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.
This recent project involved reinforcing a deck's foundation and enhancing the drainage system beneath it. The team addressed under-deck stability by installing strategic supports, crucial for maintaining the deck's long-term integrity. Inside, efforts were focused on the basement, where moisture management was improved to prevent water intrusion and ensure a dry, secure environment. These comprehensive updates are essential for protecting the property against potential structural issues.
This project focused on enhancing the foundation of a residential property to improve stability and safety. The process involved reinforcing the base and ensuring it remains secure against potential issues, thus maintaining the home's structural integrity.
Completed a foundational support installation to enhance the structural integrity of a property. The process involved using a hydraulic jack to stabilize the foundation, addressing potential settling issues. This essential measure helps in ensuring long-term stability and safety, a vital enhancement for the property.
Our team successfully completed a project focused on improving foundation drainage. The job involved excavating around the property, installing piping and rocks to enhance water flow, and laying concrete to secure the setup. This setup is designed to protect the foundation from potential water damage, ensuring long-lasting structural integrity.
Recent work involved addressing significant cracking in a concrete floor to enhance structural stability. The project focused on sealing visible cracks and reinforcing the integrity of the surface to prevent further issues. This essential repair step ensures the area remains safe and durable for future use.
Our team has just completed a structural reinforcement project in the crawl space. We installed a series of steel support jacks to bolster the foundation, ensuring long-term stability and preventing future sagging. These improvements play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the property.
Installed a new sump pump system in the basement, ensuring effective water management to keep the area dry. Alongside, we conducted a thorough inspection of the foundation walls to identify any potential issues. This combination enhances the basement's protection against water intrusion, contributing to the overall longevity and stability of the home's foundation.
Recently, we applied a comprehensive sealant along the exterior foundation perimeter to effectively block potential moisture entry. This sealing process aims to protect the structural integrity of the building and prevent future water-related issues. By addressing these concerns proactively, we enhance the longevity and stability of the foundation.
We just finished installing a vapor barrier in a crawlspace to enhance moisture control and prevent potential water damage. This work involved reinforcing the space with durable materials and ensuring everything is well-sealed. The project is a proactive measure to maintain a clean and dry environment, supporting the overall stability of the home.
We installed a new sump pump to enhance water drainage and manage moisture levels in the basement. Alongside this, we addressed significant wall cracks with precise sealing to prevent further structural issues. This project improves both the stability and safety of the space.
We recently concentrated on leveling and fortifying the concrete pad beneath an outdoor AC unit. Our team addressed a settling issue, which posed a risk to effective drainage and unit stability. This maintenance task plays a pivotal role in ensuring both the optimal operation of the equipment and the protection of the surrounding foundation area.
Completed the installation of new support posts in a basement area. This project involved securing the structural integrity of the building by addressing concerns related to foundation stability. The addition of these supports contributes to a safer and more durable environment, ensuring long-term stability.
We've recently completed an installation of support posts in the crawlspace of a property. This project involved stabilizing the foundation by securing new posts to enhance structural integrity. The new supports ensure long-term stability and safety of the foundation.
Conducted an assessment of the front entry foundation, focusing on measuring elevation differences and inspecting visible cracks. This check helps in planning necessary repairs to ensure the foundation's stability and safety.
Our latest project involved repairing and sealing damaged concrete surfaces to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal. The work focused on filling cracks and joints to prevent further deterioration and ensure a smoother finish. This essential maintenance helps in prolonging the life of the concrete area, offering both functional and visual improvements.
Our team performed a comprehensive evaluation of the foundation perimeter and crawl space to identify areas needing reinforcement. The images highlight potential vulnerabilities in the exterior siding and basement area. We are planning targeted enhancements to ensure the foundation's long-term stability and prevent moisture intrusion.
Conducted a thorough evaluation of the basement area to assess potential structural issues. Identified areas that require additional support to enhance stability, ensuring the property's longevity. The inspection helps in determining the necessary interventions to maintain the foundation's integrity.
We just completed a project focused on stabilizing the concrete steps leading to the front entrance of this home. The work ensures long-lasting durability against natural settling and wear, providing both safety and aesthetic improvements. By reinforcing the structure, we're preventing issues that could arise from shifting or uneven surfaces.
Our team successfully addressed cracking issues in a driveway to enhance its stability and prevent future damage. We reinforced areas with visible cracks and ensured the alignment is correct to maintain structural integrity. These enhancements offer peace of mind, knowing the driveway is secure and durable.
Recently addressed potential water intrusion issues by installing exterior waterproofing layers along the foundation. The project involved uncovering portions of the foundation to apply protective sheeting and improve drainage. These steps are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of the home.
Our latest project involved a thorough examination and repair of a brick wall foundation. Visible cracks and uneven surfaces required immediate attention to ensure structural stability. Our team assessed the mortar's condition, reinforced weak areas, and addressed water drainage near the window wells to prevent future damage.
A comprehensive evaluation of basement walls was carried out, identifying areas with visible cracks and previous water damage. Targeted repairs were made to enhance the stability and integrity of the structure. Ensuring a robust foundation is crucial for the long-term health of the property.
Examined the foundation of a residential property near the balcony, noting visible cracks that might indicate potential structural issues. Special attention was paid to the brick siding and surrounding area to evaluate any signs of settling. Further evaluation might be needed to ensure the stability of the structure.
In this project, we've been focusing on addressing moisture concerns in a basement area. We identified potential water intrusion points and took measures to ensure proper drainage and waterproofing. Our efforts aim to protect the foundation and enhance the overall durability of the space.
Our team successfully waterproofed the foundation and repaired cracks for a residential property. We've installed a drainage system to manage water flow and prevent future moisture issues. Additionally, we addressed visible cracks in the interior walls, enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of the space.
