10 best foundation repair companies in Mountain Brook, Alabama

The foundation plays an important role in your home's structural integrity. A compromised foundation can cause your house to break down, creating unsafe conditions for you and your family. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a licensed foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Your foundation in Mountain Brook may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 53 inches annually. Heavy rain soaking 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 swelling soil base can result in the formation of cracks and air gaps.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a house with foundation problems as they don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Your home's market value will rise when you decide to sell if you resolve your foundation problems. Find a foundation repair company in Mountain Brook right away when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Mountain Brook

Look for foundation repair companies in Mountain Brook 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 give you several clues that it requires maintenance, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a failing foundation tilts, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to catch when closed or not close properly.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation problems especially a sinking foundation.
• 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: If your chimney appears broken or starts to lean, your foundation may already be failing.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial position.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation problems.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a variety of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a pro will assess your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair pros in Mountain Brook:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will locate the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more economical than leveling. The one downside is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a heavily involved procedure that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally required 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. Costs vary based on the process, the number of piers added and the technical skill required.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip 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 choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Mountain Brook

Repairing your foundation is important, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair needs, ask companies you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to protect you and your home. Alabama foundation repair professionals must be Licensed Prime Contractors or Subcontractors with a Building Construction classification, and should be registered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. You can also check with the National Foundation Repair Association to determine if your repair company has the appropriate certifications for your specific job.

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

Find out if the service provider knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal fix. 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. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. If you don't think the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for an estimate. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are multiple options. Most respectable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company 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 defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary from one day to as long as two months depending on the severity of the damage.

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 projects are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the contractor 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 Mountain Brook home?

It's important to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to protect your home's foundation from issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about their process for foundation installation. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the ground. Adequate drainage must also be established to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure completely after it's poured. Your contractor must 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

The best way to protect your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly signals foundation problems, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base because buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. To promote sufficient air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots keep at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The fairly mild summers in Mountain Brook 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 keep it hydrated.

Finally, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can pool.

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.