10 best foundation repair companies in Passaic, New Jersey

The foundation is an essential part of your house. Without a strong foundation, everything in your house can start to collapse, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by an expert foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

To prevent future issues including cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation, it's important to resolve foundation damage quickly. It's better in the long run to address the foundation issue while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

Not only are homes with foundation issues dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. When it comes time to sell, your home's market value will rise if you fix your foundation issues. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Passaic right away when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Passaic

Look for foundation repair companies in Passaic 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 give you many signs that it requires attention, with each having a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first clue of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears cracked or starts to lean, your foundation may already be failing.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space often indicates future foundation troubles, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation issues.
• 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.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a broken foundation shifts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to get stuck when shut or not shut fully at all.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: First, the technician 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, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. Which sealant the contractor uses depends on the size of the crack, the position and the angle. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually 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. Prices vary based on the technical skill required, the process and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This process supports your foundation by maintaining its position and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by installing a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Passaic

Ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions to get the best fit for your job.

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?

To ensure a service provider is the right choice, ask if they can identify the source of 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 a reasonable alternative if the price estimate is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your options, ask about the pros and cons of each technique. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another company.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the service will cost. If there are different alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get a few quotes so you can compare prices. The severity 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 provider 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 service provider 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?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't further damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Passaic home?

It's essential to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to shield your home's foundation from issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. Before pouring the concrete, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Proper drainage must also be established to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure properly. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your contractor should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. When you conduct an inspection, you must keep an eye out for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often signals foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them as well.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big issue in Passaic because the summers are relatively mild. Still, if your area experiences a very hot season, consider watering your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, preventing standing water 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.