10 best foundation repair companies in Prairieville, Louisiana

The foundation plays a key role in your home's stability. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to become unstable, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by a professional foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Address foundation damage quickly to stop further problems, such as cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation. 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 problems 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 issues. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will improve if you address your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, contact a foundation repair company in Prairieville as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Prairieville

Look for foundation repair companies in Prairieville 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's a variety of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing attention, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more regularly. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation problems.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a broken foundation changes position, gaps form in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when shut or fail to close properly at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space often points to future foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial position.
• 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.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair provider in Prairieville will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These pros perform a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service professional will find the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. Which sealant the service provider uses depends on the crack's size, the position and the orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands 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 a heavily involved technique that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically required when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed either on top of the foundation or in a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical skill required and the process.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best choice for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The one downside 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 diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops 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 Prairieville

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so you need to find the right professional for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. However, licenses are only required for foundation repair companies in the state of Louisiana if the job is valued at more than $7,500. For jobs between $7,500 and $75,000, professionals must have a Home Improvement License, while jobs worth more than $75,000 require a Residential License. Both licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

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 fit, ask if they understand the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal solution. If raising your slab is the method they suggest, ask 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 cost estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. 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?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are different options. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get more than one estimates 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 repair professional 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?

Discuss a company's warranty options so you'll know what protection you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

The timeline of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months depending on how severe the damage is.

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

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Prairieville home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is essential if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative solutions you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new home, ask your service provider about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before concrete is poured for the foundation. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure properly. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting consistent inspections is the best way to shield your home's foundation. As you inspect, check for any shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar types of damage, as these commonly suggest foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. To promote sufficient air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots keep away from your home's foundation.

Foundations in Prairieville are at risk for foundation shrinkage and cracking due to the extreme heat during the summer. To help prevent concrete shrinkage, you may want to water your concrete slab during the scorching summer months.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, preventing pooling water that can cause 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.