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.
Inspected the exterior of a residential property, focusing on foundation condition and existing drainage systems. Noted the structural integrity of the brick facade and assessed how well the landscaping and gutters channel water away from the house. These observations are crucial for maintaining a dry, stable foundation and preventing future water-related issues.
Today, we focused on reinforcing the support structure beneath this porch. The existing wood was examined and protective measures were initiated to strengthen areas showing signs of wear. This foundational work is essential to ensuring the stability and safety of the home, especially given its proximity to the water.
We've completed sealing around the entryway to enhance water protection and prevent leaks. With careful application of concrete sealant along the perimeter, we've ensured stability and moisture resistance, maintaining the integrity of the property.
Recently wrapped up a detailed waterproofing project on this beautiful patio. We applied a protective sealant to prevent water infiltration and ensure long-lasting durability. With careful attention to sealing around the building's perimeter, this work is key in maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space.
Recently completed a project focusing on enhancing moisture protection in the crawl space. A durable vapor barrier was installed to prevent dampness and protect the structural elements. This ensures long-term stability and maintains a dry environment under the home.
We installed a moisture barrier in the crawlspace to help prevent moisture intrusion and maintain the foundation's integrity. This project involved laying down a vapor barrier and inspecting the walls for any signs of water ingress. Such preventive measures are crucial in keeping the area dry and structurally sound.
We've undertaken a comprehensive basement waterproofing project, including the installation of a new sump pump system to efficiently handle water intrusion. An advanced drainage setup was applied along the basement perimeter to ensure effective moisture control. Additionally, outdoor drainage enhancements were made to prevent water accumulation around the foundation.
We've undertaken a project to reinforce the foundation and improve drainage around this property. By adding a new layer of gravel and ensuring proper alignment of gutters and downspouts, we've enhanced moisture control and the structural stability of the home. This important work is part of our ongoing commitment to preserve the integrity of residential buildings.
Carried out an inspection of the home's foundation to examine potential settling issues evident along the exterior wall. The focus was on assessing any visible structural concerns and planning necessary stabilization measures. This proactive approach ensures the home's structural integrity is maintained.
Carried out concrete lifting and leveling for a driveway and walkway to address uneven surfaces. This process significantly improved the stability and appearance of the outdoor areas while enhancing safety and preventing future issues.
We've just completed a detailed assessment and leveling of the flooring to address uneven surfaces. Measurements were taken to ensure precise corrections and to establish a stable foundation. This task is essential for both the integrity of the flooring and the overall safety of the interior environment.
We recently addressed a critical issue with uneven concrete slabs near the entrance of a property. By carefully leveling and repairing the surfaces, we ensured stability and improved safety for the homeowners. Cracks were meticulously filled to prevent further damage and maintain the structural integrity of the area.
We recently tackled a foundation crack repair project on this property. By inspecting the exterior and making necessary repairs, we've addressed potential issues around the foundation. Additionally, we assessed the basement's moisture levels to ensure everything stays dry and stable. This maintenance is crucial in preventing structural problems down the line.
Our team has successfully completed a foundation waterproofing project to enhance moisture protection. We've applied a durable sealant to safeguard the foundation and inspected the surrounding area for effective drainage. Additionally, we've ensured proper alignment of exterior elements to guide water away, maintaining the structural stability of the home.
Just completed an extensive foundation waterproofing job around this property. The project involved applying a protective barrier and securing critical areas to guard against moisture infiltration. Additionally, we reinforced structural elements in the basement to ensure long-term durability and stability. This crucial maintenance step plays a key role in keeping the foundation safe.
Completed the installation of a new window well to enhance the basement's protection against moisture. The area surrounding the basement window was excavated and filled with gravel for improved drainage. This ensures water is effectively kept away from the foundation, contributing to the home's long-term structural stability.
Recently, we handled a project focusing on leveling the concrete surfaces outside a commercial building. Our team employed specialized equipment to ensure the pathways adhered to safety and industry standards, effectively preventing potential water pooling issues. The adjustments contribute to enhanced water flow and mitigate future foundation problems.
We've just finished sealing around an exposed foundation pipe to enhance water protection and prevent leaks. Concrete has been carefully applied around the base to ensure a secure seal. The surrounding area has also been prepped for further reinforcement to maintain structural stability.
A new metal barrier has been installed around a basement window to boost moisture protection. By reinforcing the area with durable materials, we ensure water is effectively kept away from the foundation. This step is vital for maintaining the long-term stability and integrity of the home's structure.
Our team recently fortified a property's crawl space by installing improved drainage systems and reinforcing structural stability. Addressing the water accumulation challenges, we ensured that the space is optimally maintained to prevent future foundation issues. The exterior enhancements complement the foundational work, securing long-term durability.
Recently finished leveling a driveway to address uneven surfaces and potential settling problems. Our team ensured the concrete is stable and smooth, which improves both function and appearance. This preventive measure will help avoid future structural issues and prolong the driveway's life.
We completed a basement project focused on foundation repairs and moisture control. Protective waterproofing coats were applied to prevent water infiltration, ensuring the structural integrity of the basement. Additionally, a sump pump was installed to effectively manage groundwater, providing long-term stability in the area.
Just wrapped up reinforcing the drainage around this home’s foundation to ensure long-term structural stability. We improved water management, focusing on directing water effectively away from the building. Maintaining proper drainage is crucial to preventing potential moisture issues.
Conducted an inspection of the basement to assess the structure and ventilation systems. Evaluated the pipes and checked for any signs of leaks or damage. This comprehensive check ensures that everything remains in good working order, supporting the overall foundation stability and effectiveness.
We've successfully enhanced a home's water management by installing a new downspout along the exterior to redirect water flow efficiently. Inside, we've optimized the basement's environment with proper storage arrangements and moisture control measures, ensuring a dry and stable foundation.
