut or fail to shut properly.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts offer a range of services from leak repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what precisely is wrong with your foundation, a pro will take a look at it and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will locate the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position 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: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This process supports your foundation by keeping it in place and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often required 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 the form of 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.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip 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 Maplewood

The right professional is essential when maintaining your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair experts 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?

Ask the foundation repair company if they understand what is causing the problem and what they think is the best 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 ask if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the estimated cost is too high. To get a complete understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each method. 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 for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. If there are several options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. We recommend getting more than one quotes for price comparison, as most respectable experts will offer them for free. How much your foundation repair job 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 provider 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'll have once the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can last from one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs typically 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Maplewood home?

If you think your home has foundation issues, it's best to speak with a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to protect your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your contractor. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical after it's poured. Your foundation expert must follow the setting standards for the material used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best method to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you perform an inspection, be vigilant for any cracking, shifting or breaking around or within the concrete. Similar damage on your walls and framings often indicates foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. To promote sufficient air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a big issue in Maplewood because the summers are moderately warm. Although, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you should water your concrete slab to keep it hydrated.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters guide rainwater away from your home'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.