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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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
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
