10 best foundation repair companies in Rockaway, New Jersey

The foundation plays an important role in your home's structural integrity. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to break down, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Built-up groundwater that freezes and solidifies can cause foundations in Rockaway to move and break.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related issues. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will improve if you fix your foundation problems. Reach out to a Rockaway foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Rockaway

Look for foundation repair companies in Rockaway 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 severity.

• 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 below and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows separating from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• 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 damaged foundation shifts, gaps form in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when shut or not close fully at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space can be a solid sign of future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to pop up more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a technician's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can close cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the angle. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply 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.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts usually use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more stable 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 technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best choice for preventing further damage. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The only downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to divert it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by adding a speed strip, dimple board, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to opt for the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Rockaway

Ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions to identify the best fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to protect you and your property. 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?

When evaluating a foundation repair company, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best 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 an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of each. Get a second opinion if you don't like the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost you. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. We recommend getting several estimates for price comparison, as most respectable professionals will offer them for free. How much your foundation repair job 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 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 company 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 extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take from one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs usually 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 often remain inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to relocate if the technician cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Rockaway home?

While you should always seek professional advice if you think you already have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard your home's foundation against future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Before the concrete is poured, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Adequate drainage must also be established to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. inspect, it's crucial to look out for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly points to foundation damage, so don't forget to check them too.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. To promote adequate air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

The relatively mild summers in Rockaway mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Still, consider watering your concrete slab during a very hot season to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your 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.