10 best foundation repair companies in Marlboro, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your home can become unstable, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by a professional foundation repair technician urgently.

Fix foundation damage as soon as possible to prevent further issues, including a sinking foundation, roof damage or cracking walls. You'll save time and money down the road by resolving the issue while it's still minor.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation issues as they don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's market value will increase when you're ready to put it on the market if you address your foundation problems. Reach out to a Marlboro foundation repair company right away if you suspect your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Marlboro

Look for foundation repair companies in Marlboro 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 usually the first clue of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears fractured or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• 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 springy.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors stick when shut or not close fully.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: First, the service professional will determine 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 professional will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, position and size determine which sealant the professional uses. 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 is sinking, stabilization may be the best option for preventing further damage. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The only drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an extensive process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally required when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in 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 technical specialty required, the method and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Marlboro

The right professional is vital when fixing your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed 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 contractor, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best remedy. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the estimated cost is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each technique. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the service will cost. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Most trusted professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair specialist to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

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 take from one day to a week, based 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?

Foundation repair jobs are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can easily remain inside your home throughout the work. 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 Marlboro home?

It's essential to contact a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to shield your home's foundation from issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about their approach to foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared area before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is essential to stop water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. Proper 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 need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Frequent inspections are the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. During an inspection, keep an eye out for any breaking, cracking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often indicate foundation damage.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris as it can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. To promote proper air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots keep at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major issue in Marlboro because the summers are relatively mild. However, if your area encounters a very hot season, you should water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

Lastly, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters channel rainwater away from your foundation and siding, preventing standing 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.