10 best foundation repair companies in Sanford, North Carolina

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family members and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a sign that something is wrong with your foundation and should be examined immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Repairing foundation damage as soon as possible is key to preventing future issues, including cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage. Resolving the issue while it's still minor will save you time and money in the long run.

Not only do foundation issues make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related issues. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's value will improve if you address your foundation issues. Locate a Sanford foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Sanford

Look for foundation repair companies in Sanford 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 many clues your foundation needs repair, each with different levels of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a compromised foundation shifts, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not close properly.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or pull apart from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial position.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation problems.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros offer a wide selection of services from crack repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a pro will inspect it and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will determine 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 pro will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can seal cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning out 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 started to sink, the best solution for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your house.
• 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 process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally necessary 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: One of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to channel water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to use the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Sanford

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. 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 right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best approach, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a complete understanding of the pros and cons of each. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being thorough enough, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. If there are different alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. We recommend getting several estimates for price comparison, as most trusted providers will offer them for free. The severity 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 expert 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 protection you'll have after the repairs are finished. 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?

The severity of the damage significantly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take from one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs commonly 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 stay inside your home while foundation repairs are being done. You may have to leave if the service provider has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Sanford 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 safeguard your home's foundation from future problems.

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 approach to foundation installation. Before pouring the concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Additionally, adequate drainage is essential to keep water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform regular inspections. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

Foundations in Sanford are at risk for foundation shrinkage and cracking due to the extreme heat during the summer. To help prevent concrete shrinkage, consider watering your concrete slab during the hot summer months.

Finally, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help stop standing water by guiding 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.