10 Best Foundation Repair Companies in Appleton, WI - USA Today (2024)

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to fall apart, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your family members. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that demand immediate examination from a foundation repair specialist.

To prevent future problems including cracking walls, a sinking foundation or roof damage, it's crucial to resolve foundation damage quickly. It's better in the long run to fix the foundation problem while it's still minor, saving you time and money.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a house with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Your home's market value will rise when you're ready to put it on the market if you address your foundation issues. Find a Appleton foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Appleton

Look for foundation repair companies in Appleton 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 urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, gaps appear in the walls, which can cause doors to get stuck when closed or not shut fully.
• 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.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Discovering mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space can be a strong indicator of future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems damaged or starts to tilt, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

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

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. Then, they will repair the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can close cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the position and the orientation. 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best solution for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less disruptive and more economical than leveling. The one drawback is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an extensive procedure that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Experts use this approach to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically 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. Prices vary depending on the number of piers added, the technical specialty required and the method.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avert future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to divert water that has come into your crawl space or basem*nt. Exterior waterproofing uses a speed strip, dimple board, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to block water from entering at all. If you use your basem*nt as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to use the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Appleton

Maintaining your foundation is essential, so you need to choose the right expert for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Wisconsin requires that foundation repair professionals have a Dwelling Contractor Certification from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

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

When vetting a foundation repair company, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal fix. If they recommend 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. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. If you don't agree with the answer or don't think they are being detailed enough, you can always get a second opinion from another company.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. If there are several alternatives, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most respectable companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your repair professional may offer financing options, including installment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects generally vary from one day to two months.

Repairing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair often 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?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the contractor needs to cut into your flooring or ceiling, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to leave temporarily.

How can you protect the foundation of your Appleton home?

While you should always seek professional advice 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 house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation expert. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before concrete is poured for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete has to cure properly after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your service professional should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

To protect your home's foundation, perform regular inspections. When you perform these inspections, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. To promote sufficient air circulation, cut back plants that are growing against your home, and make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a major problem in Appleton because the summers are fairly gentle. But, if your area encounters an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, make sure to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent water damage by channeling rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.