6 Best Foundation Companies in Salem, IL

On average, Salem homeowners spend roughly $3,060 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the type of repair needed will all play a part. The fastest way to find out how much a job might cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

Leak repair and crack repair involve a technician coming to your home, completing an inspection, and using various repair techniques to remedy leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the issue.

Stabilization is the process of fixing bowing walls by inserting steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are needed. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as leveling or piering, involves underpinning your foundation with concrete piers to level it; the cost will depend on how many piers are used.

If you're looking to waterproof your foundation or basement, we recommend speaking with a waterproofing specialist. This process might include indoor waterproofing, outdoor waterproofing, or both.

If you're building a new house, have a soil report completed. This report contains information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about any potential future problems. If your concerns are about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any things that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your Salem home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky pipes or gutters, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but applying for one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should obtain the permit and all other documents required in Salem, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

Some signs that your foundation needs waterproofing include hairline cracks, uneven floors, discoloration or odors, basement flooding, white powder or spots on your walls, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew. Your contractor can determine whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and is generally less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing often involves measures like applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, making changes to your landscaping, or installing exterior drains.

Foundation repair, especially extensive repairs such as basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is especially true if you employ a reputable company. By solving systemic issues with your foundation, or reinforcing key areas, you reduce the risk of future problems.