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.
Addressed exterior foundation issues by enhancing the grading along the perimeter with gravel, ensuring proper drainage away from the home. Inside, significant cracks were noted in the garage foundation, indicating a need for further assessment and potential repairs to maintain structural stability. Such measures are crucial to protect the property from water damage and foundational shifts.
Initiated a crucial repair on the foundation by excavating and installing a set of piers. The process involved leveling the structure using hydraulic jacks and ensuring a stable support system. These foundational improvements are essential for maintaining structural integrity and preventing further settling issues.
Today we evaluated significant cracks in the basement foundation, a necessary step before beginning repair work. The assessment helps us plan for the reinforcement measures needed to ensure long-term structural stability. Addressing these foundational issues is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain property integrity.
We've finished grading around the exterior foundation of this home to support proper drainage and prevent water pooling. By integrating gravel along the perimeter, the project aims to enhance water flow away from the structural base, helping to maintain stability and prevent future moisture issues. This step is vital to protect the foundation's integrity.
This week, our team tackled some foundational issues by reinforcing the subfloor and installing a moisture barrier in the crawl space. The project focused on stabilizing the existing wooden structure and mitigating moisture exposure, an essential step in protecting the building's integrity and avoiding future issues.
We recently undertook a project focusing on waterproofing the foundation. The scope included installing drainage systems and protective barriers to manage moisture effectively. This task is vital in maintaining a dry and stable environment, preventing potential damage from water intrusion. It's a crucial step in safeguarding the property’s structural integrity.
Today, we focused on assessing the indoor foundation of a residential property. The area near the sliding door and fireplace was carefully evaluated for visible cracks and potential shifts. We have started preparation for reinforcing the foundation to address these issues. The work will ensure a stable and secure environment for the homeowners.
Today we worked on strengthening the basement structure by installing metal braces along the brick walls. This reinforcement is crucial to prevent potential foundational shifts and ensure long-term stability. It's part of our ongoing effort to maintain a secure and safe environment in the lower levels of the property.
Inspected the exterior of the building, focusing on potential foundational shifts indicated by the visible separation at the chimney area and cracked pavement near the foundation. Evaluating these issues is essential to ensure structural stability and to plan necessary reinforcement work.
Conducted essential work in the basement focusing on structural reinforcement. We inspected and reinforced key areas to ensure stability and prevent further settling. This foundational work is vital for the building's safety and longevity.
Inspected the property’s exterior focusing on visible cracks in the porch area. Noted significant cracks forming along the edges, suggesting potential foundational shifts that need further evaluation. This inspection is crucial in ensuring structural stability and preventing future damage.
Completed a basement waterproofing project, adding a protective barrier along the walls to prevent moisture intrusion. This installation is essential for maintaining a dry and stable basement environment, contributing to the overall foundation's health.
Today we inspected the pathway area near the porch, identifying visible cracks in the concrete. These cracks suggest potential foundational shifts that need addressing to maintain stability and prevent further damage. Evaluation for necessary repairs is underway to ensure the area remains safe and structurally sound.
We carried out a detailed inspection of the building's interior, focusing on visible cracks and level shifts near door frames. Using measurement tools, we assessed the alignment and level differences, providing insights into potential structural shifts. These observations are critical in determining the necessary reinforcement to maintain the structural integrity of the property.
We conducted a thorough inspection focusing on visible cracks on the exterior foundation. Inside, precise measurements were taken to assess the level shifts and laser tools were used for accurate alignment checks. Addressing these observations is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the property.
Dug a series of trenches next to the building's foundation to prepare for reinforcement work. The aim is to address settling issues and ensure a stable support system. These measures are crucial for preventing further structural shifts and maintaining the property's integrity.
Recently, we conducted a thorough inspection of a property's interior and exterior to evaluate visible cracks. Inside, small fissures were noticed near the ceiling and door frames, suggesting potential structural shifts. On the outside, visible cracks were found in the foundation, and gaps were seen between the siding and the brickwork. These observations highlight areas that require attention to prevent further damage and preserve the overall integrity of the structure.
Completed the installation of piers to stabilize the foundation near the entrance of this home. The process involved excavating and setting robust metal piers into the ground, providing essential support to prevent future settling. This strategic approach is instrumental in maintaining the structural integrity of the property.
Conducted a detailed inspection of the living room's structural integrity. Measurements were carefully taken to assess any potential shifts or issues with the stone fireplace and surrounding areas. Identified minor cracks needing attention to ensure long-term stability. Maintaining these structural elements is key for the home's foundation health.
Addressed sagging issues in the basement by installing new support beams. The wooden beams were strategically positioned to reinforce the structure and prevent future settling. This enhancement is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of the foundation.
Conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the property's foundation. Measurements were taken to ensure precision in addressing potential structural issues. The surrounding drainage and stone facade were assessed for any water-related concerns, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance.
Today, we inspected the garage floor for potential cracks and water pooling issues. Notable cracks were spotted on the concrete surface, likely contributing to moisture concerns in the area. Addressing these issues is critical for preventing further structural damage and ensuring the foundation's integrity.
A recent project focused on addressing significant foundation cracks both internally and externally. The team excavated around the home to access and seal external walls, enhancing water resistance. Inside, wall cracks were filled and reinforced for added stability. This comprehensive approach helps preserve the structural integrity of the property.
Recently, we undertook a detailed inspection of a property's crawlspace to assess its current condition. Our focus was on identifying and addressing potential moisture accumulation and ensuring the stability of structural components. The inspection revealed areas needing improved ventilation to prevent future issues. Maintaining these critical aspects is essential for safeguarding the foundation's integrity.
We have successfully completed a foundation soil stabilization project to address drainage issues around this residential property. The area was excavated to improve water flow and prevent moisture buildup against the foundation, helping to maintain the structural integrity. These efforts are crucial in preventing future settlement problems.
