Foundation Repair Warranties Explained: What's Really Covered

Introduction: Why Your Warranty Matters as Much as the Repair Itself

A foundation repair is one of the largest investments you will make in your home. Projects routinely cost $5,000 to $25,000 or more, and the work is meant to be permanent. But what happens if the repair fails? What if the foundation settles again in three years, or the wall starts bowing after the contractor has cashed your final check?

That is where your warranty comes in. A strong, clearly written warranty transforms a foundation repair from an expensive gamble into a protected investment. A weak or ambiguous warranty leaves you exposed to paying for the same problem twice.

Yet most homeowners sign foundation repair contracts without reading the warranty language in detail. The focus tends to land on the total price, the repair method, and the timeline. The warranty is treated as boilerplate — something that will be there if needed. In practice, warranties vary enormously between companies in their scope, duration, exclusions, and enforceability. Understanding these differences before you sign can save you thousands of dollars and significant stress down the road.

This guide breaks down the different types of foundation repair warranties, explains what is typically covered and what is not, walks through the fine print that trips up homeowners, and gives you a checklist of questions to ask every contractor before committing.

Types of Foundation Repair Warranties

Not all warranties are created equal. Foundation repair companies typically offer one or more of the following warranty types, and understanding the distinctions is critical.

Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty covers the labor and installation quality of the repair itself. If the contractor’s crew installed piers incorrectly, failed to reach adequate depth, used improper techniques, or made errors that caused the repair to fail, the workmanship warranty obligates the company to return and fix the problem at no additional cost.

Workmanship warranties are issued by the contractor, not the product manufacturer. Their value depends entirely on the reputation, financial stability, and longevity of the company that issued them. A lifetime workmanship warranty from a company that goes bankrupt in five years is worthless.

Typical workmanship warranty lengths range from 5 years to lifetime, depending on the contractor and the repair method. Most established foundation repair companies offer lifetime workmanship warranties on pier installations and wall stabilization systems. Shorter warranties (1 to 5 years) are more common for crack sealing, mudjacking, and cosmetic repairs.

Product (Manufacturer) Warranty

A product warranty covers the materials used in the repair — the steel piers, helical piers, carbon fiber strips, wall anchor hardware, epoxy resins, or polyurethane foam. This warranty is issued by the manufacturer of those products, not by the installing contractor.

Product warranties protect you against material defects — a steel pier that corrodes prematurely due to a manufacturing flaw, a carbon fiber strip that delaminates, or a bracket that fractures under normal load conditions. They do not cover installation errors (that is the workmanship warranty) or failure caused by external factors like new construction activity, flooding, or changes to site drainage.

Most major foundation repair product manufacturers offer 25-year to lifetime warranties on their steel and carbon fiber products. Polyurethane foam and epoxy products tend to carry shorter warranties of 5 to 10 years because they are chemical products with different degradation profiles.

The key advantage of a product warranty is that it survives the contractor. Even if the installation company closes, the manufacturer warranty may still be enforceable — provided you have the documentation.

Transferable Warranty

A transferable warranty is one that can be passed from the current homeowner to a new buyer when the house is sold. This is not a separate type of warranty but rather a feature of either a workmanship or product warranty.

Transferability is enormously important for two reasons. First, it protects you as a seller — a transferable warranty on completed foundation work significantly reduces the stigma and value reduction that foundation repairs can create during a sale. Buyers are far more comfortable purchasing a home with documented foundation repair backed by a transferable warranty than one with repairs and no ongoing coverage. For more on this topic, see our guide on how foundation problems affect home value.

Second, it protects future owners and preserves the value of the work. A non-transferable warranty dies the moment you sell your home, leaving the next owner completely unprotected.

Most major foundation repair companies now offer transferable warranties, but the transfer process varies. Some require written notification and a transfer fee (typically $50 to $250). Others transfer automatically with proof of sale. A few restrict the warranty duration for the new owner — for example, a lifetime warranty for the original owner may become a 25-year warranty for the second owner.

Always confirm in writing whether the warranty transfers and what conditions apply.

