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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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
Our team completed a structure repair in Bobby's basement, located in the 61802 area. This project focused on reinforcing the walls to enhance stability and address any underlying issues. With an investment of approximately $12,820, Bobby can now feel confident in the room's structural integrity.
Near Urbana, IL
Recently completed a project to address water intrusion concerns in Patricia's garage. The main issue was the high grading around the garage, allowing water to seep in. To prevent further damage, we adjusted the grading and considered external drainage solutions. This work is valued at a bit over $3,000.
Near Urbana, IL
We addressed a cracked slab issue in William's bedroom located in zip code 61801. The repair focused on enhancing structural integrity and ensuring the foundation remains stable. The project was completed for roughly $3,100, providing peace of mind for the homeowner.
Near Urbana, IL
We addressed water intrusion issues at Irene's home in zip code 61801. The project involved waterproofing the basement to tackle moisture seeping through the walls, especially during rain. We implemented a comprehensive solution to manage water flow and prevent a musty smell, ensuring the durability of the clay tiles and concrete floors. This crucial intervention came at an approximate cost of $10,500.
Near Urbana, IL
Marcy's crawlspace had a significant humidity issue due to water seeping up through her dirt floor and between existing vapor barriers. Our team tackled the problem by implementing a complete encapsulation solution to manage moisture and potentially address water leakage around the front of the home. The project, completed around the 61802 area, was estimated at roughly $15,000, ensuring a drier, healthier environment for Marcy.
Near Urbana, IL
Addressed the leveling issue for Doug's driveway in zip code 61802. Our slabjacking service corrected the uneven concrete sections, ensuring a stable and even surface. This project was efficiently carried out at an approximate cost of $2,000.
Near Urbana, IL
We've completed a waterproofing job in Maggie's basement in zip code 61801, tackling the issue of water intrusion. Our comprehensive solution ensures a dry and stable environment, enhancing the safety and longevity of the space. This essential work was carried out for approximately $14,000.
Near Urbana, IL
In zip code 61802, we tackled an issue with unlevel and sagging floors in Karen's home, which sits on a crawlspace. Our team installed new supports to stabilize the foundation, ensuring the structure remains secure and level. The area is equipped with a vapor barrier and spray foam insulation, accessed from outside the home. This essential project is valued around $3,500.
Near Urbana, IL
Jennifer's property in zip code 61801 was facing structural concerns marked by wall cracks and sticking doors on the first level. Our team wasn't sure whether the foundation was poured or cinder block. We identified and addressed these foundation issues, ensuring stability and function with an investment of around $4,425.
Near Urbana, IL
