10 best foundation repair companies in West Windsor, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's stability. If your foundation isn't sturdy and reliable, it can cause your house to fall to pieces, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your family members. 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.

The low winter temperatures in West Windsor make foundations in the area vulnerable to moving and breaking when built-up groundwater freezes and turns into ice.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or related issues. Your home's market value will rise when it comes time to sell if you resolve your foundation issues. If your foundation is at risk, contact a foundation repair company in West Windsor immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in West Windsor

Look for foundation repair companies in West Windsor 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 hints your foundation needs repair, each with varying levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to tilt, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a failing foundation shifts, gaps develop in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when shut or not close fully.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to shift and become uneven, your floors will follow suit. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel elastic.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: First, the professional 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, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from coming in 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, stabilization may be the best option for stopping further damage. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement. It's more economical and less disruptive than leveling. The main disadvantage is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a comprehensive procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors employ this method to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually 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. Prices vary depending on the technical specialty required, the number of piers added and the method.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to divert it. However, exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering at all by adding a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in West Windsor

Ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions to get the right fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to protect you and your property. 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?

Ask the contractor if they can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best solution, 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 reasonable alternative if the estimated cost is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair provider to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. You can always get a second opinion from a different company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair pro you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are several alternatives. Often, companies will offer quotes for free. Get multiple quotes so you can compare prices. 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 payment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Check with your repair provider to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party company that has financing plans available.

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 costs, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects generally range from one day to two months.

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

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

How can you protect the foundation of your West Windsor home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is crucial if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative steps you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new home, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before concrete is poured for the foundation. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it has to cure completely. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these commonly indicate foundation issues.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

The fairly mild summers in West Windsor mean that you don't have to be too concerned about concrete shrinkage due to heat. Still, consider watering your concrete slab during a very hot season to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.