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What issue are you experiencing?
Cracks, water intrusion, crawl space moisture, settlement, etc.
Cracks, water intrusion, crawl space moisture, settlement, etc.
We Treat Your Home Like Our Own
Acculevel was founded in 1996, and is well known in the industry for repairing foundations, basements, and crawl spaces. We raise and repair concrete structures for thousands of customers per year.
A concrete slab sinks as the soil underneath it shifts. Often, the cause for this is erosion. Rain comes down and saturates the ground, mixing the water into the soil. Then, when the water drains away, it takes part of the soil with it. This erosion can happen gradually as a natural process, or suddenly if it’s caused by a broken pipe or ruptured drain. If the ground under a slab is eroding quickly or seems loose, you should evaluate your home’s guttering and plumbing systems. It’s possible the downspouts or plumbing are draining under the slab and washing out the soil.
In other circumstances, the slab moves because of the ground itself. It’s possible that it wasn’t properly compacted before the concrete was poured. The extreme weather cycles in the Midwest contribute another factor. The ground floods in the spring, then dries out during a summer drought, which prompts erosion Then there’s the winter freeze-and-thaw pattern. The ground expands when it freezes, and contracts as it thaws. This fluctuation also contributes to shifts in the soil, which accelerates the settling process.
Concrete rarely settles evenly; usually one end will sink more significantly than the other. When this happens, the stress of the uneven support will sometimes crack the slab. At that point, you have high and low points on the concrete, and a crack or joint between slabs that will catch a pedestrian’s toe. These are trip hazards and a liability issue.
Sometimes, an uneven slab can also cause damage to your home. It may redirect rainwater towards your house, instead of away from it. This leads to water damage to your foundation, and possibly to leaks in your basement or crawl space. Over time this extra moisture can cause serious damage. Water permeating into your home can cause rotting in the structural wood flooring system (sill plate, floor joists, etc) and allow mold to flourish and grow.
Slab lifting is done by injection. Small holes are drilled through the concrete slab, and material is injected below it. This material fills the void underneath the concrete, and gradually the pressure of this filler being forced under the slab creates lift. The type of fill material varies; many companies use a concrete or limestone slurry referred to as “mud” and this process is generally called mudjacking. As the slurry hardens, it creates lift below the slab.
At Acculevel, we use a polyurethane foam. In our experience, slabjacking provides a better and more reliable repair; once the foam is injected, the chemical reaction promptly begins to expand, and it’s this foam that does the lifting. Since it’s more immediate than mudjacking, it allows for better control.
In this video, one of our knowledgeable experts explains why we choose to perform slabjacking:
Slabjacking uses specialized equipment, but it’s usually installed in a standard-sized service truck that can park in the driveway or street without issue. Slabjacking repair work rarely requires an Acculevel crew driving across your lawn, or disturbing your landscape; the slabjacking equipment has a 250 foot injection hose to maximize our reach to the repair section.
In fact, there is very little mess generated at a slabjacking job site. Generally, crews only need to clean up some dust generated from drilling through the concrete, and maybe trace amounts of foam from the injection site.
This is preferable to the messy process of replacing a slab. Concrete demolition often involves the use of a jack hammer, which is noisy and creates debris that adds to landfills. Re-pouring concrete requires building forms, a concrete truck, and the use of this equipment in close proximity to the work site. This results in a significant amount of trash and upheaval on your property. The new slab can also be visually jarring, as it won’t match the other existing sections in color or texture.
Slabjacking works with the existing concrete slab, so the costs are limited. They depend more on the size of the slab being lifted, and the amount of void under the slab. (The larger the gap, the more material is required.) The costs to replace concrete can be double the price of slabjacking. For more details on costs, please review our article on costs comparisons.
Recently addressed foundation cracks and installed a comprehensive water management system for Adam in the 60504 area. The process involved sealing visible cracks to prevent further structural issues. Additionally, a water drainage solution was implemented to manage runoff effectively, ensuring the foundation remains stable and dry. This vital repair service was approximately priced around $6,050.
Near Aurora, IL
Tackling structural challenges at Jim's home in Aurora, we focused on the back of the house which was sinking and causing the breakfast nook to slope noticeably. Additionally, the basement had issues with water entry during heavy rain. Repairs included reinforcing the foundation to prevent further sinking and managing water intrusion to maintain a dry space. This essential work is valued at approximately $13,500.
Near Aurora, IL
Completed a slabjacking project for Planes in zip code 60502. The job involved leveling a concrete slab that had sunk about five inches, with the client aware of the approximate $2,000 minimum cost. This service ensured stability and safety, improving the walkway's overall appearance.
Near Aurora, IL
Recently completed a basement waterproofing project for Kevin in zip code 60506. Our team installed a gravel and drainage system around the foundation to prevent water intrusion and maintain a dry space. This essential waterproofing job was completed for approximately $16,500, ensuring long-term protection against water-related issues.
Near Aurora, IL
We completed a thorough crawlspace encapsulation for Chris in Aurora, IL (zip code 60505). The space, approximately 4 feet high, required detailed attention to enhance moisture control and insulation. Our team also addressed foundation concerns with cinderblock reinforcements. This investment, estimated around $16,700, ensures increased property value and long-term protection.
Near Aurora, IL
In zip code 60506, we recently completed a comprehensive structure repair for Jason. Our team focused on stabilizing the foundation by addressing potential shifting and reinforcing the area to ensure long-term stability. This crucial repair, priced around $15,661, enhances the integrity of the home, preventing future issues.
Near Aurora, IL
Recently completed floor stabilization for Jeff in Aurora, zip code 60506. The main level floors were sagging, so our team reinforced the structure with support jacks and beams to ensure stability. This vital repair was handled at an approximate cost of $7,600.
Near Aurora, IL
We recently tackled a waterproofing project for Scott in the 60504 area. The work involved addressing a significant water pooling issue in the basement, which required sealing cracks and improving drainage. This vital intervention, priced at about $3,785, ensures the basement remains dry and protected from moisture.
Near Aurora, IL
Completed a comprehensive foundation stabilization and drainage enhancement project for AJ in zip code 60505. Our team focused on securing the foundation and improving water drainage to prevent future damage. This essential repair and upgrade was carried out at an approximate cost of $16,578, ensuring the home remains safe and stable.
Near Aurora, IL
