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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.
Today we addressed significant issues in Brandon's Carmel home, focusing on waterproofing and leveling the crawlspace. The current slant of the sidewalk and porch necessitated adjustments, and the crawlspace's 18-inch height required a thorough encapsulation to combat humidity caused by earlier insulation errors. Our efforts will significantly reduce moisture buildup, providing a stable environment, at an approximate cost of $3,100.
Near Carmel, IN
We tackled a project involving the inspection and preparation for waterproofing of a crawlspace in zip code 46033 for Brandon. The area was initially dry, but previous insulation issues caused humidity buildup. Considering encapsulation was recommended to mitigate further moisture problems. Alongside this, leveling of a slanted porch and sidewalk is also under consideration, with the total project estimated at around $3,100.
Near Carmel, IN
Addressed a significant issue with a sinking garage for Patrick in the 46032 area. The garage's cinder blocks were separating, allowing light to come through the foundation on the north side of the home. We tackled the problem to stabilize the structure, with the job costing around $8,000.
Near Carmel, IN
Completed a slabjacking job on Barbara's patio to address uneven surfaces. The levelling was necessary to improve the patio's stability and functionality. The project was completed efficiently, ensuring a level and appealing finish, with an approximate cost of $2,000.
Near Carmel, IN
Recently completed a slabjacking project for Stephanie in zip code 46033. The task involved leveling the driveway and sidewalk areas to ensure a smooth and safe surface. This job addressed the uneven spots effectively with an approximate cost of $5,700, enhancing both safety and aesthetics.
Near Carmel, IN
We've tackled a comprehensive foundation repair job involving cracked walls and sagging floors. This project involved stabilizing the foundation with careful adjustments to the crawlspace, measuring 3 to 4 feet high. The garage slab was also addressed, having lifted away from the driveway, alongside sinking and shifting sidewalks. The estimated cost for this repair work was about $5,550.
Near Carmel, IN
The team has successfully reinforced the porch foundation for a residential property. The job involved stabilizing an area around the porch, addressing a visible crack, and ensuring long-term structural integrity. This task was completed within an approximate budget of $18,100. The fence installation around the porch area was also finalized, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal.
Near Carmel, IN
Recently completed a slabjacking project for James to address settling issues in the patio area, located in zip code 46033. The repairs focused on stabilizing the surface to prevent further shifting and maintain structural integrity. The project was efficiently managed to ensure a smooth and even finish, with an approximate cost of $2,000.
Near Carmel, IN
We tackled a significant issue with a sunroom that's been sinking by about three-quarters of an inch, causing the back door to remain uncooperative. This crucial repair involved stabilizing the structure and considering additional drainage solutions. The project was completed for approximately $4,800, ensuring Steve’s sunroom returns to its intended functionality in zip code 46032.
Near Carmel, IN
