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.
We tackled an important foundation repair at Jonathan's residence in the 46038 area. The project involved addressing uneven floors and separating drywall issues on both the main level and basement. This comprehensive solution ensures the structural integrity of the home, maintaining safety and comfort. The approximate cost of this repair was $1,676.
Near Fishers, IN
Our team addressed a challenging water intrusion problem in Ben's basement located in the 46037 area. The water was leaking in at ground level, requiring us to implement an effective waterproofing solution to protect the space and ensure safety. The approximate cost of this intervention was around $4,200, providing peace of mind and long-term protection for the homeowner.
Near Fishers, IN
Recently, our team addressed structural issues at Herb's property by repairing cracks in the foundation walls. This essential work in the 46037 area was crucial for maintaining stability and preventing further damage. The project was efficiently completed, costing approximately $9,363.
Near Fishers, IN
Addressed sagging floors with new adjustable jacks in the crawlspace of Susan's mom's home. This intervention was crucial as recent cracks appeared, requiring immediate action to prevent further structural damage. Approximately priced at $4,500, the repair ensures long-term stability and peace of mind.
Near Fishers, IN
Completed a detailed basement waterproofing project for Nigel in the 46037 area. The job addressed water intrusion issues causing continuous moisture, particularly affecting the insulation. Key aspects of the project included sealing the basement to prevent pooling and implementing necessary waterproofing measures to maintain a dry environment. This essential service was carried out at an approximate cost of $5,500.
Near Fishers, IN
In zip code 46037, we completed a drainage system installation for John. This project focused on enhancing the property’s foundation stability by effectively managing water runoff. With an approximate cost of $2,200, the installation will help prevent potential future foundation issues.
Near Fishers, IN
We focused on addressing structural issues for Tom in zip code 46037. Our work involved reinforcing the foundation and ensuring the deck's stability. The repairs will help maintain the property's integrity for an approximate cost of $7,600.
Near Fishers, IN
Our team successfully reinforced a retaining wall situated along a serene waterfront. This project involved supporting the structure to prevent soil erosion and enhance stability, ensuring safety and aesthetics for the property. The job was completed for an approximate price of $8,000, offering effective support for the existing structure.
Near Fishers, IN
Recently completed a substantial foundation reinforcement for a commercial building in the 46037 area. Our team focused on stabilizing the structure through strategic piling and foundation enhancement, ensuring long-term durability and safety. The project was carried out efficiently, with an approximate cost of $54,250.
Near Fishers, IN
