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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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