10 best foundation repair companies in Montclair, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your house. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, creating dangerous conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a sign that something is wrong with your foundation and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair professional.

Your foundation in Montclair may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 49 inches annually. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and swell, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can result in the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles 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. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation problems will improve its value when you're ready to put it on the market. If your foundation is at risk, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Montclair as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Montclair

Look for foundation repair companies in Montclair 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 commonly your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces form in the walls as a failing foundation moves, making doors stick when shut or fail to close properly at all.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial location.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies provide a range of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a professional 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 Montclair:

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, size and position determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive procedure that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers use this method 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 as 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.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This process supports your foundation by maintaining its position and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more economical and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to divert it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, speed strip, 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 Montclair

The right professional is essential when maintaining your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. 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?

To ensure a foundation repair company is the right fit, ask if they can identify the source of the problem and what they think is the right solution. 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 an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each technique. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being thorough enough, you can always get a second opinion from another company.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. If there are multiple options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get multiple quotes so you can compare prices. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your service provider directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for installment plans or 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 expenses, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects can range 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, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs often 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Montclair home?

If you think your home has foundation issues, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to prevent future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your contractor. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Your foundation expert has to follow the setting standards for the material 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 routine inspections. inspect, be sure to check for any indications of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar types of damage, as these often signal foundation problems.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup because it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. To promote proper air circulation, cut back 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 issue in Montclair because the summers are fairly gentle. Still, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to keep it hydrated.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help cut down on standing water by channeling 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.