10 best foundation repair companies in North Bergen, New Jersey

The foundation is an essential part of your house. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your home can start to collapse, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a major red flag that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair expert.

North Bergen gets an average of 47 inches of rain annually, which can cause moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain soaks the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and gaps.

Not only do foundation issues make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related issues. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will boost its value when it comes time to sell. Get in touch with a North Bergen foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in North Bergen

Look for foundation repair companies in North Bergen 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: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to pop up more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• 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.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space, it indicates you might have foundation problems including a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, gaps appear in the walls, causing doors to get stuck when shut or fail to close fully at all.

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 North Bergen will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These experts offer a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. Which sealant the professional uses depends on the crack's size, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more cost-effective than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a comprehensive procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally used when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary depending on the method, the technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop 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 North Bergen

Fixing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask experts you're comparing the following questions.

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?

When considering a contractor, ask if they can identify the cause of the problem and what they believe is the right remedy. 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 an option instead. To get a comprehensive understanding of your choices, ask about the pros and cons of each method. If you don't think the answer they give you is thorough enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the service will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are several alternatives. We recommend getting several quotes for price comparison, as most licensed businesses will offer them for free. The severity of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or external companies that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your service provider 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 completed.

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.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be completed within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based 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?

Foundation repair projects are often safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the work. 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 more involved jobs such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your North Bergen home?

It's essential to contact 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 damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're building a new house, ask your contractor about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before concrete is poured for the foundation. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan regular inspections. During these checks, keep an eye out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar signs of damage, as these often suggest foundation issues.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold that threatens your foundation. Cut back plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The summers in North Bergen are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, consider watering your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Finally, make sure to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop 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.