10 best foundation repair companies in Wallingford, Connecticut

The foundation is the most important part of your house's structure. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your house can become unstable, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair expert.

Repairing foundation damage quickly is essential to preventing further issues, including cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage. You'll save time and money over time by addressing the problem while it's still small.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related problems. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will increase if you address your foundation problems. If your foundation is in danger, reach out to a foundation repair company in Wallingford as soon as possible.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Wallingford

Look for foundation repair companies in Wallingford 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's a variety of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing attention, each associated with a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly checking the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat springy.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation issues including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be damaged if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or detach from their frames.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation changes position, gaps appear in the walls, which can cause doors to stick when shut or fail to close properly at all.

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 take a look at your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair companies in Wallingford:

• Leak repair: The professional's first step is to find 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 specialist will isolate the leak, repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can fill cracks. Which sealant the professional uses is based on the crack's dimensions, location and orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started 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 technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this process to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally used 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. 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 enables water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all by adding a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to use the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Wallingford

The right pro is vital when repairing your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your property. Foundation repair professionals performing work valued at more than $200 must have a Home Improvement Contractor License from the Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, these professionals should have at least $20,000 in liability insurance.

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

Ask the service provider if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal 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 quoted price is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are different options. We recommend getting more than one estimates for price comparison, as most respectable providers will offer them for free. The extent 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 financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your contractor 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 expenses, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is completed.

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.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can last from one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs usually take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take 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 leave if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Wallingford 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 damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. Your contractor should follow the setting standards for the material used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, be vigilant for any cracking, shifting or breaking around or within the concrete. Examine your walls and framings for similar types of damage, as these often point to foundation issues.

Protect your foundation by removing dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Particularly hot summers are not common in Wallingford, which thankfully means that concrete shrinkage due to heat isn't a big issue. Nevertheless, when your area faces particularly warm weather, consider watering your foundation slab as a precautionary measure.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help decrease standing water by channeling rainwater away from your home'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.