10 best foundation repair companies in Middletown, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's stability. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to become unstable, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair specialist.

The average annual rainfall of 46 inches in Middletown creates moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain soaks the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, possibly leading to the development of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a property with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's value will rise when you decide to sell if you fix your foundation issues. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Middletown immediately when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Middletown

Look for foundation repair companies in Middletown 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 urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually the first clue of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or pull apart from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space commonly points to future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a broken foundation changes position, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not shut fully.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem springy as you walk on them.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts in Middletown offer a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a professional will take a look at your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will identify 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 specialist will isolate the leak, repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can close cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the dimensions of the crack, 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 has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an in-depth procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Professionals use this method to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often necessary 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 number of piers added, the technical specialty required and the method.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board 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 Middletown

Maintaining your foundation is important, so you need to hire the right professional 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 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 service provider if they know what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, ask 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. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of each. 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?

Ask prospective companies for a quote. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair project will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your repair professional may offer financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your contractor 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 costs, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary from one day to as long as two months depending on the severity of the damage.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair often takes three to four weeks, while underpinning can take four to six weeks.

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

You can usually stay inside your home while foundation repairs are in progress. You may have to relocate if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Middletown home?

It's essential to consult a professional 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

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it has to cure fully. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. When you conduct an inspection, you must check for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup as it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. To promote adequate air circulation, trim 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.

The fairly mild summers in Middletown mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Nevertheless, you may want to water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to help it retain moisture.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting 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.