10 best foundation repair companies in Washington, District of Columbia

Your foundation supports your home's stability and durability. Without a solid foundation, everything in your house can break down, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by a licensed foundation repair technician immediately.

Washington gets an average of 43 inches of rain annually, which creates moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain pools around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only are homes with foundation problems 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. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will improve if you address your foundation problems. If your foundation is in danger, reach out to a foundation repair company in Washington immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Washington

Look for foundation repair companies in Washington 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: Cracks in your foundation are often the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly 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, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation issues.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears cracked or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be failing.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls as a broken foundation shifts, making doors stick when closed or not close fully.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial position.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts in Washington perform a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the specific issue is, a professional will inspect your foundation and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The service technician's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly 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, repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's size, position and angle determine which sealant the technician uses. After cleaning out the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less disruptive and more economical than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals often offer underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive process that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The process 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.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by adding a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board 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 Washington

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home.

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

When evaluating a contractor, ask if they understand the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best solution. If raising your slab is the method they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a possibility if the estimated cost is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your choices, ask about the pros and cons of each solution. A second opinion is always an option 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 for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most reputable professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair often 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?

While foundation repairs are carried out, you can often remain inside your home. You may have to leave if the contractor cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Washington home?

While you should always consult a professional if you think you have foundation issues, you can take steps to safeguard your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Before the concrete is poured, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure completely after it's poured. Your service professional 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

To protect your home's foundation, perform regular inspections. inspect, it's crucial to look out for evidence of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently indicates foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base because buildup can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is critical, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a major issue in Washington because the summers are relatively mild. Although, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters guide rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, preventing pooling water that can cause 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.