Structural Warranty vs. Limited Warranty

Some companies distinguish between a “structural warranty” that covers the integrity and function of the repair system (the piers hold, the wall does not bow further) and a “limited warranty” that covers only specific components under specific conditions.

A structural warranty is the more valuable of the two. It says: if the foundation problem we repaired recurs in the warranted area, we will fix it. A limited warranty might cover only the pier hardware but not the labor to excavate, access, and reinstall it — which can be the most expensive part of a warranty claim.

Read the language carefully. A warranty that covers “materials and workmanship” is broader than one that covers “materials only.” A warranty that covers “the stabilization of the foundation in the repaired area” is broader than one that covers “the pier hardware against manufacturing defects.”

Typical Warranty Lengths by Repair Type

Warranty duration varies by the type of repair performed. Here is what you should expect.

Steel and Helical Piers

Most reputable companies offer a lifetime transferable warranty on steel push pier and helical pier installations. This is industry standard for established contractors who use manufacturer-backed pier systems. If a contractor offers less than a 25-year warranty on piering, ask why. The steel components are galvanized or epoxy-coated and designed to last indefinitely in most soil conditions.

Wall Anchors

Wall anchor systems typically carry 25-year to lifetime warranties. The hardware itself (anchor plates, rods, wall plates) is extremely durable. However, the warranty may specify that periodic tightening of the anchor nuts is the homeowner’s responsibility and that failure to maintain the system voids the coverage.

Carbon Fiber Reinforcement

Carbon fiber strips and straps usually carry lifetime manufacturer warranties against delamination or material failure. The workmanship warranty on the installation adhesive and bonding process may be shorter — typically 10 to 25 years — because the long-term performance depends on surface preparation quality and environmental conditions.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking warranties are significantly shorter, typically 1 to 5 years. This reflects the reality that mudjacking does not address the underlying soil conditions that caused the settlement. The slurry can break down, wash out, or the soil beneath it can continue to consolidate. Some companies offer no warranty on mudjacking at all. For more on how these methods compare, see our foundation repair methods guide.

Polyurethane Foam Injection

Foam injection warranties typically range from 5 to 10 years, though some premium contractors offer longer coverage. The foam itself is waterproof and does not degrade, but the underlying soil conditions can still change, causing new settlement that is not a warranty issue.

Crack Sealing and Epoxy Injection

Crack repair warranties are usually 1 to 5 years for water infiltration prevention. If the crack reopens or a new crack forms nearby due to continued foundation movement, most warranties do not cover it — the crack seal addressed a symptom, not the root cause.

What Voids a Foundation Repair Warranty

This is where homeowners get burned. A warranty is only as good as its exclusions allow. Understanding what voids your warranty helps you avoid inadvertently canceling your own protection.

Poor Drainage and Water Management

The single most common warranty exclusion is failure to maintain proper drainage around the foundation. Nearly every foundation repair warranty includes language requiring the homeowner to maintain positive grading (soil sloping away from the house), functional gutters and downspouts, and appropriate moisture levels in the soil.

If your foundation repair fails because you allowed gutters to dump water directly against the foundation wall, or because you graded your landscaping to slope toward the house, or because you installed a sprinkler head that saturated one side of the foundation, the warranty claim will almost certainly be denied.

This exclusion exists because proper drainage is the single most important factor in preventing foundation problems. No repair system can overcome persistent water mismanagement.

Unauthorized Modifications

If you or another contractor alter, modify, extend, or tamper with the repair system after installation, the warranty is typically voided. This includes adding or removing piers, cutting anchor rods, removing carbon fiber strips, excavating around pier brackets, or altering the foundation in the repaired area.

If you need to make changes to your foundation or the area around the repair (for example, adding an addition, digging a pool, or regrading your yard), contact the repair company first and get written approval to ensure you do not void your coverage.

New Construction or Landscaping Activity

Major construction activity near the repaired foundation — such as building an addition, digging a basement, installing an in-ground pool, or heavy excavation on an adjacent property — can cause soil disturbance that leads to new foundation movement. Most warranties exclude damage caused by new construction activity that was not part of the original scope.

