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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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
We've successfully completed a repair of the crawlspace, addressing issues of concrete cracking and moisture in the foundation. The crawlspace, now protected with a vapor barrier, ensures better control of humidity levels. Additionally, an exterior drainage system was installed to mitigate water seepage and preserve the structural integrity of the basement, all for an approximate cost of $5,400.
Near Columbus, IN
We're currently undertaking a commercial project involving the excavation of trenches near a waterfront area. Our team is focused on reinforcing the foundation to ensure stability and prevent water intrusion. This crucial work for Kritzer in the 47201 area comes in at approximately $12,900, promising enhanced structural support.
Near Columbus, IN
Completed a slabjacking project for a driveway in zip code 47201. The contractor, Justin, successfully leveled the uneven sections, ensuring a smooth surface. This crucial repair was executed to enhance safety and prolong the driveway's durability. The job was carried out at an estimated cost of around $5,800.
Near Columbus, IN
Mark's property required a crucial structural repair due to a bowing wall extending over the majority of a 40-foot span. Significant cracks had appeared midway and above, although the structure remained solid since the wall's initial shift decades ago. Following a structural engineer’s recommendation, we are focusing on reinforcing the integrity of the wall to ensure long-term stability, with the project cost around $8,600.
Near Columbus, IN
Provided a comprehensive waterproofing solution for Robert's crawlspace in zip code 47203. A sump pump was installed to effectively manage water outflow, alongside other waterproofing options to ensure a dry and secure environment. This essential work addresses the moisture issue in a crawlspace of at least 18 inches high, with an approximate project cost of $13,485.
Near Columbus, IN
We're assessing Shirley's crawlspace for encapsulation, focusing on prevention and air quality improvement. The space already features new vents. Additionally, support beams have been installed to enhance stability. The project's approximate value is around $14,100.
Near Columbus, IN
In zip code 47203, our team tackled a significant structure repair project for Dwayne. The property exhibited noticeable exterior brick cracking and drywall issues, impacting door alignment. We focused on stabilizing the foundation and mending the brick facade, ensuring the home's structural integrity is restored. With a service cost of around $13,725, Dwayne's home is now securely supported.
Near Columbus, IN
Addressed a critical issue where Dean's chimney was pulling away from the home by 2.5 to 3 inches at the roof line due to a severe storm. With the help of piers, we stabilized the structure to ensure the chimney's alignment and safety. Dean's insurance agent, Ray Burbrink, was present to facilitate the process. The repairs were vital for preventing further damage, with an approximate cost of $9,400.
Near Columbus, IN
Successfully completed a commercial foundation repair and waterproofing project for the Northfield client in the 47201 zip code. This involved addressing visible cracks along the exterior entryway, ensuring structural stability, and implementing waterproofing solutions to prevent future moisture issues. The work was completed for roughly $2,800.
Near Columbus, IN
