10 best foundation repair companies in Waterbury, Connecticut

Your foundation supports your house's stability. Without a robust foundation, everything in your home can fall apart, creating dangerous living conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that demand urgent attention from a foundation repair expert.

Your foundation in Waterbury may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 48 inches each year. Heavy rain soaking the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this swelling soil base may lead to the formation of cracks and gaps.

Not only do foundation issues make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to deal with the cost of foundation repair or related issues. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will improve if you fix your foundation problems. Reach out to a foundation repair company in Waterbury right away when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Waterbury

Look for foundation repair companies in Waterbury 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 signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often the first sign of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space can be a solid sign of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you find cracks in the ceiling.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a compromised foundation shifts, resulting in doors that catch when closed or not close fully at all.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows separating from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be failing.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair provider in Waterbury will take a look at it and advise you on the best solution. These professionals provide a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the provider will find the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a contractor can close cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's orientation, dimensions and location. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also possibilities.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a complex technique that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually used when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed 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. Prices vary based on the technical skill required, the number of piers added and the process.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best solution for preventing further damage. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement. It's more economical and less disruptive than leveling. The main disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by installing a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Waterbury

Ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions to get the best fit for your needs.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to safeguard you and your home. 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?

Find out if the service provider can figure out what is causing the problem and what they think is the best solution. If they think raising your slab is the best option, 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 price estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a complete understanding of your choices. If you don't like the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

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 supplies to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Most reputable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several 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?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair expert to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

How long will the repairs take?

The timeline of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months based on how extensive the damage is.

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, depending 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?

You can typically stay inside your home while foundation repairs are underway. You may have to stay elsewhere if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Waterbury home?

Although consulting an expert is critical if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new house, ask your service expert about their foundation installation process. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before your service provider pours the concrete. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is critical after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, plan regular inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for any cracking, shifting or breaking in or near the slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often signal foundation trouble.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to stop potential damage.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a major issue in Waterbury because the summers aren't particularly hot. Still, if your city faces unusually hot weather, it's a good idea to water your foundation slab.

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