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've carried out a slab lifting project on the front porch of Bryce's home. The task was essential to address the uneven surface, ensuring the slab is properly aligned and stable. This intervention, priced around $2,000, is crucial for maintaining a level front entrance. Located in the 47304 area, this work will provide long-term durability.
Near Muncie, IN
We completed a foundation repair and landscaping project for Tom in the 47304 area. Our team improved the drainage and stability around the perimeter by addressing potential settling issues to prevent water intrusion. This essential service, priced at approximately $34,700, enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of the property.
Near Muncie, IN
Addressed a significantly sinking slab foundation for Mike in the 47303 area. The project involved repairing cracks in both walls and doors to stabilize the structure. Our team worked efficiently to ensure the foundation's integrity, with the project costing roughly $13,300.
Near Muncie, IN
This project involved addressing a significant foundation issue caused by a previous pipe burst, which resulted in the sinking and twisting of the home. The team focused on reinforcing a floating slab foundation. These strategic repairs were necessary to restore the structure's integrity, with the overall repair cost being approximately $20,000.
Near Muncie, IN
We addressed Patricia's concerns regarding her home's foundation in zip code 47302. With noticeable cracks and uneven flooring, we inspected the crawl space, finding that portions needed stabilization. Our team assessed the use of concrete blocks and shims to level the structure effectively. Additionally, we reviewed the existing sump pump system to ensure proper drainage, preventing potential water issues. The job was completed for approximately $4,253, ensuring the space is both stable and dry.
Near Muncie, IN
Recently finished a slabjacking project to address leveling issues in Warner's driveway in zip code 47304. Our team used effective polyurethane foam injection techniques to raise and stabilize the concrete slabs. This precise technique eliminated uneven surfaces, enhancing both the safety and appearance of the driveway. The work was efficiently completed, ensuring long-term durability, priced at about $2,900.
Near Muncie, IN
We addressed critical structural issues in the basement for Jeff, located in the 47304 area. The support columns were sinking and not in contact with the beams, leading to noticeable sagging in the floors. Our team efficiently carried out the necessary repairs to restore stability at an approximate cost of $1,725.
Near Muncie, IN
In the 47304 area, we addressed structural concerns under Daniel's home. The crawlspace was fitted with new support beams replacing the temporary jacks. The project also included vapor barrier improvements to tackle the dampness issue. This comprehensive repair ensures long-term stability and is valued at around $19,900.
Near Muncie, IN
We worked on stabilizing a three-season room porch that showed signs of settling. The zig-zag cracks over the windows indicated structural issues that needed immediate attention. By excavating around the foundation and reinforcing the slab, we aimed to halt further movement. The job was completed in the 47304 area for roughly $4,500.
Near Muncie, IN
