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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.
Paula's basement in zip code 61350 had persistent leaks through the walls. Our team discovered a small hole as one source of the problem but identified other potential entry points. We applied a comprehensive waterproofing solution to mitigate these issues, valued at approximately $14,000. This ensures a dry and secure basement environment for the homeowner.
Near Ottawa, IL
We completed a crucial structure repair for Mark in zip code 60537. Our team addressed significant cracks in the basement’s wall foundation, ensuring stability and preventing potential issues. The repair work, priced around $3,600, enhances the safety and durability of the structure.
Near Millington, IL
Recently completed a comprehensive waterproofing project for Jessica in zip code 60551. The basement walls and flooring were experiencing water intrusion, demanding immediate intervention. Our team expertly installed a drainage system along the perimeter to manage water flow and added reinforcements for structural stability. This extensive project ensures the basement remains dry and fortified, with a total cost of approximately $27,000.
Near Sheridan, IL
Jacob's outdoor space in zip code 61354 required attention due to uneven surfaces. Our team addressed the issue with a slabjacking technique, ensuring the 24 x 24 patio and adjacent staircase were properly leveled. This essential repair, valued at around $2,000, restores both safety and aesthetics to the area.
Near Peru, IL
We tackled significant waterproofing issues in Phillip's historic 1910 home. Water was seeping through the foundation floor, creating pools in the basement. To address this, we implemented a full waterproofing solution, including the installation of a sump pump system and external drainage improvements. This ensures the basement remains dry and stable, with the project cost around $11,641.
Near Morris, IL
We tackled a challenging basement waterproofing project for Shellie in zip code 60551. The job involved addressing a vertical external crack leading to water intrusion at the base of the wall, with some biological growth noted on the baseboards. Our team installed an effective drainage system to manage water flow, eliminating future risk of water damage. The total cost for this service was approximately $16,000.
Near Sheridan, IL
Successfully tackled a basement waterproofing project for Shellie in zip code 60551. The job involved addressing vertical external cracks and managing water intrusion at the base of the wall. Biological growth at the baseboards indicated a need for immediate intervention. Our team ensured the basement remains dry and secure at an approximate cost of $16,000.
Near Sheridan, IL
Completed a foundation stabilization project for Shane in zip code 60560. The work involved installing new adjustable metal support posts to address unlevel kitchen floors and cracked foundation piers. The house's older foundation required careful attention to ensure long-term stability and safety. This repair was completed with an estimated budget of around $5,500.
Near Yorkville, IL
Recently addressed structural issues in Ida's basement located in zip code 61301, responding to previous drainage concerns and noticeable shifts during rainfall. Our team worked on stabilizing the structure by reinforcing walls and ensuring proper drainage outside to prevent future disruptions. This comprehensive repair cost approximately $18,800, providing durable protection and a level floor throughout the home.
Near La Salle, IL
