10 best foundation repair companies in Portland, Oregon

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. If your foundation isn't sturdy and reliable, it can cause your house to fall apart, leading to unsafe living 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 professional.

Fix foundation damage as soon as possible to stop further problems, including a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. It's better in the long run to resolve the foundation problem while it's still small, saving you money and headaches.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a home with foundation troubles as they don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's market value will increase if you fix your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, reach out to a foundation repair company in Portland immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Portland

Look for foundation repair companies in Portland 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 several signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• 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 bouncy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation moves, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not close correctly.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies provide a variety of services. Even if you don't know precisely what is wrong, a professional will assess your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair professionals in Portland:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can seal cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, stabilization may be the best option for preventing further damage. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling. The only drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support 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 procedure, the number of piers added and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to use the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Portland

The right professional is critical when fixing your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. Professionals in Oregon must have either a Residential General or Residential Specialty Contractor's License from the Oregon Construction Contractor's Board in order to perform foundation work in the state.

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

Ask the service provider if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal solution. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is thorough enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. We recommend getting a few estimates for price comparison, as most respectable providers will offer them for free. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to know what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, 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 extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

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 often 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?

You can typically stay inside your home while foundation repairs are in progress. You may have to relocate if the service provider has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Portland 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 protect your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. 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 stop water from pooling on or near the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure properly after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific products 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

Regular inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation damage.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and breed mold that threatens your foundation. Prune plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Particularly hot summers are not common in Portland, which thankfully means that concrete shrinkage due to heat isn't a big concern. Nevertheless, when your city encounters notably warm weather, consider watering your foundation slab as a preventative measure.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your 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.