10 best foundation repair companies in Oakleaf Plantation, Florida

The foundation is a critical part of your house. Without a strong foundation, everything in your house can deteriorate, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a big clue that something is wrong with your foundation and should be examined immediately by a foundation repair expert.

Address foundation damage early on to prevent further problems, including roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to address the foundation problem while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

Not only are homes with foundation problems unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's market value will rise if you fix your foundation issues. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in Oakleaf Plantation right away when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Oakleaf Plantation

Look for foundation repair companies in Oakleaf Plantation 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 several hints your foundation needs repair, each with varying levels of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under 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 detach from their frames.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of looming foundation problems, especially 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 indicate foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a compromised foundation moves, making doors jam when closed or fail to close properly at all.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact problem with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Oakleaf Plantation will inspect it and advise you on the best solution. These pros perform a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a professional's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's position, size and angle determine the type of sealant used. 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: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, contractors generally offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The technique requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the technical expertise required, the number of piers added and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best option for stopping further damage. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The one downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from entering 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 Oakleaf Plantation

Repairing your foundation is vital, so you need to hire the right expert for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect you and your property. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues Certified Contractor Licenses in Building, General Contracting and Residential Construction for foundation repair professionals, while further certifications are required at the local level. If you aren’t sure if your contractor has the correct license, check with your city’s local licensing board or the National Foundation Repair Association.

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

Ask the foundation repair company if they know what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best solution, find out 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. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. 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?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most trusted professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. How much your foundation repair job will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

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 percentage off 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 expenses, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can last from one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs often take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take between four and six weeks.

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

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Oakleaf Plantation home?

It's essential to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to shield your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Additionally, proper drainage is essential to prevent water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete should cure completely. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. When you conduct an inspection, be sure to check for evidence of breaking, shifting 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.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. Cut back plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

In Oakleaf Plantation, the intense heat can lead to foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, consider watering your concrete slab from time to time, especially during the hot summer months.

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