10 best foundation repair companies in Waxhaw, North Carolina

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. A deteriorating foundation can cause your house to break down, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be inspected by a licensed foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

Built-up groundwater that gets cold enough to freeze and solidify can cause foundations in Waxhaw to shift and crack.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation problems as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will increase its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Locate a Waxhaw foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Waxhaw

Look for foundation repair companies in Waxhaw 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 clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• 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.
• 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.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation issues including a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a broken foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when closed or fail to shut properly at all.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice high and low spots or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural damage.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair pros in Waxhaw provide a range of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a professional will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a technician's first step is to find the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, position and size determine which sealant the technician uses. After cleaning 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: Stabilization can prevent further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This process 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 invasive than leveling.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Professionals use this method to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary depending on the technical specialty required, the method 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 prevents water from entering at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, 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 Waxhaw

Fixing your foundation is essential, so you need to choose the right expert for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals 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?

To ensure a service provider is the right choice, ask if they can identify the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they recommend 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 pros and cons of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. You can always get a second opinion from another provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most respectable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

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 installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

How long will the repairs take?

The extent of the damage significantly influences 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 further damage is present. Waterproofing projects can take from one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs commonly 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?

While foundation repairs are in progress, you can often remain inside your home. You may have to relocate if the service provider has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Waxhaw home?

It's essential to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to shield your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Additionally, adequate drainage is necessary to keep water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure properly. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. When you conduct an inspection, it's crucial to check for any indications of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often suggests foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Remove dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. Trim plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

In Waxhaw, the intense heat can cause foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you may want to water your concrete slab from time to time, especially during the hottest summer months.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help cut down on standing water by channeling rainwater away from your 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.