10 best foundation repair companies in Montville, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your home's stability and durability. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to break down, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be assessed by a licensed foundation repair technician immediately.

Your foundation in Montville may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 51 inches each year. Heavy rain soaking the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can cause the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or related issues. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will increase if you fix your foundation problems. If your foundation is at risk, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Montville as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Montville

Look for foundation repair companies in Montville 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 various clues your foundation needs maintenance, each with their own level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, gaps form in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or fail to shut properly at all.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to lean, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space often points to future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation problems.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a range 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 technicians in Montville:

• Leak repair: The service professional's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially 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 supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can close cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's orientation, location and dimensions. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also possibilities.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, the best choice for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more economical than leveling. The one downside is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a heavily involved procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Service providers employ this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in the form of 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 technical specialty required, the number of piers added and the method.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from getting in 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 Montville

Maintaining your foundation is vital, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask professionals you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard 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 foundation repair company if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. To get a comprehensive understanding of your choices, ask about the pros and cons of each solution. You can always ask for a second opinion from a different company if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. 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. Often, contractors will offer estimates for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair job will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

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

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 costs, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the degree of the damage largely determining the timeline.

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, depending 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 underway, you can usually remain 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 Montville home?

While you should always consult a professional if you think you have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard your home's foundation against future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. Additionally, proper drainage is key to stop water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the width of the pour. Your contractor should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan regular inspections. During an inspection, check for any cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often points to foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The relatively mild summers in Montville mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Still, consider watering your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your 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.