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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.
In zip code 60304, we're handling an exterior foundation waterproofing job for Maya, focusing on sealing cracks and preventing water intrusion. This project involves careful repair around the base of the building, ensuring a strong defense against moisture. Approximately $4,200 was invested to tackle these issues effectively, providing long-term protection for the property.
Near Oak Park, IL
This project in Elmhurst focused on addressing significant settlement issues causing separation between the floor and the wall, as well as an exterior gap. To combat this, the team worked to stabilize the back expansion, which was pulling away from the main foundation. A deck demolition was scheduled to facilitate the repair work. This critical foundation repair not only restores the home's stability but also enhances safety, with the project's value estimated around $16,500.
Near Elmhurst, IL
We tackled a crucial foundation repair for James in zip code 60189. His garage foundation had been slowly sinking, causing noticeable noise issues with the garage door and visible cracks in the floor. This repair, approximately priced at $13,100, addressed the structural issues to restore stability and prevent further sinking.
Near Wheaton, IL
Recently, we tackled a foundation repair in Frank's garage, located in zip code 60068. The garage was sinking on one side, causing a vertical crack to appear. We implemented piering techniques to stabilize the foundation, ensuring long-term durability and safety for the structure. This crucial repair work was completed for about $6,000.
Near Park Ridge, IL
Our team tackled a significant waterproofing project for a customer in zip code 60056. We installed a sump pump system to address water seepage issues where the floor meets the wall. This essential service ensures the basement stays dry and secure, with a project cost around $3,000.
Near Mount Prospect, IL
Our team recently completed a vapor barrier installation for Teresa in zip code 60453. This preventative measure is aimed at controlling moisture levels and enhancing the durability of the structure. As a returning customer, Teresa sought to ensure her property remains protected from potential moisture-related issues. The job was carried out efficiently, valued at an approximate cost of $8,500.
Near Oak Lawn, IL
Conducted a slabjacking job on the sidewalk in front of a building in zip code 60638. Our team skillfully leveled the slabs to ensure a safe, even surface for pedestrians. This vital work, approximately priced at $2,300, enhances both the function and aesthetics of the pathway.
Near Chicago, IL
In Western Springs, IL, we tackled a basement waterproofing project for Karen. The issue involved consistent seepage during heavy rains, forming puddles on the floor. Our team addressed this by implementing an effective waterproofing solution, ensuring a dry and secure space moving forward. This essential work was completed at an approximate cost of $15,600, providing peace of mind and long-term protection.
Near Western Springs, IL
We addressed significant water intrusion in Nancy's basement in zip code 60555, where water was penetrating at the wall and floor junction. Our team installed a comprehensive waterproofing system to effectively prevent future issues, with the project costing around $3,475. This will provide long-term protection against water damage.
Near Warrenville, IL
