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.
Tasked with evaluating the basement walls, our team noted structural vulnerabilities needing attention. The project involved strengthening the walls to avoid further issues, ensuring a stable environment. Outside, we checked the drainage systems to confirm proper water flow away from the house, crucial for maintaining foundation health.
Our team recently completed a project focusing on reinforcing crawlspace support structures. We installed new steel posts and brackets to enhance stability and ensure the safety of the foundation. This crucial upgrade addresses potential structural issues, aligning with the integrity of the property.
Recently addressed foundation issues in a crawl space for Julia in zip code 46060. The house had windows that wouldn't open and a corner that was sinking, pulling the floor away. Our team worked to stabilize the crawl space, managing to prevent further movement and ensuring a solid foundation. The job was completed for an approximate price of $17,000.
Our team recently addressed settling concerns in a crawl space in zip code 46060. The structure needed reinforcement due to noticeable settling effects. By implementing new support beams and addressing existing moisture issues, we aimed to stabilize the foundation and prevent future structural problems. The project was completed at a cost of roughly $8,600, ensuring enhanced stability for Beth's property.
Completed a porch repair job, addressing cracks and settling issues. The foundation was reinforced, ensuring the porch is stable and secure. This work, done for Jeff in zip code 46062, included evaluating the need for piers, with a job cost of around $19,500.
We have completed a significant commercial job, focusing on both exterior and interior aspects. On the exterior, new siding was installed to enhance durability and appearance. Inside, the ceiling and walls were primed for further work, highlighting the meticulous preparation involved in this project. The job was undertaken for client Lennar in zip code 46062, and roughly valued at $57,300. This effort ensures stability and an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Brian needed foundation repair due to a crack identified by a waterproofing company. Our team addressed the issue with a comprehensive repair to ensure stability. The work, priced just over $3,500, ensures structural integrity while accommodating Brian's schedule around his coaching duties.
We tackled a chimney issue for Don in the 46062 zip code where the structure was pulling away from the house. Our team focused on reinforcing the area to ensure the stability and safety of the chimney. This crucial repair was completed at an approximate cost of $14,635.
Addressed concerns at 1127 Grant Circle, Cicero with comprehensive concrete slab jacking and pier installation. The project aimed to resolve previous cracking issues, improving stability and customer satisfaction. