Acculevel Blog

Originally posted 8/27/18, updated 11/19/20 Many homes in the Midwest have a basement under their home, as part of their foundation.  These are where your HVAC unit, pipes, and other utilities live.  In many cases, your laundry room may be in this area as well.  But for many homeowners, that’s all they’re used for.  You […]

Garage floors take a lot of wear and tear from vehicles, heavy equipment, and seasonal temperature changes. Over time, these factors can lead to cracks, uneven surfaces, and other problems that affect both safety and appearance. COMMON ISSUES WITH GARAGE FLOORS Garage floors can sink or crack due to soil settling or erosion, often caused […]

TL;DR: Spray foam is the best insulation for crawl spaces, but only when applied correctly. Fiberglass insulation is a poor choice—it absorbs moisture, leading to rot, mold, and structural damage. Spray foam seals gaps, resists water, and prevents mold, making it ideal for crawl space insulation. Best place to apply spray foam: the joist box, […]

TL;DR: A bowing or bulging basement wall is caused by hydrostatic pressure—water buildup in the soil pushes against the foundation. Ignoring the issue leads to major structural damage, including wall collapse, broken pipes, and costly repairs. Early action saves money—minor bowing can be fixed with carbon fiber straps, while severe cases require wall anchors or […]

Many homeowners look for affordable ways to control moisture and odors in their crawl spaces, but not every solution is safe or effective. Using lime may seem like a quick fix, yet it often leads to more harm than good over time. Lime (calcium hydroxide) is NOT a solution for moisture or odor issues in […]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" custom_margin="5px||||false|false" sticky_enabled="0"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"] TL;DR Crawl space insulation impacts energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and home stability. Avoid fiberglass batt insulation—it absorbs moisture, promotes mold growth, attracts pests, and deteriorates over time. Best insulation […]

Crawl spaces are highly vulnerable to moisture, which can create problems like mold, wood rot, and poor air quality inside the home. A vapor barrier acts as a protective layer, helping to block ground moisture and keep the space dry. Vapor barriers prevent moisture from entering your crawl space, improving air quality and protecting your […]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="basement-common-problems" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||0px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"] Elgin, IL, is a historic city celebrated for its picturesque setting along the Fox River. However, the area’s shifting soil, fluctuating temperatures, and exposure to moisture can take a toll on home foundations and concrete surfaces. Over time, these […]

You may not immediately notice signs of basement wall bowing. It's usually a slow, gradual process. One of the first warning signs is cracks forming in the wall, which may indicate increasing pressure against your foundation. A bowed or buckling wall is a critical concern because it compromises the structural integrity of your home. Your […]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_margin="|auto||14px||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]No one likes discovering that a basement leak repair is necessary when water starts seeping into your home. It’s a universally unpleasant experience. In fact, there’s only one thing that makes […]