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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
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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
Completed a structural reinforcement for Ron's basement in zip code 60563. This job involved installing carbon fiber straps to address foundation concerns and ensure stability. The project aligns with a focus on enhancing structural integrity, approximately costing $10,000.
Near Naperville, IL
In Naperville, we addressed cracks and leveling issues in Deanna's driveway and sidewalk leading up to the stoop. By employing slabjacking techniques, we were able to lift and level the affected areas, ensuring a smooth and even surface. This essential repair was handled efficiently, offering a stable and safe path for years to come, and was priced approximately at $4,640.
Near Naperville, IL
Focused on mending cracking and shifting in the garage walls due to structural issues. Tackled condensation and seepage challenges in the basement as well. The project cost is approximately $9,000, ensuring a stable and moisture-free environment.
Near Naperville, IL
Addressed moisture presence in Bo's finished basement with a comprehensive waterproofing system. Our team ensured effective drainage installation to combat the existing water issue, keeping the area dry. The project was completed for about $3,000, providing long-term protection and peace of mind.
Near Naperville, IL
Addressed a persistent water intrusion issue in John's basement (zip code 60540) with a comprehensive waterproofing and structure repair. The team focused on sealing the cracks in the basement floor to prevent water entry, ensuring the area remains dry and secure. This work provides peace of mind against future water damage, priced at approximately $5,700.
Near Naperville, IL
Addressed several structural issues for Jessica in zip code 60565. Cracks in the foundation, sticking doors and windows, and crown molding pulling away indicated the need for a comprehensive foundation repair. By reinforcing critical areas, we alleviated creaky floors and secured the main wall, ensuring enhanced stability for the home. This detailed work was an investment of approximately $23,500.
Near Naperville, IL
In the 60563 area, we addressed a significant foundation issue for Dennis, focusing on gaps that compromised structural integrity. Our team effectively filled and stabilized these gaps, ensuring the foundation's longevity. The repair work required expert handling and was completed for approximately $8,500.
Near Naperville, IL
Recently completed encapsulation in a crawlspace combined with essential crack repair on the walls. This project focused on addressing moisture problems and sealing the crawlspace effectively to maintain a dry environment. The crack repair ensures the structural integrity is maintained, providing peace of mind for the homeowner. The project was carried out in the 60540 area, with an approximate investment of $6,000.
Near Naperville, IL
Addressed multiple issues in the Naperville crawlspace area, focusing on securing floor joists and beams. The team managed to treat and reduce biological growth and assessed potential mice entry points. This comprehensive structural and containment work was executed with an approximate cost of $2,500, ensuring enhanced stability and cleanliness.
Near Naperville, IL
