8 best foundation repair companies in Ormond Beach, Florida

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. If your foundation isn't sturdy and reliable, it can cause your house to fall to pieces, resulting in 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 specialist.

The average annual rainfall of 52 inches in Ormond Beach creates moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, potentially causing the development of cracks and gaps.

Not only are homes with foundation problems unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will boost its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Reach out to a Ormond Beach foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Ormond Beach

Look for foundation repair companies in Ormond Beach 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 commonly the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a damaged foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when shut or fail to shut properly.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows pulling away from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts offer a wide selection of services from leak repair to stabilization. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a professional will assess it and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair professional will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's position, angle and size determine which sealant the professional uses. 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 typically use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a heavily involved 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. Costs vary based on the procedure, the technical expertise required and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This service supports your foundation by maintaining its position and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best 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 channel it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in 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 Ormond Beach

Repairing your foundation is important, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair needs, ask professionals you're vetting 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. 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 service provider if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best solution, ask 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 price estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. If you don't think the answer they give you is thorough enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the service will cost. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most respectable companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. How much your foundation repair service will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer financing options, such as installment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what coverage you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Repairing cracks and leaks can be done in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair often 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 remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the contractor 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 Ormond Beach home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Before pouring the concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the ground. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it has to cure completely. Your service professional must 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

The most effective way to protect your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. When you perform these checks, be sure to check for evidence of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar types of damage, as these often suggest foundation issues.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and cause 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.

The high heat in Ormond Beach can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so you should water your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hot summer months.

Lastly, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, stopping pooling 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.