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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
Unlike homes with basements or crawl spaces, a slab floor is solid concrete with no structural wood flooring system. For homes with this type of floor, soft soil or bad compaction is almost always the culprit. Once the soil is compromised, the slab will shift, and this creates the sagging or sinking effect. Pressure from that shift will sometimes crack the slab itself, causing high and low places in the flooring. To fix this type of damage, you need concrete slab repairs.
Water is a probable suspect, as it seeps into the ground around your foundation. The sill plate, wood beams, and floor joists are all vulnerable to this; these wooden components on top of your foundation are the wood framing system that supports your floor. Because it has direct contact with the concrete and can be over the exposed soil line, it often falls victim to water intrusion. Once water intrudes and saturates the wood, this leads to deterioration. It’s this deterioration that causes the floor system to fail.
But you don’t have to have standing water under your house to cause structural decay. High humidity can also damage the beams and joists that hold up your subfloor. Wood is highly porous and readily absorbs water from the air. Over time, this water saturation softens and rots the boards. As they decay, they compress under the weight of your home, lowering your floor sometimes by several inches.
Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern. A main support beam, the post that spans the length of your home, should be sized proportionately and supported every few feet. In many homes, the beams may not be the correct size or the support posts are installed too far apart. This over-spanning puts greater stress on the beam and makes it more likely to sag and potentially even fail.
Along the same lines, if your home is more than 50 years old, it’s also possible that inadequate materials are to blame. When a home is built, sometimes the beams or joists are not the correct dimensions. When this happens, a contractor will install a shim; a shim is a thin piece that adds a minimal lift to ‘even out’ the installation. Many times in construction, that shim was usually another piece of wood; at Acculevel we use steel shims to prevent compression or rot. These shims also allow us to increase the overall surface of the bearing load, so that the beam it’s supporting is not crushed by the weight of your home.
Technology is another age-related factor. New solutions and materials are always in development, but they take time to become commonplace. Before the 1970s, pretreated or pressure-treated lumber was not widely available or regularly used by builders. Lumber installed in its original ‘raw’ form is more vulnerable to insects and water damage.
New trends in home design can have a negative effect if a remodel doesn’t take the weight of the raw materials into account. Many older homes aren’t built to carry the load of solid granite countertops or stone-tiled floors and walls. Recreational items like a pool table or hot tub will also add significant weight to your floor system. These are all items that can put additional stress onto an already failing wood structure.
Contact Acculevel! We provide free estimates on sagging floor repairs.
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
Our team completed a significant foundation reinforcement project for Eric in zip code 60502. The work focused on strengthening the structure to ensure long-term stability and prevent any future issues. This essential job was carried out at an approximate cost of $12,000.
Near Aurora, IL
Completed a foundation reinforcement project for Larry in zip code 60505. This job involved installing support jacks to stabilize the structure and prevent settling. The reinforcement ensures long-term stability and safety, with an approximate cost of $7,800.
Near Aurora, IL
