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.
We recently completed a project in zip code 61820, focusing on repairing cracks and stabilizing the foundation. The southeast corner had settled, creating a gap under the door's threshold. Our team addressed these structural issues effectively, ensuring long-term stability, all for approximately $28,000.
Near Champaign, IL
In Urbana, we tackled a project involving structural repairs both in the basement and externally. The entrance to the basement required attention, so we poured a new crawlspace. Externally, a stair-step crack was identified on the brick, and we addressed the issue to prevent further damage. This comprehensive repair project is valued at approximately $28,600.
Near Champaign, IL
We tackled a challenging basement issue for Bridget in Champaign, zip code 61821. Cracking and water intrusion around the windows required immediate attention. Our team managed to apply a waterproof sealant and reinforce the bowing walls to prevent further damage. The job was efficiently executed with an approximate cost of $3,100.
Near Champaign, IL
A recent inspection revealed significant joist issues in the crawlspace beneath a business establishment, unearthed during pest control treatments. The area features a crawlspace at least 18 inches high, requiring careful attention to detail given the confined space. An estimate driven by pest control findings led to necessary repair work to ensure structural stability. The job is estimated to cost around $4,025.
Near Champaign, IL
Aaron is preparing to sell his home and needed urgent structural repairs after an inspection revealed an unlevel foundation and a concerning wall. Our team reinforced the affected areas to ensure stability and attractiveness for potential buyers. This vital repair was completed for approximately $5,600 in the 61821 area.
Near Champaign, IL
Recently completed a structure repair project in Champaign, zip code 61820, involving the installation of support piers to address foundation issues. This effort aimed to stabilize and secure the area, ensuring long-term structural integrity for the homeowner. The job was completed at an approximate cost of $4,000, highlighting our dedication to quality foundation solutions.
Near Champaign, IL
Tackled a basement waterproofing job in zip code 61821 to address cracks and water intrusion. We ensured that the basement walls were properly sealed to prevent further water damage. The homeowner can now enjoy a more secure and dry environment, with the project completed for around $1,180.
Near Champaign, IL
For Margaret’s home in zip code 61821, our team addressed a sagging floor issue by installing support piers in the crawlspace. We encapsulated the area with moisture-resistant material to prevent future water intrusion, significantly enhancing the structural stability and integrity of the space. The estimated cost of this comprehensive waterproofing and structural support project was approximately $27,800.
Near Champaign, IL
Recently completed a slabjacking job on Cheryl's patio in zip code 61821. The task involved leveling an uneven patio that had developed a few cracks over time. This project aimed to enhance the patio's appearance and functionality. The approximate cost for this service was $2,495.
Near Champaign, IL
