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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
Conducted a thorough inspection of the crawl space to ensure effective encapsulation and structural integrity. The work included assessing support beams and evaluating potential issues with moisture management. This setup is essential for maintaining a stable and durable foundation for the property.
Our recent project centered on reinforcing the structural integrity of a home's basement. The team addressed worrisome sagging in the flooring by installing metal support jacks. This work is crucial to ensure the beams remain stable and the home secure against future issues. The visible upgrades in the basement contribute to the long-term safety of the house.
We recently strengthened the support structure in a crawl space to address compromised beams. Our team used high-quality materials to ensure the overall integrity and durability of the foundation, preventing future issues. This crucial improvement enhances the building's safety and longevity with an approximate project cost of $8,000.
A comprehensive evaluation of concrete slabs around the property was conducted. The inspection identified various cracks and potential leveling issues, particularly near the porch steps and driveway. Addressing these structural concerns will help ensure the long-term stability and safety of the area.
After assessing a property's foundation and exterior in [ZIP Code], we've implemented measures to prevent moisture intrusion in both the basement and porch areas. Using a dehumidifier in the basement, we aim to manage humidity levels effectively, while the proper sealing of exterior joints ensures outdoor elements are kept at bay. This proactive approach focuses on the long-term preservation of structural integrity.
A thorough inspection of the property's crawl space was carried out to assess the support structures and foundation stability. The goal was to ensure that the piers and beams were intact and that any foundational issues could be addressed promptly. This proactive check is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the building and preventing future complications.
We have successfully installed a comprehensive perimeter drainage system in a basement, targeting water intrusion issues. This setup is designed to efficiently manage water flow and prevent moisture-related problems, securing the structural integrity of the area. The improvements are part of an ongoing effort to maintain a dry and safe environment.
Our latest project involved installing a state-of-the-art drainage system and reinforcing the foundation to address critical water management needs. The new setup includes a sump pump, drainage pipe, and structurally secure support beams, ensuring protection against moisture intrusion and enhanced stability for the property.
Completed a thorough maintenance check on a residential property’s foundation. Our team ensured the exterior structure was sound and visually inspected the integrity of the brickwork and surrounding areas. These steps are crucial in maintaining the property's structural health and preventing any future deterioration.
We've made significant upgrades to the crawl space, including the installation of new piping and a dehumidification system. These enhancements are designed to improve air quality and reduce moisture levels, ensuring a healthier home environment. The setup demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the structural integrity and durability of the foundation.
Recently, we conducted an evaluation of the exterior siding and surrounding drainage systems. Ensuring proper sealing and alignment of the siding to prevent water intrusion was prioritized. Additionally, drainage improvements were assessed to guide water away from the foundation effectively. Such measures are vital to maintaining the home's structural integrity and preventing moisture-related issues.
Our team addressed noticeable cracks in the sidewalk adjacent to a building's foundation. The work involved stabilizing both the concrete slabs and the underlying foundation to prevent further damage and maintain a safe walkway. This precise repair improves both the integrity and appearance of the area.
We've assessed the garage area for potential foundation concerns, discovering visible cracks in both the floor and exterior. This initial evaluation highlights crucial areas that may require stabilization to ensure long-term structural stability. Our next steps will involve planning targeted repairs to address these issues.
We recently completed the installation of an exterior drainage system along the side of a residential property. This system is designed to divert water away from the foundation, minimizing the risk of water intrusion and ensuring long-term stability for the home's structure. The outdoor area was also landscaped to enhance drainage effectiveness.
We've successfully executed a comprehensive basement waterproofing project, focusing on essential drainage improvements and sealing efforts. The newly installed drainage system and sump pump enhance water management, mitigating future moisture issues. These strategic interventions ensure a robust and dry basement environment, contributing significantly to the overall stability of the home.
Performed a comprehensive assessment of the foundation stability for a residential property. Our team evaluated the exterior walls and surrounding grounds to identify any potential issues affecting the structural integrity. This proactive inspection helps in planning necessary maintenance to ensure the property's long-term durability and safety.
Today, our team initiated a foundation assessment that involved significant soil excavation around the property. We focused on areas showing instability near the gazebo to prevent future structural concerns. The work is part of a comprehensive plan to ensure foundational integrity and to correct any level disparities within the home.
Completed a patch repair to address visible damage in a section of drywall. The process involved securing the plaster and ensuring a smooth finish, readying the area for painting. This essential step helps in maintaining the integrity of the home's interior walls.
Our latest project involved addressing critical foundation and water drainage issues in a basement. We identified cracks along the floor and walls, potentially worsening if not treated promptly. Our team implemented a drainage solution and waterproof sealants to rectify these problems, ensuring the area's integrity and dryness for the long term. This essential repair work helps in preventing future water damage.
Initiated a project to repair an interior wall that had visible damage, revealing structural issues. The process involves reinforcing the wall framing and addressing insulation needs to prevent further problems. This step ensures increased durability and energy efficiency in this part of the house.
We’ve recently completed a comprehensive project that involved the encapsulation of a crawl space. A robust moisture barrier was installed to keep the area dry and protect it from potential water intrusion. Additionally, new adjustable support piers were placed to enhance the structural stability of the foundation, ensuring long-term integrity and peace of mind for the homeowner.
Our team has recently completed a thorough foundation and drainage project. The effort involved addressing cracking in the exterior walls and implementing a perimeter drainage system in the basement. These enhancements are crucial for managing water flow and preventing future issues. This project is a vital investment in maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of the property.
This project involved reinforcing a crawlspace by installing support posts to address structural concerns. Our team ensured everything was level and secure, focusing on enhancing the stability of the foundation. This essential work helps in maintaining the integrity of the home's structure.
A completed project involved installing a new foundation ventilation system. This enhancement allows for improved air circulation, reducing moisture accumulation and helping to maintain the structural integrity of the foundation. The area was also cleaned and leveled to ensure proper drainage away from the property.
We addressed notable cracking and wear on the exterior foundation walls of a residential home. Our team worked diligently to repair the cracks and stabilize the structure, enhancing the overall integrity and appearance of the property. This repair ensures long-term durability and reduces the risk of future damage.
