3 best foundation repair companies in Opelika, Alabama

The foundation is an essential part of your home. Without a robust foundation, everything in your house can start to collapse, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that demand immediate attention from a foundation repair expert.

The average annual rainfall of 50 inches in Opelika introduces moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, which may result in the development of cracks and air gaps.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to take on the expense of foundation repair or related issues. Your home's market value will rise when you decide to sell if you address your foundation issues. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in Opelika as soon as possible when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Opelika

Look for foundation repair companies in Opelika 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 a range of signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• 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 home.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or pull apart from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space commonly points to future foundation troubles, especially a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces develop in the walls as a broken foundation moves, making doors stick when closed or fail to shut 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 issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Opelika offer a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a pro will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will find the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. Which sealant the professional uses depends on the crack's dimensions, the location and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts generally suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The technique requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best service for stopping further damage. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The main downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to divert 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 Opelika

Ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions to identify the best fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Alabama foundation repair professionals must be Licensed Prime Contractors or Subcontractors with a Building Construction classification, and should be registered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. You can also check with the National Foundation Repair Association to determine if your repair company has the appropriate certifications for your specific job.

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 raising your slab is the fix they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the cost estimate is too high. 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 an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are several alternatives. Most reputable companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get multiple 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?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of coverage you'll have after the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair usually 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 projects 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 technician has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Opelika home?

Although consulting an expert is crucial if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared area before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting routine inspections is the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. During an inspection, check for signs of breaking, cracking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar signs of damage, as these frequently suggest foundation trouble.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

In Opelika, the intense heat can cause foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you may want to water your concrete slab from time to time, especially during the hottest summer months.

As a final step, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your 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.