10 best foundation repair companies in Shelby, North Carolina

The foundation plays a key role in your home's structural integrity. Without a solid foundation, everything in your house can break down, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by a professional foundation repair technician urgently.

Foundations in Shelby are prone to moving and breaking due to the cold weather in the area. When built-up groundwater freezes and turns into ice, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

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 challenge of related issues. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will raise its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Contact a Shelby foundation repair company as soon as possible if you suspect your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Shelby

Look for foundation repair companies in Shelby 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 various hints your foundation needs repair, each with varying levels of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems such as a sinking foundation.
• 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.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces form in the walls as a damaged foundation moves, making doors stick when closed or fail to shut properly at all.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Shelby will inspect it and instruct you on the best solution. These companies offer a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have many causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service provider's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. Which sealant the professional uses depends on the dimensions of the crack, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that holds up to changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This technique supports your foundation by maintaining its position and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts generally offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a heavily involved technique 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 procedure, the technical expertise required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by using a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Shelby

The right professional is essential when maintaining your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to protect 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?

When considering a service provider, ask if they can identify the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal remedy. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. You can always get a second opinion from a different company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most reputable businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, including installment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can span one day to a week, depending on the scope of the work. Pier repairs typically 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 jobs are usually safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the job. 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 services such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Shelby 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 shield your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're building a new house, ask your technician about their foundation installation process. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure properly. Your service professional must follow the setting standards for the material used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan routine inspections. inspect, it's crucial to keep an eye out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking 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 indicate foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and encourage mold growth. To promote adequate air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots stay away from your home's foundation.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major issue in Shelby because the summers are relatively mild. Although, if your area goes through a particularly hot summer, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters redirect rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, stopping water accumulation that can lead to 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.