10 best foundation repair companies in Mason, Ohio

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your home can break down, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair professional.

To prevent further problems including roof damage, cracking walls or a sinking foundation, it's important to address foundation damage quickly. Addressing the issue while it's still small will save you money and headaches over time.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the expense of foundation repair or related problems. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will improve if you fix your foundation problems. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Mason immediately when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Mason

Look for foundation repair companies in Mason 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 range of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing repair, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to pop up more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not close properly.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: First, the technician will find 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 technician will isolate the leak, repair the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the location and the orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically required when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required 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 technical skill required, the process and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more cost-effective than leveling. The one downside is that it won't level out your house.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to block water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to use the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Mason

Repairing your foundation is critical, so you need to hire the right expert for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. Even though the state of Ohio doesn't require specific licensing for contractors, many cities enforce their own legal requirements. We suggest opting for a professional with a contracting license and verifying the relevant regulations in your city or county with your local building department.

What do you think is the cause of the problem, and how do you recommend fixing it?

To ensure a contractor is the right fit, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the best fix. 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 a possibility if the quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. You can always ask for a second opinion from another provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most respectable businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, including installment 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?

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 particular costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is greatly influenced by the severity of the damage, but projects can range from one day to two months.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily relocate.

How can you protect the foundation of your Mason home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is critical if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative solutions you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new home, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place 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. Proper curing of your concrete is essential 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. During these checks, look out for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly points to foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them as well.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. To promote proper air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots keep away from your home's foundation.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a big problem in Mason because the summers are fairly gentle. However, if your area encounters an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Finally, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop water damage by guiding 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.