10 best foundation repair companies in Meriden, Connecticut

The foundation plays a key role in your home's stability. Without a solid foundation, everything in your house can become unstable, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that demand quick action from a foundation repair expert.

Foundations in Meriden are prone to moving and breaking due to the cold weather in the area. When built-up groundwater freezes and turns into ice, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's value will improve when you're ready to put it on the market if you fix your foundation issues. If your foundation is in danger, locate a foundation repair company in Meriden immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Meriden

Look for foundation repair companies in Meriden 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?

Your foundation will give you several signs that it requires repair, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• 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 notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is dragging the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel bouncy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a broken foundation changes position, spaces develop in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when shut or not shut properly at all.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies provide a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will take a look at your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair professionals in Meriden:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have a few different causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's dimensions, the location and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best solution for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The only downside is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally needed 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 a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the process and the technical skill required.
• 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 speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board 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 opt for the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Meriden

Repairing your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask experts you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your home. Foundation repair professionals performing work valued at more than $200 must have a Home Improvement Contractor License from the Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, these professionals should have at least $20,000 in liability insurance.

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

When evaluating a service provider, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal fix. 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 quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. You can always get 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 pro you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are several alternatives. Most reputable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent 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 discount 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 group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your foundation repair company about their warranty options to understand the protection you'll have after the repairs. Some companies offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty covering various expenses, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is greatly influenced by the severity of the damage, but projects generally vary 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Meriden home?

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

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 concrete is poured for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to stop water from gathering on or around 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 width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan regular inspections. As you perform these inspections, stay alert for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking around or within the concrete. Check your walls and framings for similar types of damage, as these often signal foundation damage.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. To promote adequate air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Particularly hot summers are not common in Meriden, which luckily means that concrete shrinkage due to heat isn't a major concern. Nevertheless, when your area faces exceptionally hot conditions, consider watering your foundation slab as a precautionary measure.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling 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.