10 best foundation repair companies in Paterson, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your house. A weak foundation can cause your house to break down, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your family and pets. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair expert.

Address foundation damage early on to stop further problems, including a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. Addressing the problem while it's still minor will save you time and money in the long run.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related problems. Your home's value will improve when it comes time to sell if you resolve your foundation problems. Locate a Paterson foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Paterson

Look for foundation repair companies in Paterson 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 signs your foundation needs maintenance, each with varying levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first sign of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to pop up more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• 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 position.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space can be a strong signal of future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a broken foundation shifts, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not close fully at all.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros offer a variety of services from leak repair to stabilization. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a pro will take a look at it and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the provider will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can fill cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's location, orientation and dimensions. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that holds up to varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also possibilities.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts usually use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex technique that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The technique requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the technical expertise required, the number of piers added and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, stabilization may be the best choice for preventing further damage. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The main drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by using 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 Paterson

The right pro is critical when repairing your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect 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?

When vetting a contractor, ask if they can identify the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best fix. 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. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. Get a second opinion if you don't like the answer or think 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 supplies 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?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your contractor directly or external companies that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the foundation repair company offers so you know what kind of coverage you can expect once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering particular costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can span one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs commonly take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take between four and six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

Foundation repair jobs are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the project. You may have to leave or relocate if the service provider has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved jobs such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Paterson home?

It's important to consult a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to shield your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Adequate drainage must also be established to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure fully after it's poured. Your contractor should 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

To protect your home's foundation, plan routine inspections. inspect, you must check for any indications of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar kinds of damage, as these commonly suggest foundation issues.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. To promote adequate air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home's foundation.

The relatively mild summers in Paterson mean that you don't have to be too concerned about heat-related concrete shrinkage. Still, you should water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

Finally, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop standing water by guiding rainwater away from your house's 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.