10 best foundation repair companies in Woodburn, Oregon

The foundation is one of the most important parts of your house. A weak foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, leading to dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

Fixing foundation damage as soon as possible is key to preventing further issues, such as cracking walls, roof damage or a sinking foundation. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation issue while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

Not only are homes with foundation issues unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will boost its market value when you decide to sell. Contact a foundation repair company in Woodburn as soon as possible when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Woodburn

Look for foundation repair companies in Woodburn 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 repair, each associated with a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• 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.
• Loose or stuck doors: Spaces appear in the walls as a damaged foundation moves, making doors stick when closed or fail to shut fully at all.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation issues.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space can be a solid indicator of looming foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will locate the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the issue and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can seal cracks to prevent moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the position and the orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking and you're looking for a solution that's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts employ this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's generally necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or as a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary depending on the number of piers added, the method and the technical specialty required.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods 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, dimple board, speed strip 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 choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Woodburn

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to find the right fit for your job.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to protect you and your property. Professionals in Oregon must have either a Residential General or Residential Specialty Contractor's License from the Oregon Construction Contractor's Board in order to perform foundation work in the state.

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

Find out if the service provider knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal solution. If raising your slab is the fix 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 an option if the price estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair provider to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. You can always get a second opinion from another provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. If there are several options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Often, companies will offer estimates for free. Get more than one estimates so you can compare prices. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some contractors may offer financing options, including installment plans or a percentage off 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 costs, such as materials, for a specified period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary significantly, from one day to as long as two months depending on the severity of the damage.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be completed in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair commonly 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Woodburn home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your contractor. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before the concrete is poured. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete needs to cure properly. Your service professional must follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best approach to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you perform these assessments, be vigilant for any cracking, breaking or shifting in or near the slab. Check your walls and framings for similar damage, as these often point to foundation damage.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base because buildup can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

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

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help cut down on standing water by redirecting 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.