10 best foundation repair companies in Rahway, New Jersey

The foundation is an essential part of your house. A weak foundation can cause your house to start to collapse, creating dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home strongly indicate foundation problems that require quick attention from a foundation repair specialist.

The freezing temperatures in Rahway make foundations in the area vulnerable to moving and breaking when built-up groundwater freezes.

Not only are homes with foundation issues dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Your home's value will improve when you're ready to put it on the market if you resolve your foundation issues. Locate a foundation repair company in Rahway immediately when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Rahway

Look for foundation repair companies in Rahway 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: 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 surrounding your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors stick when shut or not shut fully.
• 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 location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space usually signals future foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be damaged if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• 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.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Rahway will inspect it and instruct you on the best solution. These experts perform a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair professional will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can fill cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally needed 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 technical skill required, the number of piers added and the process.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking and you're looking for a solution that's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by adding a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier 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 Rahway

The right professional is essential when repairing your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to protect you and your home. 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?

Find out if the foundation repair company understands what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best option, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the quoted price 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 feel like the answer they give you is thorough enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get more than one estimates so you can compare prices. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair specialist 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 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?

The duration of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months based on how bad the damage is.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair typically 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?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the technician needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Rahway home?

It's important to contact 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 issues in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new home, ask your service expert about their foundation installation process. Before pouring the concrete, 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. After your concrete is poured, it must cure completely. Your foundation expert should follow the setting standards for the material used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting regular inspections is the easiest way to safeguard your home's foundation. When you conduct an inspection, it's crucial to look out for evidence of breaking, cracking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often signals foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Proper 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 stop potential damage.

The summers in Rahway are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Finally, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.