10 Best Foundation Repair Companies in Burlington, NJ - USA Today (2024)

The foundation is a critical part of your home's structure. A compromised foundation can cause your house to crumble, leading to unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home suggest foundation problems that demand immediate examination from a foundation repair professional.

Burlington gets an average of 46 inches of rain each year, which introduces moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain hits the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and air gaps.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a home with foundation problems as they don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation problems will increase its market value when you decide to sell. Contact a foundation repair company in Burlington right away when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Burlington

Look for foundation repair companies in Burlington 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. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls as a damaged foundation shifts, making doors jam when shut or fail to close properly.
• 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 misaligned with their jambs.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears fractured or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation problems including 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 notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a variety of services from leak repair to waterproofing. Even if you don't know what precisely is wrong with your foundation, a pro will assess it and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the provider will identify 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 basem*nt. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the issue and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. Which sealant the professional uses depends on the crack's size, the location and the angle. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use 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: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts employ this process to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's usually necessary 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 basem*nt. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary depending on the method, the number of piers added and the technical specialty required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, the best option for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it won't level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basem*nt or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all by using a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basem*nt serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Burlington

Ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions to identify the right fit for your needs.

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 know what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal fix. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the estimated cost 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 complete understanding of your choices. You can always ask for a second opinion from another provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost you. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get a few quotes so you can compare prices. The overall cost will vary depending on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Some companies may offer financing options, such as payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through external companies that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

How long will the repairs take?

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

Crack and leak repairs can take a few 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 typically 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?

While foundation repairs are underway, you can usually stay inside your home. You may have to leave 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 Burlington home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before concrete is poured for the foundation. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure fully after it's poured. Your foundation expert has to 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

Frequent inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. During an inspection, check for any cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly signals foundation trouble, so don't forget to check them as well.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. To promote proper air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots stay at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a major concern in Burlington because the summers are moderately warm. But, if your area encounters a particularly hot summer, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help prevent water damage by channeling rainwater away from your foundation and siding, where it can pool.

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.