10 best foundation repair companies in DeBary, Florida

The foundation is an essential part of your home. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to start to collapse, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your family members and pets. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be assessed by a licensed foundation repair technician as soon as possible.

The average annual rainfall of 52 inches in DeBary introduces moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain continuously falls surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, which may result in the development of cracks and gaps.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. When you decide to sell, your home's value will rise if you address your foundation problems. Locate a DeBary 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 DeBary

Look for foundation repair companies in DeBary 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?

Your foundation will display many hints that it requires maintenance, with each having 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 under and around your home.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps appear in the walls when a compromised foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when closed or not shut fully at all.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation issues especially a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation shifts the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be in need of repair if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair specialists offer a range of services from crack repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what precisely is wrong with your foundation, a pro will take a look at it and suggest a solution. Here are some typical services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the provider 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, especially in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the issue and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can close cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's orientation, location and dimensions. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The only drawback is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a heavily involved procedure that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally required when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required either on top of the foundation or as a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the process, the number of piers added and the technical skill required.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to divert it. However, exterior waterproofing stops 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 opt for the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in DeBary

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to find the ideal fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues Certified Contractor Licenses in Building, General Contracting and Residential Construction for foundation repair professionals, while further certifications are required at the local level. If you aren’t sure if your contractor has the correct license, check with your city’s local licensing board or the National Foundation Repair Association.

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 right solution. If raising your slab is the method they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the estimated price is too high. To get a comprehensive understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. You can always ask for 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?

Ask potential contractors for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most reputable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. How much your foundation repair project will cost is dependent on the severity of your foundation issues and how far it has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair expert to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group 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 specified period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

The duration of foundation repairs can range from a single day to two months based on how severe the damage is.

Fixing cracks and leaks can be finished 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?

You can typically stay inside your home while foundation repairs are underway. You may have to stay elsewhere if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your DeBary 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 problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before concrete is poured for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Performing regular inspections is the easiest way to safeguard your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for any cracking, breaking or shifting around or within the concrete. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently points to foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

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

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

Lastly, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by guiding rainwater away from your house's 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.