10 best foundation repair companies in Morris, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your home. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by a skilled foundation repair technician urgently.

Foundations in Morris are susceptible to moving and breaking due to the freezing temperatures in the area. When built-up groundwater gets cold enough to freeze and solidify, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

Not only are homes with foundation issues unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will rise if you resolve your foundation issues. If your foundation is in danger, reach out to a foundation repair company in Morris as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Morris

Look for foundation repair companies in Morris 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 hints your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first sign of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to lean, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space can be a strong sign of future foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a failing foundation moves, making doors stick when closed or not close fully.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Morris will inspect it and advise you on the best solution. These technicians offer a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a professional's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can close cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning out 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.
• 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. Experts use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally used when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or in the form of a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the process and the technical skill required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best choice for preventing further damage. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The main drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to enter 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 dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to use the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Morris

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to protect 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?

Ask the contractor if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the estimated cost is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. We recommend getting a few quotes for price comparison, as most licensed experts will offer them for free. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Check with your repair professional to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is done.

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.

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't further damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based 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 underway. You may have to relocate if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Morris home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is crucial if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative measures 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, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. As you perform an inspection, stay alert for any cracking, shifting or breaking in or near the slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly indicate foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major issue in Morris because the summers are moderately warm. But, if your area goes through a very hot season, you may want to water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling 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.