10 best foundation repair companies in Salisbury, North Carolina

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. A compromised foundation can cause your house to break down, leading to unsafe conditions for you and your family and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a skilled foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Foundations in Salisbury are susceptible to shifting and cracking due to the cold weather in the area. When built-up groundwater gets cold enough to freeze and solidify, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation problems will improve its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Get in touch with a Salisbury foundation repair company immediately if you suspect your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Salisbury

Look for foundation repair companies in Salisbury 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?

Your foundation will give you many clues that it requires attention, with each having a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly checking the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not shut properly.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros in Salisbury perform a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a pro will inspect your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can seal cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's dimensions, location 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 good options.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers typically offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive 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 technical expertise required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to block water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Salisbury

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask professionals you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your home. Foundation repair professionals in North Carolina are required to have either a Building or Residential Contractor License from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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

Ask the contractor if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. If they recommend 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 professional to make sure you have a complete understanding of the pros and cons of each. A second opinion is always an option if you don't agree with the answer or think they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Often, professionals will offer quotes for free. Get more than one estimates so you can compare prices. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

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

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 complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects generally vary from one day to two months.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, depending on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to 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 comfortably remain inside your home throughout the work. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Salisbury home?

It's essential to consult a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps 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 their process for foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared area before pouring the concrete for the foundation. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. Your foundation expert should follow the setting standards for the products used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. As you inspect, check for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often indicates foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them too.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. Cut back plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

The summers in Salisbury are moderately warm, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help decrease standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your house'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.