10 best foundation repair companies in Nutley, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's structural integrity. If your foundation isn't sturdy and reliable, it can cause your house to become unstable, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be examined immediately by a foundation repair expert.

Your foundation in Nutley may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 49 inches each year. Heavy rain continuously falling 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 cause the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to take on the cost of foundation repair or related issues. When you decide to sell, your home's value will improve if you resolve your foundation problems. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in Nutley right away when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Nutley

Look for foundation repair companies in Nutley 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 signs 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 regularly checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation moves, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not close properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you find cracks in the ceiling.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears cracked or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts offer a range of services from leak repair to stabilization. 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: The professional's first step is to find the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's position, angle and size 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.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an in-depth technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals employ this process 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 the form of 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 technical specialty required, the method and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best choice for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing further movement. It's less disruptive and more cost-effective than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by using a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip 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 Nutley

Repairing your foundation is essential, so you need to get the right pro for the job. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. 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?

To ensure a service provider is the right fit, ask if they understand the source of the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they recommend 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 a possibility instead. To get a comprehensive understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. If you don't feel like 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?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are multiple options. Most reputable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you should have once the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is complete.

How long will the repairs take?

The duration of foundation repairs can range from a single day to two months depending on how extensive the damage is.

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, based on the extent of the project. A pier repair often 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?

Foundation repair services are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can easily remain inside your home throughout the project. You may have to leave or relocate if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger jobs such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Nutley home?

It's essential to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to shield your home's foundation from damage 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 what steps they will take during foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before concrete is poured for the foundation. Adequate drainage must also be established to prevent water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Your foundation expert has to 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

Regular inspections are the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. During these checks, look out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation problems.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. To promote sufficient air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The relatively mild summers in Nutley mean that you don't have to be too worried about heat-related concrete shrinkage. But, you may want to water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, preventing water accumulation that can lead to 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.