10 best foundation repair companies in Oxford, Ohio

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home's structure. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your house can crumble, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your family. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be assessed by an expert foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Address foundation damage early on to prevent further issues, including roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to resolve 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 cost of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will raise its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Contact a foundation repair company in Oxford right away when your foundation is in jeopardy.

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?

Your foundation will display many signs that it requires attention, 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 surrounding your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space can be a strong sign of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• 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.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to lean, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces form in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors jam when shut or fail to close properly.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair technicians in Oxford provide a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a professional will assess your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service technician will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair professional will isolate the leak, repair the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's position, size and angle determine which sealant the technician uses. After cleaning 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: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a heavily involved technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers employ this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or as a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary depending on the technical specialty required, the method and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, the best service for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it won't level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods 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 blocks water from entering at all by adding a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip 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

The right pro is essential when maintaining your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to protect you and your property. Even though the state of Ohio doesn't require specific licensing for contractors, many cities enforce their own legal requirements. We suggest opting for a professional with a contracting license and verifying the relevant regulations in your city or county with your local building department.

What do you think is the cause of the problem, and how do you recommend fixing it?

When vetting a contractor, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the right fix. 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 an option if the estimated cost is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. You can always ask for a second opinion from a different company if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost you. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. We recommend getting more than one estimates for price comparison, as most licensed professionals will offer them for free. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair specialist to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party company that has financing plans available.

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 defined period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

The severity of the damage greatly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

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, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair often 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?

While foundation repairs are carried out, you can often 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?

If you think your home has foundation damage, it's best to speak with a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to protect your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before your service provider pours the concrete. Proper drainage must also be established to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed 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 take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective method to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you inspect, look out for any breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently indicates foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. Trim plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a big issue in Oxford because the summers are moderately warm. Still, if your area goes through an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to keep it hydrated.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help decrease standing water by channeling rainwater away from your foundation and siding, which stops 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.