10 best foundation repair companies in West New York, New Jersey

The foundation is an essential part of your home. Without a strong foundation, everything in your home can start to collapse, creating 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.

The low winter temperatures in West New York make foundations in the area prone to moving and breaking when built-up groundwater gets cold enough to freeze and solidify.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will raise its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Reach out to a foundation repair company in West New York as soon as possible when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in West New York

Look for foundation repair companies in West New York 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 many clues your foundation needs attention, each with their own level of urgency.

• 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 around and under your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears cracked or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a failing foundation moves, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not shut properly at all.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation drags the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in West New York will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These experts offer a range of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the technician will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, repair the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the location and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a comprehensive procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more stable 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 technical expertise required, the number of piers added and the procedure.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This approach 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.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to channel water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to prevent water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to opt for the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in West New York

Fixing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask experts you're vetting the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to protect you and your home. A Home Repair Contractor License from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is required for foundation repair professionals working in New Jersey. They must also be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

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

Find out if the foundation repair company can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right 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 an effective alternative if the price estimate is too high. To get a thorough understanding of your choices, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. If you don't agree with 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 for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are different options. Most reputable companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. How much your foundation repair service will cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some service providers may offer financing options, including payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your service provider 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 specified period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is greatly influenced by the severity of the damage, but projects generally vary from one day to two months.

Fixing cracks and leaks can be completed in a matter of days if there isn't any additional damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, based on the extent of the job. A pier repair typically requires three to four weeks, while underpinning takes between four and six weeks.

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

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repair work. However, if the technician needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily relocate.

How can you protect the foundation of your West New York home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Before the concrete is poured, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure properly. Your contractor should follow the setting standards for the material used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Performing consistent inspections is the easiest way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, watch closely for any shifting, cracking or breaking in or near the slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often suggests 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 trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is critical, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to stop potential damage.

The summers in West New York are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a very hot season, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, preventing pooling water that can lead to 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.