10 best foundation repair companies in Paris, Ohio

The foundation plays a key role in your home's stability. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to crumble, leading to dangerous 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 right away by a foundation repair specialist.

Your foundation in Paris may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 36 inches each year. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and expand, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this swelling soil base can cause the formation of cracks and gaps.

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 problems will raise its value when you're ready to put it on the market. If your foundation is in danger, reach out to a foundation repair company in Paris right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Paris

Look for foundation repair companies in Paris 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 attention, each with their own level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat elastic.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial position.
• 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 indicate foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that catch when shut or not shut properly at all.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, including a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies perform a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will inspect your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair experts in Paris:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service professional's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will fix the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and into your foundation, a service provider can fill cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's dimensions, orientation and location. After cleaning out 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 strong choices.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Professionals use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually 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. Prices vary based on the process, the technical skill required and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best solution for stopping further damage. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The one drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• 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 redirect it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from entering 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 Paris

The right expert is vital when maintaining your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Even though the state of Ohio doesn't require specific licensing for contractors, many cities enforce their own legal requirements. We suggest opting for a professional with a contracting license and verifying the relevant regulations in your city or county with your local building department.

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

Find out if the service provider can identify what is causing the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If they suggest raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair expert to make sure you have a complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being thorough enough, you can always get a second opinion from another company.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get a quote from the repair specialist you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. For projects where you have to choose between multiple options, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. We recommend getting several quotes for price comparison, as most trusted providers will offer them for free. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

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 third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is over.

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.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require 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 repairs. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily stay elsewhere.

How can you protect the foundation of your Paris home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your contractor. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before your service provider pours the concrete. Additionally, proper drainage is necessary to keep water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it has to cure completely. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your foundation expert should follow the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the best way to safeguard your home's foundation. As you inspect, look out for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation damage.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big issue in Paris because the summers are moderately warm. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, consider watering your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters guide rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, preventing standing water that can lead to 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.