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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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