10 best foundation repair companies in Newark, Delaware

The foundation is an essential part of your house. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to fall apart, leading to unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a skilled foundation repair technician immediately.

To prevent future issues including cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation, it's important to address foundation damage quickly. It's better in the long run to address the foundation issue while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

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 you decide to sell, your home's value will increase if you resolve your foundation issues. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Newark immediately when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Newark

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

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• 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: If you see moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls when a compromised foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when shut or not close properly.
• 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 separate from their frames.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals offer a variety of services from crack repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a pro will assess it and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have a few different causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can seal cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's dimensions, orientation and location. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• 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 technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often 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 process and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all through a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Newark

Ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions to identify the ideal fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect you and your property. While state licensing isn’t legally required for foundation repair professionals in Delaware, you should focus your search on pros with a contracting license, as they’ll be performing important and, often, expensive work on your home. You should also check with your local county or city licensing board to see if there are area-specific requirements for these companies.

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

Find out if the foundation repair company understands what is causing the problem and what they think is the right fix. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. If you don't agree with 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?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are different options. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get a few estimates so you can compare prices. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a set period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

The extent of the damage significantly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair typically 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?

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can often stay inside your home. You may have to stay elsewhere if the contractor has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Newark home?

Although consulting an expert is essential if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better safeguard your home's foundation from future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared area before concrete is poured for the foundation. Adequate drainage must also be established to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete must cure completely after it's poured. Your contractor must follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best way to shield your foundation from future damage is through regular inspections. During an inspection, keep an eye out for any breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar types of damage, as these commonly suggest foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and cause mold growth. To promote adequate air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The summers in Newark are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to help it keep hydrated.

As a final step, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling rainwater away from your home's 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.