10 best foundation repair companies in DeLand, Florida

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your home can crumble, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your family. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a major red flag that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

DeLand gets an average of 52 inches of rain each year, which can pose moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain soaks the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. 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 property with foundation troubles as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation issues will raise its market value when you decide to sell. Contact a DeLand foundation repair company right away if you suspect your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in DeLand

Look for foundation repair companies in DeLand 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 clues your foundation needs attention, each with their own level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also point to foundation issues.
• 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 position.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears fractured or starts to lean, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space commonly points to future foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice unequal levels or feel spots that are somewhat springy.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a damaged foundation changes position, spaces appear in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when shut or not close fully.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in DeLand will assess it and advise you on the best solution. These experts offer a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service professional will determine 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, fix the problem and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a provider can fill cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's orientation, dimensions and location. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that withstands varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also possibilities.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, contractors often suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a comprehensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The technique requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by adding a dimple board, moisture barrier, 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 DeLand

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so you need to get the right professional for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

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?

When evaluating a contractor, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal solution. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, 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 option if the estimated price is too high. To get a comprehensive understanding of your options, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Get a second opinion if you don't like the answer or think they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the service will cost. If there are several options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. Most trusted professionals 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 varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, such as installment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

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 defined period once the work is completed.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary greatly, from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

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 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?

Foundation repair projects are usually safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the project. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your DeLand home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new home, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's adequate drainage to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure properly. 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

To protect your home's foundation, plan routine inspections. As you inspect, keep an eye out for signs of cracking, shifting or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these frequently indicate foundation problems.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris as it can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Foundations in DeLand are at risk for foundation shrinkage and cracking due to the extreme heat during the summer. To help prevent concrete shrinkage, you may want to water your concrete slab during the scorching summer months.

Lastly, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help cut down on standing water by channeling rainwater away from your home's 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.