3 best foundation repair companies in Port St. Lucie, Florida

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your house's structure. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Fixing foundation damage early on is key to preventing future issues, such as a sinking foundation, roof damage or cracking walls. It's better in the long run to address the foundation problem while it's still small, saving you time and money.

Not only do foundation problems make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the cost of foundation repair or related issues. Your home's value will improve when you're ready to put it on the market if you fix your foundation problems. Find a foundation repair company in Port St. Lucie immediately when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Port St. Lucie

Look for foundation repair companies in Port St. Lucie 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 various clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space usually signals future foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or separate from their frames.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation changes position, gaps form in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when shut or not close properly.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more often. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular problem with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Port St. Lucie will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These professionals provide a range of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: The professional's first step is to find the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the position and the angle. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use 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.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This technique supports your foundation by keeping it in place and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals typically use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a heavily involved procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The process requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from getting in 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 Port St. Lucie

Fixing your foundation is vital, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair needs, ask technicians you're vetting the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your home. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues Certified Contractor Licenses in Building, General Contracting and Residential Construction for foundation repair professionals, while further certifications are required at the local level. If you aren’t sure if your contractor has the correct license, check with your city’s local licensing board or the National Foundation Repair Association.

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

Find out if the service provider can identify 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 ask if stabilization is an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. To get a comprehensive understanding of your options, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are multiple options. Often, contractors will offer estimates for free. Get more than one quotes so you can compare prices. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some service providers may offer financing options, including installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

How long will the repairs take?

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

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can last from one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs typically 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?

You can typically remain inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to leave if the technician cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Port St. Lucie 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 building a new home, talk with your contractor 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. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure fully after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your foundation expert should adhere to 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 look out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation issues.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold that threatens your foundation. Sufficient air circulation around your home is essential, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

The moderately warm summers in Port St. Lucie mean that you don't have to be too worried about heat-related concrete shrinkage. Nevertheless, you may want to water your concrete slab during a heat wave to help it retain moisture.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help cut down on standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your home'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.