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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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