10 best foundation repair companies in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. A compromised foundation can cause your house to start to collapse, resulting in unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by an expert foundation repair technician immediately.

Your foundation in Tuscaloosa may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 54 inches annually. Heavy rain soaking the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and swell, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this swelling soil base can result in the formation of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will increase its value when it comes time to sell. Locate a foundation repair company in Tuscaloosa right away when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Tuscaloosa

Look for foundation repair companies in Tuscaloosa 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 give you many hints that it requires attention, with each having a different level 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 routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to show up more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space commonly signals future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls as a damaged foundation moves, making doors stick when shut or fail to close properly.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies perform a wide selection of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a professional will assess your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair experts in Tuscaloosa:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will identify 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 pro will isolate the leak, fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can fill cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's dimensions, location and orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best service for stopping further damage. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The main downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in 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 method, the technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board 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 Tuscaloosa

Ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions to identify the right fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. Alabama foundation repair professionals must be Licensed Prime Contractors or Subcontractors with a Building Construction classification, and should be registered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. You can also check with the National Foundation Repair Association to determine if your repair company has the appropriate certifications for your specific job.

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

Find out if the foundation repair company knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the right fix. If they think raising your slab is the best option, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the price estimate is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your choices, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each technique. You can always ask for a second opinion from a different company if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are multiple options. Most reputable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, including payment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll know 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 fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

The extent 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.

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't further damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Tuscaloosa home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is critical if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative solutions you can take to better safeguard your home's foundation from future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new house, ask your technician about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before concrete is poured for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical once it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Doing regular inspections is the most reliable way to shield your home's foundation. When you perform these inspections, be sure to keep an eye out for evidence of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation damage.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. 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 high heat in Tuscaloosa can cause your foundation to shrink and crack, so you should water your concrete slab occasionally, especially during the hot summer months.

Lastly, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters channel rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, stopping pooling water that can lead to 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.