10 best foundation repair companies in Stratford, Connecticut

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to crumble, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home strongly indicate foundation problems that need immediate attention from a foundation repair specialist.

Repairing foundation damage early on is key to preventing further problems, including cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage. You'll save time and money in the long run by resolving the problem while it's still minor.

Not only are homes with foundation problems dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation problems will improve its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Locate a foundation repair company in Stratford as soon as possible when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Stratford

Look for foundation repair companies in Stratford 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 signs that it requires maintenance, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows pulling away from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls when a broken foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or fail to shut fully at all.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• 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 point to foundation issues.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have uneven sections or feel springy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific problem with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in Stratford will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These companies perform a range of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's position, angle and size determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning 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: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually used when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or as a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary depending on the number of piers added, the technical specialty required and the method.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking and you're looking for a solution that's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only downside 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 stops water from entering at all through a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier 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 Stratford

The right pro is critical when fixing your foundation. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed 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?

When evaluating a foundation repair company, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the right solution. If raising your slab is the solution they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the cost estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a complete understanding of the pros and cons of each. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

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 multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most respectable businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer financing options, including installment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. 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 to know what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to six weeks.

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

Foundation repair jobs are often safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the project. You may have to leave or relocate if the service provider 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 Stratford 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 home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before concrete is poured for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to prevent water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete needs to cure properly. Your foundation expert must follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, look out for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly signals foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them too.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a big issue in Stratford because the summers are fairly gentle. But, if your area experiences a very hot season, you should water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. 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.