10 best foundation repair companies in Monroe, North Carolina

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. A compromised foundation can cause your house to break down, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your family and pets. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair expert.

Monroe gets an average of 45 inches of rain each year, which introduces moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain soaks the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and air gaps.

Not only are homes with foundation problems dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. Your home's value will improve when you decide to sell if you resolve your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, locate a foundation repair company in Monroe as soon as possible.

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?

Your foundation will display several signs that it requires attention, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a failing foundation moves, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not shut properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation problems.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or detach from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies perform a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will inspect your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair pros in Monroe:

• Leak repair: The professional's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can seal cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's location, orientation and dimensions. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a complex process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically necessary 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. Prices vary based on the technical skill required, the number of piers added and the process.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has come into 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 getting in 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 Monroe

Ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions to get the ideal fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to protect you and your home. Foundation repair professionals in North Carolina are required to have either a Building or Residential Contractor License from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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 understand the source of the problem and what they think is the right solution. If raising your slab is the method they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the price estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair provider to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. You can always get a second opinion from a different company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most reputable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. 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?

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?

Ask about a company's warranty options to know what kind of coverage you'll have after the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be completed 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?

Foundation repair projects are often safe and unintrusive enough that you can easily remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the service provider has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Monroe home?

If you think your home has foundation damage, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to prevent future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building 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 in place before your service provider pours the concrete. Additionally, adequate drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure properly after it's poured. Your contractor should follow the setting standards for the products used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform regular inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, watch closely for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking around or within the concrete. Check your walls and framings for similar signs of damage, as these often indicate foundation issues.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and facilitate mold that threatens your foundation. Cut back plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

The high heat in Monroe can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so consider watering your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hot summer months.

Lastly, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help cut down on standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your house'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.