10 best foundation repair companies in Paramus, New Jersey

The foundation plays a key role in your home's stability. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to crumble, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that demand quick attention from a foundation repair expert.

Foundations in Paramus are vulnerable to moving and breaking due to the cold weather in the area. When built-up groundwater freezes and solidifies, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related problems. Your home's market value will rise when it comes time to sell if you address your foundation issues. Find a Paramus foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Paramus

Look for foundation repair companies in Paramus 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 many hints your foundation needs repair, each with varying levels of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• 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 notice cracks in the ceiling.
• 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 unaligned with their jambs.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a damaged foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or fail to shut fully.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts offer a variety of services from crack repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what precisely is wrong with your foundation, a professional will take a look at it and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position determine the type of sealant used. 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: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an in-depth technique that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often necessary when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or as a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the process, the number of piers added and the technical skill required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more economical and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a speed strip, dimple board, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to opt for the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Paramus

Ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions to find the best fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured 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?

Ask the contractor if they know what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal solution. If they think raising your slab is the best approach, 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 reasonable alternative if the quoted price is too high. To get a comprehensive understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution. You can always get a second opinion from a different provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most trusted companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Some service providers may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. 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?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects generally range from one day to two months.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few 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 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 often safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably 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 bigger jobs such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Paramus home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new house, ask your technician about their foundation installation process. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. Additionally, proper drainage is critical to prevent water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. Your foundation expert must follow the setting standards for the products used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. During an inspection, keep an eye out for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. To promote sufficient air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The fairly mild summers in Paramus mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. But, you should water your concrete slab during a heat wave to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters channel rainwater away from your 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.