10 best foundation repair companies in Trenton, New Jersey

The foundation is an essential part of your home's structure. Without a strong foundation, everything in your home can fall apart, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by a licensed foundation repair technician urgently.

Your foundation in Trenton may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 47 inches annually. Heavy rain soaking 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 cause the formation of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a property with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation issues will increase its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Locate a foundation repair company in Trenton immediately when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Trenton

Look for foundation repair companies in Trenton 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 several signs your foundation needs repair, each with different levels of importance.

• 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 below and around your house.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls as a broken foundation moves, making doors jam when shut or fail to close properly.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or pull apart from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is shifting the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a wide selection of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will inspect your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair experts in Trenton:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service professional's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's dimensions, the location and the angle. 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best option for preventing further damage. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling. The main drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a heavily involved technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally 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 technical specialty required, the method and the number of piers added.
• 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 moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board 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 Trenton

Fixing your foundation is vital, so you need to get the right professional for the job. 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 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 know the source of the problem and what they think is the best 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 a possibility if the estimated price is too high. To get a comprehensive understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each technique. You can always get a second opinion from a different provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most reputable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair provider to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your service provider about their warranty options to understand the protection you'll have after the repairs. Some companies offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty covering various costs, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may last 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 remain inside your home while foundation repairs are in progress. 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 Trenton home?

While you should always consult a professional if you think you have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard your home's foundation against future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Adequate drainage must also be established to prevent water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it has to cure fully. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your service professional should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective method to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you perform an inspection, stay alert for any cracking, shifting or breaking in or near the slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly points to foundation problems, so don't forget to check them too.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris because it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The moderately warm summers in Trenton mean that you don't have to be too worried about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Nevertheless, you may want to water your concrete slab during a heat wave to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help decrease standing water by guiding 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.