10 best foundation repair companies in Stamford, Connecticut

The foundation plays a key role in your home's structural integrity. Without a robust foundation, everything in your house can fall to pieces, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by an expert foundation repair technician urgently.

Repairing foundation damage as soon as possible is crucial to preventing further problems, such as cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage. It's better in the long run to address the foundation issue while it's still small, saving you money and headaches.

Not only are homes with foundation issues unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation issues will increase its market value when it comes time to sell. Get in touch with a foundation repair company in Stamford immediately when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Stamford

Look for foundation repair companies in Stamford 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 a range of signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first sign of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you regularly inspect the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is shifting the walls away from their initial position.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a failing foundation shifts, resulting in doors that stick when closed or not shut fully at all.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation issues.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to lean.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space, it indicates you might have foundation problems such as a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Stamford will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These companies perform a range of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: The service technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can close cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers usually perform underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an in-depth process 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. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by using a dimple board, moisture barrier, 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 Stamford

Fixing your foundation is vital, so you need to choose the right pro for the job. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your property. 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 service provider knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If raising your slab is the solution they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is an option if the price estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are multiple options. We recommend getting multiple estimates for price comparison, as most reputable businesses will offer them for free. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some service providers may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a percentage off 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?

Discuss a company's warranty options so you'll understand what coverage you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a set period following the completion of the job.

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.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't further damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair commonly takes three to four weeks, while underpinning can take four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

You can typically remain inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to leave if the contractor cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Stamford home?

If you think your home has foundation issues, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to protect your home's foundation against future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new home, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before concrete is poured for the foundation. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform routine inspections. During these checks, look out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris as it can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The relatively mild summers in Stamford mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. But, consider watering your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to help it retain moisture.

Finally, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help cut down on standing water by channeling 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.