Similarly, planting large trees too close to the repaired area can void warranty coverage, since tree root systems draw moisture from the soil and can cause settlement. Most warranties recommend keeping trees at a distance equal to their mature height from the foundation.

Natural Disasters and Acts of God

Earthquakes, floods, landslides, sinkholes, and other catastrophic natural events are universally excluded from foundation repair warranties. The warranty covers the performance of the repair system under normal conditions — not its survival through extraordinary geological or meteorological events.

Failure to Allow Inspection

Many warranty agreements require the homeowner to allow periodic inspections by the repair company, typically at the one-year mark and then as needed. If you refuse access for inspection, the company may argue that the warranty is voided because they were unable to verify the system’s condition.

What Happens When a Company Goes Out of Business

This is the nightmare scenario that homeowners rarely consider: you have a lifetime warranty on a $20,000 pier installation, and the company that issued it closes its doors. What happens to your warranty?

If Only a Workmanship Warranty Exists

If your warranty was solely a workmanship warranty issued by the contractor with no manufacturer backing, it is likely worthless once the company dissolves. A workmanship warranty is a contractual obligation of the company, and when the company ceases to exist, there is no entity to enforce it against.

This is one reason why choosing a well-established company with a long track record matters. A company that has been in business for 20 years is more likely to honor a warranty in year 10 than a startup that launched last year.

If a Manufacturer Warranty Exists

If the pier system or repair products carry an independent manufacturer warranty, that warranty may survive the contractor’s closure. The manufacturer is a separate entity with its own warranty obligation. However, the manufacturer warranty typically covers only the product (materials) and not the labor to remove, replace, or reinstall the product. You would need to hire a new contractor for the labor component.

Protecting Yourself

To protect yourself against a contractor going out of business:

• Choose companies affiliated with national networks such as Foundation Supportworks, Groundworks, or other manufacturer-backed networks. These networks often provide backup warranty coverage if a local dealer closes.
• Keep all documentation. Store your contract, warranty certificate, inspection reports, engineer’s assessment, and payment receipts in a safe, accessible location. Digital copies stored in cloud storage are ideal.
• Verify the manufacturer warranty independently. Contact the pier or product manufacturer directly and confirm that your installation is registered and covered under their product warranty.
• Check the company’s financial health. A company that has been in business for 10 or more years, is licensed, bonded, and insured, and has a physical office location is a safer warranty bet than a newer operation.

Warranty vs. Guarantee: Is There a Difference?

In everyday language, “warranty” and “guarantee” are used interchangeably. In legal terms, they can differ.

A warranty is a specific written promise with defined terms, conditions, duration, and exclusions. It is a contractual obligation enforceable in court.

A guarantee is often a broader, less specific assurance. Some companies use “guarantee” as a marketing term — “We guarantee your satisfaction” — without specifying what that means in practice. A guarantee without written terms detailing exactly what is covered, for how long, and under what conditions is essentially a handshake promise.

When evaluating contractors, always ask for the written warranty document, not just a verbal guarantee. If a contractor says “We guarantee our work for life,” ask to see the specific warranty language in writing before you sign. If they cannot produce a written warranty document, that is a red flag. For more guidance on evaluating contractors, see our guide on choosing a foundation repair contractor.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Before committing to any foundation repair contract, ask these specific warranty-related questions and get the answers in writing.

Coverage Questions

1. What exactly does the warranty cover? Materials only? Labor only? Both materials and labor? Ask for specific language.
2. Does the warranty cover the repair system or the outcome? In other words, if the foundation settles again in the warranted area, does the warranty cover it — regardless of whether the pier hardware itself failed?
3. Are there separate warranties for workmanship and materials? If so, what is the duration and scope of each?
4. What is not covered? Ask the contractor to walk you through every exclusion in the warranty document.

Duration and Transfer Questions

5. How long does the warranty last? Get the specific duration for each component of the warranty.
6. Is the warranty transferable to a new owner? If so, is there a transfer fee? Does the coverage change (shorter duration, reduced scope) upon transfer?
7. Is there a registration requirement? Some manufacturer warranties require the homeowner to register the installation within a certain timeframe. Missing the registration window could void the manufacturer warranty.

