3 best foundation repair companies in Phenix City, Alabama

Your foundation supports your home's stability. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to start to collapse, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that require quick examination from a foundation repair professional.

Address foundation damage early on to stop further problems, including roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation issue 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 expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Your home's market value will rise when you're ready to put it on the market if you resolve your foundation problems. Contact a foundation repair company in Phenix City immediately when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Phenix City

Look for foundation repair companies in Phenix City 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 repair, with each having a different level of importance.

• 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 around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial position.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation problems.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat elastic.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a failing foundation shifts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when shut or not close properly at all.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair specialists offer a wide selection of services from crack repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a professional will assess it and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: The service professional's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly 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, fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the dimensions of the crack, the location and the orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, the best choice for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more cost-effective than leveling. The one drawback is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Contractors use this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often used 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. Prices vary depending on the number of piers added, the method and the technical specialty required.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all by installing a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Phenix City

Ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions to get the right fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. 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 foundation repair company is the right fit, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the right solution. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the price estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of each. If you don't think the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. If there are different options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Often, companies will offer estimates for free. Get a few quotes so you can compare prices. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a percentage off 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 group that has financing plans available.

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 done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, based 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?

You can often stay inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to relocate if the contractor cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Phenix City home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. As you perform an inspection, be vigilant for any breaking, shifting or cracking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly signal foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup as it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

In Phenix City, the intense heat can cause foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you may want to water your concrete slab from time to time, particularly during the hottest summer months.

Lastly, make sure to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, stopping 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.