10 best foundation repair companies in North Plainfield, New Jersey

The foundation is a critical part of your house's structure. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that need immediate action from a foundation repair expert.

Fixing foundation damage early on is key to preventing further issues, including a sinking foundation, roof damage or cracking walls. You'll save money and headaches over time by resolving the problem while it's still minor.

Not only are homes with foundation problems dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Your home's value will rise when it comes time to sell if you address your foundation problems. Get in touch with a North Plainfield foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is in jeopardy.

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

Look for foundation repair companies in North Plainfield 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 a range of clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that jam when closed or not shut properly.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• 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.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial location.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat springy.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals offer a variety of services from leak repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a pro will inspect it and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service provider's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, the best choice for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The only downside is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a complex technique that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors 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 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 process, the technical skill required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by using a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in North Plainfield

Repairing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask experts you're choosing between 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?

Ask the contractor if they know what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best option, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the price estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of each. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for an estimate. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Often, professionals will offer quotes for free. Get more than one quotes so you can compare prices. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment 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 company that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what protection you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer 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 greatly impacts how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be done in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair usually requires three to four weeks, while underpinning takes between four and six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

In most cases, you can stay in your home during foundation repair projects. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily stay elsewhere.

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

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

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 land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure fully. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Performing routine inspections is the most reliable way to shield your home's foundation. As you inspect, look out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often points to foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris since it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is critical, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to avert potential damage.

The summers in North Plainfield are fairly gentle, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a very hot season, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

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