Claims and Enforcement Questions

8. What is the warranty claim process? Who do you contact? What documentation do you need to provide? What is the typical response time?
9. Who pays for diagnostic work on a warranty claim? If you call with a concern, does the company send someone out at no charge to evaluate, or do you pay for the inspection and get reimbursed only if it is a covered issue?
10. Is there a deductible or service fee for warranty work? Some warranties require a nominal fee (like $250 to $500) for each warranty visit.

Company Stability Questions

11. How long has your company been in business? Ask for the date of incorporation or founding, not just a vague claim of experience.
12. Are you affiliated with a national manufacturer or network? If the local company closes, does the network provide backup warranty service?
13. Can I contact the product manufacturer directly to verify my warranty? A reputable contractor will provide the manufacturer’s contact information and warranty registration details without hesitation.

Reading the Fine Print: What to Look For

When you receive a warranty document, read it completely. Here are the specific sections to scrutinize.

Definition of “Failure”

How does the warranty define a covered failure? The best warranties define it broadly: “any recurrence of the foundation condition that was repaired, in the area that was repaired.” More restrictive warranties may limit coverage to “failure of the installed hardware due to manufacturing defects” — which excludes situations where the hardware works perfectly but the foundation still moves because the repair design was inadequate.

Maintenance Requirements

Nearly all warranties require the homeowner to maintain proper drainage. But how specific are the requirements? Some warranties simply say “maintain proper drainage.” Others specify exact grading slopes, gutter requirements, and watering schedules. Understand precisely what is expected of you so you can comply.

Dispute Resolution

Check whether the warranty includes a mandatory arbitration clause. Some companies require that warranty disputes be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court. Arbitration can be faster and cheaper, but it also limits your legal options. Know what you are agreeing to.

Geographic Scope

If the warranty is tied to a national manufacturer or network, confirm that service is available in your area. Some networks have limited coverage in rural areas, and a warranty that requires you to pay travel expenses for a crew to come from 200 miles away is less valuable than one with a local service provider.

Annual Inspections

Some warranties require annual inspections performed by the repair company, sometimes at a fee. Missing an annual inspection can void the warranty, even if the repair system is performing perfectly. Understand whether inspections are required, who pays for them, and what happens if you miss one.

How to Document and Protect Your Warranty

Once the work is done and the warranty is in place, take these steps to protect your coverage.

Create a Warranty File

Assemble the following documents in a single physical folder and a digital backup:

• Signed contract with full scope of work
• Warranty certificate (both workmanship and product)
• Manufacturer product information and model numbers
• Structural engineer’s report (if one was obtained)
• Permit documentation
• Before and after photographs
• All correspondence with the contractor
• Payment receipts

Register the Product Warranty

If the manufacturer requires registration, do it immediately. Many manufacturer warranties have a 30 to 90 day registration window. After that window closes, you may still have workmanship coverage from the contractor but lose the independent product warranty.

Maintain Your Property

Follow the drainage and maintenance requirements in your warranty to the letter. Keep gutters clean and functional. Ensure grading slopes away from the house at a minimum of 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Do not plant large trees within 20 feet of the repaired area without consulting the repair company. For a complete maintenance guide, see our article on DIY foundation maintenance.

Schedule Follow-Up Inspections

Most good contractors include a complimentary follow-up inspection at 6 or 12 months. Take advantage of it. If annual inspections are required, schedule them proactively rather than waiting for the company to contact you. Document each inspection with photos and written notes.

The Bottom Line

A foundation repair warranty is not a formality — it is an essential component of the investment you are making in your home’s structural integrity. The difference between a strong, clearly written, transferable warranty and a vague, exclusion-heavy one can be worth tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your home.

Before signing any foundation repair contract, read the warranty in its entirety, ask the questions listed in this guide, and verify that the coverage is backed by both a reputable contractor and a recognized product manufacturer. If a company hesitates to provide clear, written warranty terms, that tells you something important about how they will handle warranty claims five or ten years from now.

A solid repair backed by a solid warranty is the combination that truly protects your home and your investment. Get free quotes from vetted foundation repair contractors in your area to compare not just pricing, but warranty terms and company track records side by side.