10 best foundation repair companies in Union City, New Jersey

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your house's structure. A weak foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, creating dangerous conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be examined immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Fix foundation damage early on to stop further problems, such as roof damage, a sinking foundation or cracking walls. You'll save time and money down the road by resolving the problem while it's still small.

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 unsafe conditions. When you decide to sell, your home's value will increase if you resolve your foundation issues. If your foundation is in danger, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Union City right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Union City

Look for foundation repair companies in Union City 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 various hints your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first hint of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is dragging the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a compromised foundation moves, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to catch when closed or not shut properly.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space often signals future foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to shift and become uneven, your floors will too. They may have uneven sections or feel bouncy.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Union City will take a look at it and advise you on the best solution. These technicians provide a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: The service provider's first step is to determine 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 pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. Which sealant the technician uses depends on the crack's dimensions, the location and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply 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: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This approach supports your foundation by maintaining its position and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, service providers generally use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a complex procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The method requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the procedure, the number of piers added and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to redirect it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in 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 Union City

Ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions to identify the ideal fit for your job.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed 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?

Ask the contractor if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right fix. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. 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 for a quote of how much the repairs will cost. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most trusted businesses will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

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 coverage you'll have after the repairs are complete. 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?

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

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, depending 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?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repair work. However, if the contractor 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 Union City home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Additionally, proper drainage is key to keep water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best method to protect your foundation from future damage is through regular inspections. During these assessments, check for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often signal foundation issues.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold that threatens your foundation. Prune plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

The moderately warm summers in Union City mean that you don't have to be too worried about heat-related concrete shrinkage. Still, you may want to water your concrete slab during a very hot season to help it retain moisture.

Finally, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters channel rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, preventing 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.