10 best foundation repair companies in Norwalk, Connecticut

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to start to collapse, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your family members. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a major red flag that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

The average annual rainfall of 50 inches in Norwalk can cause moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain soaks the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. This expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, which may result in the development of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a home with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will improve if you address your foundation issues. Find a Norwalk foundation repair company immediately if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Norwalk

Look for foundation repair companies in Norwalk 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's a range of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing attention, each associated with a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation shifts the walls away from their initial location.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls when a failing foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when closed or not close properly.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation issues including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• 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.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros in Norwalk offer a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a pro will take a look at your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position determine which sealant the technician uses. After cleaning out 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.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an in-depth technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Professionals use this process to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often used when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or as 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 number of piers added and the technical specialty required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, the best option for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The only downside is that it won't level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to redirect it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to opt for the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Norwalk

Ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions to get the right fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. Foundation repair professionals performing work valued at more than $200 must have a Home Improvement Contractor License from the Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, these professionals should have at least $20,000 in liability insurance.

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

Ask the foundation repair company if they understand what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are multiple options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Often, contractors will offer estimates for free. Get more than one estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair project will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, such as installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Discuss a company's warranty options so you'll understand what protection you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

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. 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 being completed, you can usually stay inside your home. You may have to relocate if the contractor cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Norwalk 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 damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before concrete is poured for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete must cure fully after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting routine inspections is the easiest way to safeguard your home's foundation. As you inspect, look out for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris 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 problem in Norwalk because the summers are moderately warm. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding 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.