10 best foundation repair companies in Ocean, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your home's stability. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your home can start to collapse, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that demand immediate attention from a foundation repair specialist.

Your foundation in Ocean may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 46 inches annually. Heavy rain soaking the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can cause the formation of cracks and air gaps.

Not only do foundation issues make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to deal with the expense of foundation repair or related problems. Your home's value will increase when you're ready to put it on the market if you address your foundation issues. Reach out to a Ocean foundation repair company immediately if you suspect your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Ocean

Look for foundation repair companies in Ocean 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?

Your foundation will give you several signs that it requires maintenance, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly checking the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original location, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or separate from their frames.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a failing foundation moves, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not close properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears fractured or starts to lean, your foundation may already be failing.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will follow suit. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel elastic.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Ocean will inspect it and instruct you on the best solution. These professionals provide a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a technician's first step is to find the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can fill cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's orientation, dimensions and location. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also possibilities.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers usually use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The method requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid 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 stops water from getting in at all by adding a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to use the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Ocean

Fixing your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair job, ask technicians you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard 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?

Find out if the contractor can figure out what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. 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 a possibility instead. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being thorough enough, you can always get a second opinion from another company.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Often, contractors will offer estimates for free. Get several estimates so you can compare prices. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your service provider 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 foundation repair company 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 specified period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Fixing 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, based on the extent of the job. A pier repair commonly 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 repairs. However, if the technician needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily relocate.

How can you protect the foundation of your Ocean home?

While you should always consult a professional if you think you already have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard 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 home, have a conversation with your contractor about their methods used in foundation installation. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before your service provider pours the concrete. Additionally, proper drainage is critical to keep water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure completely after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your contractor should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting routine inspections is the easiest way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, check for any shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often signal foundation damage.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Adequate air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to prevent potential damage.

The fairly mild summers in Ocean mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. However, consider watering your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your foundation and siding, stopping standing water that can cause 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.