10 best foundation repair companies in Wake Forest, North Carolina

The foundation plays an important role in your home's stability. If your foundation isn't solid and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around the outside of your home strongly indicate foundation problems that require quick action from a foundation repair expert.

Foundations in Wake Forest are susceptible to moving and breaking due to the low winter temperatures in the area. When built-up groundwater freezes and turns into ice, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

Not only are homes with foundation issues unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Your home's market value will increase when you're ready to put it on the market if you resolve your foundation issues. Find a foundation repair company in Wake Forest immediately when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Wake Forest

Look for foundation repair companies in Wake Forest 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, each with their own level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first sign of an underlying problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a damaged foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when closed or fail to close properly.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space can be a strong indicator of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• 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 unaligned with their jambs.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will too. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel elastic.
• 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 problems.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a range of services from leak repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what exactly is wrong with your foundation, a pro will inspect it and recommend a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can close cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, contractors generally suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a comprehensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The approach requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the procedure, the technical expertise required and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This service supports your foundation by keeping it in place and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all through a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Wake Forest

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair needs, ask companies you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect you and your property. Foundation repair professionals in North Carolina are required to have either a Building or Residential Contractor License from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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

Find out if the contractor understands what is causing the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is thorough enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from another provider.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to labor hours, especially if there are multiple options. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get several quotes so you can compare prices. 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?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you can expect once the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering particular costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the job is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be completed within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

While foundation repairs are being completed, you can typically remain inside your home. You may have to leave if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Wake Forest home?

It's essential to contact a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to shield your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Before the concrete is poured, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is critical after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan routine inspections. As you inspect, keep an eye out for any shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you examine your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris as it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

The moderately warm summers in Wake Forest mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Still, you may want to water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to help it retain moisture.

As a final step, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop standing water by channeling rainwater away from your house's 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.