3 best foundation repair companies in Shreveport, Louisiana

Your foundation supports your house's stability. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to crumble, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Your foundation in Shreveport may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 47 inches each year. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can result in the formation of cracks and air gaps.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a property with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will increase if you resolve your foundation issues. If your foundation is in danger, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Shreveport immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Shreveport

Look for foundation repair companies in Shreveport 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 clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• 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 position.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears cracked or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be failing.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls as a compromised foundation shifts, making doors jam when closed or not shut fully.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space, it indicates you might have foundation issues such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat springy.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies in Shreveport perform a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a pro will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can fill cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's location, orientation and dimensions. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a comprehensive process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The approach requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The one drawback is that it won't level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by adding 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 Shreveport

The right professional is important when fixing your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. 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 service provider knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the right remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best option, 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. To get a complete understanding of your choices, ask about the pros and cons of each solution. A second opinion is always an option if you don't like the answer or feel like they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the service 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 time on site. Most reputable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. How much your foundation repair job will cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer financing options, such as 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 about a company's warranty options so you'll understand what protection you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

The severity of the damage greatly impacts 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 span one day to a week, based 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 usually stay inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to leave if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Shreveport home?

If you think your home has foundation problems, it's best to speak with a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to prevent future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about their process for foundation installation. Before the concrete is poured, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete must cure properly. 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

The best method to shield your foundation from future damage is through regular inspections. inspect, it's crucial to look out for any indications of breaking, cracking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly indicate foundation problems.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and facilitate mold that threatens your foundation. Cut back plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

In Shreveport, 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 hot summer months.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by guiding rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.