7 best foundation repair companies in Monroe, Louisiana

Your foundation supports your home's stability and durability. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to fall apart, creating unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. 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 future issues including roof damage, cracking walls or a sinking foundation, it's essential to resolve foundation damage early on. Resolving the problem while it's still minor will save you money and headaches down the road.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a property with foundation problems as they don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will rise if you fix your foundation issues. Find a Monroe 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 Monroe

Look for foundation repair companies in Monroe 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 are several clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• 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 surrounding 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 see cracks in the ceiling.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be damaged if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows separating from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a damaged foundation shifts, resulting in doors that catch when closed or fail to close fully at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space can be a solid sign of future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair provider in Monroe will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These pros perform a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service technician's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. Which sealant the technician uses depends on the crack's size, 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: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This service supports your foundation by maintaining its position and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts usually perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex technique that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The process requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the procedure, the technical expertise required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all through a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Monroe

Ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions to find the best fit for your job.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect you and your property. However, licenses are only required for foundation repair companies in the state of Louisiana if the job is valued at more than $7,500. For jobs between $7,500 and $75,000, professionals must have a Home Improvement License, while jobs worth more than $75,000 require a Residential License. Both licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

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

When considering a foundation repair company, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best remedy. If raising your slab is the method they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is an option if the cost estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are multiple options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. We recommend getting more than one estimates for price comparison, as most respectable providers will offer them for free. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Some service providers may offer financing options, including payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what coverage you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

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.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can span 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 job. 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 projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Monroe home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new home, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your contractor pours the concrete. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete must cure completely. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best method to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you perform these assessments, watch closely for any shifting, cracking or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Be sure to check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation trouble.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. To promote adequate air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots stay away from your home's foundation.

Foundations in Monroe are at risk for foundation shrinkage and cracking due to the extreme heat during the summer. To help prevent concrete shrinkage, you should water your concrete slab during the hot summer months.

Lastly, make sure to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent standing water by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, which stops 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.