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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.
Our team completed a waterproofing project for Kimi in zip code 60051, addressing water intrusion through a significant crack in the basement's foundation wall. The intrusion was effectively sealed, ensuring a dry and stable environment. No mold or odors were present, providing an added assurance of a clean space. The approximate job cost was $4,400, delivering peace of mind against future water damage.
Near Johnsburg, IL
We addressed a water entry issue in Sue's basement, likely originating from a window. Our team installed a waterproofing system featuring interior drainage and a sump pump to prevent future water intrusion. This solution offers long-term protection, ensuring Sue's basement stays dry and functional. The project was completed for around $4,500.
Near Bristol, WI
Addressed significant foundation issues for Dawn in zip code 60041. Our team focused on stabilizing tilting foundation supports and sagging joists to ensure stability. Approximate cost of the project was $21,900, tailored to the structural needs.
Near Ingleside, IL
We've addressed a waterproofing need in the crawlspace for Richard in the 60041 area. The client, unable to assess the extent of water intrusion himself, required a thorough examination and waterproofing solution. With an 18" opening, our team ensured water issues were mitigated. The project, valued at approximately $4,200, provides relief and protection against moisture.
Near Ingleside, IL
Our team completed a thorough waterproofing project for Devin in zip code 60085. We focused on sealing the area where the wall and floor meet to prevent water intrusion. A robust solution was applied to address cracks in the slab, minimizing the risk of future leaks. The project was valued at around $7,800, ensuring a dry and secure space.
Near Waukegan, IL
Recently completed waterproofing and sealing work for Daisy's crawl space in zip code 60085. The area was initially wet and humid, so our team installed a dehumidifier and sealed the crawl space effectively. These measures not only address moisture issues but also increase overall structural integrity. The project was priced at around $12,400.
Near Waukegan Township, IL
Recently addressed significant drainage issues in Uwe's yard located in zip code 53177. The installation of a comprehensive system, including visible drainage elements and a sump pump upgrade, aims to tackle standing water and prevent minor water intrusion in the basement. This essential project, priced at approximately $11,500, ensures a dry and stable environment.
Near Sturtevant, WI
A comprehensive crawlspace encapsulation job has been completed for Maddie in zip code 60060. The project focused on sealing the foundation to prevent moisture issues, addressing previous bio-growth problems, and ensuring a dry, stable environment. This work, carried out for an approximate cost of $20,700, enhances the property's resilience against water-related damage.
Near Mundelein, IL
Steven's ranch-style home required essential structural repairs in the crawlspace. The floors were unlevel, doors were sticking, and walls were beginning to separate. To address these issues, we reinforced the foundation with new supports to stabilize the structure and prevent further deterioration. This comprehensive repair is estimated to cost around $18,882.
Near Salem Lakes, WI
