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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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
We recently completed a basement floor crack repair in the 61761 area to address structural concerns. Bruce, the homeowner, had requested the repair while visiting from out of town. Our team effectively sealed the cracks, ensuring the floor is stable and secure. This essential repair was carried out with precision, and the estimated cost was around $4,600.
Near Normal, IL
Completed a foundation repair project at Wilma's property in the 61761 area. We addressed a significant settling problem on the back east wall that was developing cracks. By installing support piers, we've stabilized the structure, ensuring the long-term integrity of the foundation. The cost for this solution was estimated around $18,299, reflecting the scope and importance of the repair work.
Near Normal, IL
Today, we addressed the structural issue of a home leaning towards the south by implementing foundation lifting techniques. The dayroom also required adjustment to ensure stability. Marquis is the homeowner for this job, completed in the 61761 area for around $20,318.
Near Normal, IL
Addressed a small slab and stair set that was sinking at the front of Andrew's home in the 61761 area. The project involved slabjacking to ensure stability and prevent further sinking, improving access and safety. The approximate service cost was around $3,700.
Near Normal, IL
Completed a slabjacking job on the front sidewalk from the step to the driveway, ensuring a level walking surface. The project is part of improving structural stability and was scheduled for customer Kathi, who is aware of the project cost being just over $2,000. Scheduled through Workiz while she’s out of town.
Near Normal, IL
Completed a basement waterproofing job to address moisture issues. The installation involved setting up a sump pump system to manage water flow effectively. Reinforced the basement walls with a professional-grade water barrier to prevent future water intrusion. This comprehensive waterproofing solution offers long-term protection for the foundation.
Near Normal, IL
A comprehensive foundation repair was completed for Brittany to address significant structural concerns. The basement wall, which featured stair-step and horizontal cracks, was reinforced to enhance the home's stability. Additionally, slab jacking was used to level the sloping patio and prevent further water pooling. The overall project cost was around $6,500, ensuring long-term durability and protection.
Near Normal, IL
Addressed a severe structural issue in zip code 61761 where the foundation wall was caving in. A new estimate was provided, and reinforcement measures were implemented to stabilize the wall, ensuring long-term structural integrity. This repair is crucial for maintaining the safety and durability of the property, with an approximate cost of $15,600.
Near Normal, IL
In Suzanne's garage, located in zip code 61761, we addressed a pressing issue of foundation bowing and water intrusion. Cinderblock repairs were necessary to correct the wall's bowing, which was causing water to seep into the garage. Our team efficiently completed the repair work to restore stability and prevent further water damage, with an approximate budget of $3,500.
Near Normal, IL


