10 best foundation repair companies in Old Bridge, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your house can crumble, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a professional foundation repair technician immediately.

Resolve foundation damage as soon as possible to prevent further issues, such as a sinking foundation, roof damage or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation problem while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

Not only are homes with foundation issues 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 issues. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation issues will boost its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in Old Bridge immediately when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Old Bridge

Look for foundation repair companies in Old Bridge 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 variety of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing attention, each associated with a different level of severity.

• 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.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a compromised foundation moves, making doors stick when shut or fail to close fully at all.
• 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 see cracks in the ceiling.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair provider in Old Bridge will inspect it and advise you on the best solution. These experts 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 service professional's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the location and the orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a comprehensive procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals employ this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally required 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 method, the technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This approach supports your foundation by maintaining its position and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by adding a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier 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 Old Bridge

Fixing your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask professionals you're comparing 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 ideal remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is an effective alternative if the estimated cost is too high. To get a comprehensive understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. You can always ask for a second opinion from another provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get multiple estimates so you can compare prices. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your contractor directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

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 finished. 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 timeline 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 additional damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Old Bridge home?

If you think your home has foundation issues, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation against future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your contractor. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your contractor pours the concrete. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. During these assessments, keep an eye out for any shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often indicates foundation problems, so don't forget to check them as well.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and facilitate mold that threatens your foundation. 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 avert potential damage.

The summers in Old Bridge are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about heat-related concrete shrinkage too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, consider watering your concrete slab to help it stay moist.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting 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.