10 best foundation repair companies in Oxford, Alabama

The foundation plays a key role in supporting your home. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to start to collapse, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family members and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that require immediate examination from a foundation repair professional.

Fixing foundation damage as soon as possible is essential to preventing further issues, including a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. It's better in the long run to resolve the foundation issue while it's still small, saving you money and headaches.

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 financial burden of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will boost its value when you decide to sell. Get in touch with a Oxford foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Oxford

Look for foundation repair companies in Oxford 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. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to lean, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a broken foundation moves, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not close properly.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros in Oxford provide a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a professional will inspect your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• 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 resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a service provider can close cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• 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. Contractors employ this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically necessary 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: If your foundation has begun to sink, the best solution for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more cost-effective than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it won't level out your home.
• 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 divert it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering 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 Oxford

Repairing your foundation is important, so you need to get the right professional for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have 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?

To ensure a service provider is the right fit, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal solution. If raising your slab is the solution they suggest, 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 a possibility if the estimated price 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 like the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get several estimates so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair project will cost depends 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, including payment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount 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 finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

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?

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can typically stay inside your home. You may have to leave if the service provider has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Oxford home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is critical if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative steps you can take to better safeguard your home's foundation from future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about their process for foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before concrete is poured for the foundation. Additionally, proper drainage is essential to keep water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your contractor should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective method to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. When you conduct an inspection, you must look out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar signs of damage, as these frequently point to foundation issues.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. To promote sufficient air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The summers in Oxford are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a very hot season, consider watering your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your foundation and siding, stopping water accumulation that can lead to 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.