10 best foundation repair companies in Teaneck, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to break down, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your family members. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that demand quick action from a foundation repair expert.

The average annual rainfall of 49 inches in Teaneck can cause moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, possibly leading to the development of cracks and gaps.

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 financial burden of foundation repair or the challenge of related issues. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's market value will improve if you resolve your foundation problems. If your foundation is in jeopardy, contact a foundation repair company in Teaneck immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Teaneck

Look for foundation repair companies in Teaneck 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 many hints your foundation needs repair, each with varying levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to lean, your foundation may already be failing.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat elastic.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial position.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space commonly points to future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you find cracks in the ceiling.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation tilts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to catch when closed or not shut properly.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a range of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a professional will take a look at your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair pros in Teaneck:

• Leak repair: The professional'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 plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, fix the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the position and the orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts employ this process to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in the form of a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices 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 cost-effective and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all by adding a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Teaneck

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. A Home Repair Contractor License from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is required for foundation repair professionals working in New Jersey. They must also be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

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

To ensure a contractor is the right choice, ask if they can identify the source of the problem and what they think is the best solution. If they recommend 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 a possibility instead. To get a comprehensive understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being thorough enough, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. We recommend getting a few estimates for price comparison, as most reputable experts will offer them for free. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, such as installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

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.

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?

In most cases, you can stay in your home during foundation repair jobs. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Teaneck home?

Although consulting an expert is crucial if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative solutions you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before your service provider pours the concrete. Additionally, adequate drainage is key to prevent water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific material used and the thickness of the pour. Your foundation expert should adhere to the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, watch closely for any cracking, breaking or shifting around or within the concrete. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently indicates foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and breed mold that threatens your foundation. Adequate air circulation around your home is critical, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to avert potential damage.

The summers in Teaneck are moderately warm, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, consider watering your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop 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.