10 best foundation repair companies in Union, New Jersey

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to become unstable, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that need urgent examination from a foundation repair expert.

To stop further problems such as roof damage, cracking walls or a sinking foundation, it's important to fix foundation damage early on. You'll save time and money in the long run by addressing the issue while it's still small.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. Your home's value will increase when it comes time to sell if you address your foundation problems. If your foundation is in jeopardy, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Union immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Union

Look for foundation repair companies in Union 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 commonly the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• 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: As a compromised foundation changes position, spaces appear in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when shut or fail to close properly.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• 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 location.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have high and low spots or feel springy.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Union will assess it and advise you on the best solution. These professionals offer a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can close cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, 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.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an in-depth process that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically 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 as a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the technical skill required, the process and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive 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 only downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to channel 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 getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Union

Maintaining your foundation is vital, so you need to choose the right expert for the job. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians 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. 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?

When vetting a foundation repair company, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best solution. 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. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. If you don't think the answer they give you is thorough enough, or you don't like it, 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. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most trusted businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. How much your foundation repair service will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the foundation repair company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is over.

How long will the repairs take?

The extent of the damage significantly impacts 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 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 stay in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily relocate.

How can you protect the foundation of your Union 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 constructing a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about their process for foundation installation. Before pouring concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Proper drainage must also be established to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure completely. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products 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. inspect, you must check for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these frequently point to foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup because it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to avert potential damage.

The relatively mild summers in Union mean that you don't have to be too worried about heat-related concrete shrinkage. Still, you should water your concrete slab during a very hot season to ensure it stays moist.

Lastly, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.