10 best foundation repair companies in Worth, Illinois

The foundation is a critical part of your home. A weak or deteriorating foundation can cause your house to deteriorate, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your family and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a big clue that something is wrong with your foundation and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Resolve foundation damage early on to stop further issues, such as roof damage, cracking walls or a sinking foundation. It's better in the long run to resolve the foundation issue while it's still small, saving you money and headaches.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a house with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation problems will increase its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Get in touch with a Worth foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Worth

Look for foundation repair companies in Worth 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 range of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing attention, each associated with a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls when a compromised foundation moves, resulting in doors that jam when closed or fail to shut fully at all.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial location.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space usually points to future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you find cracks in the ceiling.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies in Worth offer a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the particular issue is, a professional will take a look at your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service technician's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Repairing foundation cracks prevents moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning out the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has begun to sink, stabilization may be the best choice for stopping further damage. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less invasive than leveling. The only drawback is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a complex procedure that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this method to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally necessary when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed 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 technical skill required, the number of piers added and the process.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by using a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Worth

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Licensing isn’t legally required for foundation repair professionals in Illinois, but we recommend that you focus your search on pros with a contracting license, as they’ll be performing important and, often, expensive work on your home. Some of the larger cities in Illinois do have specific local permitting requirements, so you should check with the city government or the National Foundation Repair Association to be sure.

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

To ensure a contractor is the right choice, ask if they understand the source of the problem and what they think is the best fix. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, 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 effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. 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?

Get an estimate from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the project will cost. If there are multiple alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most respectable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall foundation repair costs.

Do you offer financing options?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Talk with your foundation repair company 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 expenses, such as materials, for a defined period once the work is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

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, based 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 typically remain inside your home. You may have to relocate if the contractor cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Worth home?

Although seeking advice from an expert is critical if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better protect your home's foundation from future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared area before concrete is poured for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is key to prevent water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it needs to cure properly. Your service professional must follow the setting standards for the products used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Routine inspections are the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. As you perform an inspection, be vigilant for any cracking, shifting or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently suggests foundation damage, so don't forget to check them as well.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. Prune plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big problem in Worth because the summers are relatively mild. However, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, preventing water accumulation 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.