4 best foundation repair companies in Ruston, Louisiana

The foundation plays an important role in your home's structural integrity. Without a robust foundation, everything in your house can fall to pieces, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your family. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be assessed by a licensed foundation repair technician immediately.

Ruston gets an average of 50 inches of rain each year, which creates moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain hits the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and gaps.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or related issues. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will improve its market value when you decide to sell. If your foundation is in danger, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Ruston right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Ruston

Look for foundation repair companies in Ruston 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 maintenance, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a damaged foundation shifts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not shut properly.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation problems.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will follow suit. They may have high and low spots or feel bouncy.
• 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.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will assess your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair technicians in Ruston:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have a few different causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a professional's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, size and position determine which sealant the technician uses. After cleaning out the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, stabilization may be the best option for stopping further damage. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The main downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an in-depth process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually 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 as 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.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all through a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Ruston

The right pro is vital when fixing your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

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

Find out if the foundation repair company knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the right fix. If raising your slab is the solution 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 a possibility if the cost estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair provider to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. You can always get a second opinion from another provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for a quote. If there are different options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. We recommend getting several quotes for price comparison, as most reputable experts will offer them for free. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some companies may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your contractor about their warranty options to understand the protection you'll have after the repairs. Some companies offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty covering various expenses, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary significantly, from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

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, 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?

Foundation repair services are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can easily remain inside your home throughout the project. You may have to leave or relocate if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Ruston home?

It's important to contact a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to shield your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the ground. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. During an inspection, keep an eye out for any shifting, breaking or cracking 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 trouble.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to stop potential damage.

In Ruston, the intense heat can lead to foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you should water your concrete slab from time to time, particularly during the hottest summer months.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent 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.