10 best foundation repair companies in Shelton, Connecticut

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a solid foundation, everything in your home can crumble, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that require immediate attention from a foundation repair professional.

Fix foundation damage early on to stop further issues, such as a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation problem while it's still small, saving you time and money.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the cost of foundation repair or related problems. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation problems will increase its market value when it comes time to sell. Contact a Shelton foundation repair company immediately if you think your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Shelton

Look for foundation repair companies in Shelton 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 display many hints that it requires maintenance, with each having a different level 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 under and around your home.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space often points to future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial location.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a broken foundation shifts, resulting in doors that catch when closed or fail to shut fully at all.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair 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 surface more often. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation issues.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair specialists offer a variety of services from leak repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a professional will assess it and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the provider will locate the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair professional will isolate the leak, repair the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, size and position determine the type of sealant used. 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a comprehensive technique that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Service providers use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically used 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 in a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Prices vary based on the technical skill required, the number of piers added and the process.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, stabilization may be the best service for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement. It's more economical and less invasive than leveling. The only drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid 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 by using a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Shelton

Fixing your foundation is important, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair job, ask technicians you're comparing the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. Foundation repair professionals performing work valued at more than $200 must have a Home Improvement Contractor License from the Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, these professionals should have at least $20,000 in liability insurance.

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

Find out if the foundation repair company understands what is causing the problem and what they think 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. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Most trusted professionals will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or external companies that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash.

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 specified period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

The timeline of foundation repairs can range from a single day to two months depending on how severe the damage is.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be completed in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may last anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair usually requires three to four weeks, while underpinning takes 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 easily remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the technician 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 Shelton home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the ground. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Frequent inspections are the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. inspect, you must look out for any indications of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly signals foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The summers in Shelton are fairly gentle, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you should water your concrete slab to help it stay moist.

Finally, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can pool.

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.