10 best foundation repair companies in Toledo, Ohio

The foundation plays an important role in supporting your home. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to crumble, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that require immediate action from a foundation repair specialist.

The freezing temperatures in Toledo make foundations in the area prone to shifting and cracking when built-up groundwater freezes and solidifies.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a home with foundation problems as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Your home's value will rise when it comes time to sell if you fix your foundation problems. If your foundation is at risk, locate a foundation repair company in Toledo right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Toledo

Look for foundation repair companies in Toledo 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's a range of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing repair, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under 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 misaligned with their jambs.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space usually points to future foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel bouncy.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more regularly. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation issues.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, spaces develop in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or fail to shut fully.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies perform a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will inspect your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair pros in Toledo:

• Leak repair: First, the technician will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's position, angle and size determine which sealant the contractor uses. 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.
• 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 process supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an in-depth procedure that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually required when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or in the form of 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 process and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to use the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Toledo

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your home. Even though the state of Ohio doesn't require specific licensing for contractors, many cities enforce their own legal requirements. We suggest opting for a professional with a contracting license and verifying the relevant regulations in your city or county with your local building department.

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

Ask the foundation repair company if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal fix. If raising your slab is the fix 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. To get a complete understanding of your choices, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Get a second opinion 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 pro you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. We recommend getting multiple quotes for price comparison, as most reputable experts will offer them for free. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your service provider directly or external companies that partner with them. Check for installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

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 finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

The extent of the damage greatly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be done in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, based on the extent of the job. A pier repair commonly 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?

You can often stay inside your home while foundation repairs are being completed. You may have to stay elsewhere if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Toledo home?

It's important to contact a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to protect your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. Additionally, proper drainage is critical to prevent water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure properly after it's poured. Your service professional has to 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 periodic inspections. inspect, you must look out for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar kinds of damage, as these commonly point to foundation damage.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and breed mold that threatens your foundation. To promote adequate air circulation, trim plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major problem in Toledo because the summers are moderately warm. Still, if your area goes through an extreme heat wave, consider watering your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help cut down on standing water by channeling rainwater away from your 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.