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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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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 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
