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.
Marcelo's garage floor had a persistent wet issue due to a foundation crack. After noticing that rainwater was seeping through, we performed a foundation crack repair to prevent future water intrusion. This vital service costs approximately $3,000, ensuring Marcelo's garage floor stays dry even during heavy rains.
Near Springfield, IL
Recently completed a structural repair job in Springfield, focusing on the north west and south west sides of a home showing signs of settling. Cracking walls and unlevel floors indicated the need for a comprehensive foundation solution. We addressed these issues with the installation of support beams in the crawlspace and improvements in the basement to ensure stability. The project was valued around $22,000, providing a secure and level home environment.
Near Springfield, IL
A thorough waterproofing solution was carried out at Mohammed's property in zip code 62712. The project involved addressing moisture concerns within the crawlspace. Our team ensured proper drainage by installing necessary components, including new piping and sealing techniques. The moisture levels were successfully reduced, providing a healthier environment and preventing future water-related issues. The work was executed for around $3,200.
Near Springfield, IL
Installed a power post at the end of the main beam to bolster basement support. Additionally, applied epoxy to seal three significant cracks extending over a total of 24 feet, enhancing the structural stability. This careful repair was carried out with guidance from the homeowner and cost approximately $2,367.
Near Springfield, IL
In Jason's property located in 62702, we tackled significant water intrusion issues in the crawlspace. New vertical cracks were identified, contributing to the water seepage. Our team employed effective waterproofing techniques to manage and rectify these problems, ensuring a drier and more stable environment. The project was carried out for an estimated cost of $17,000.
Near Springfield, IL
We addressed a significant basement wall issue for John in the 62704 area, where bowing and water seepage were evident. Our team reinforced the walls with steel braces and applied a moisture barrier, aiming to enhance structural stability and prevent further water damage. This crucial repair is valued at approximately $10,200.
Near Springfield, IL
Recently completed a waterproofing project for Gene in zip code 62712. Addressed moisture issues in a half crawl, half basement area exhibiting erosion signs. Implemented a drainage system and sealed wall cracks to prevent water intrusion. This vital repair, aligning with typical waterproofing needs, came at an approximate cost of $7,600.
Near Springfield, IL
We recently completed a slabjacking project to address significant cracking in a poolside concrete slab for Richard in the 62712 area. The cracks were detracting from the area’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Through precise lifting and leveling, we restored the even surface of the patio, enhancing both safety and appearance. This critical repair was carried out with attention to detail, costing around $3,800.
Near Springfield, IL
We've tackled a basement foundation issue for Jennee in zip code 62711. The vertical crack in the foundation wall was causing water intrusion, so we implemented a sealing solution to prevent further moisture problems. This vital repair, around the $1,500 mark, ensures the basement remains dry and structurally sound.
Near Springfield, IL
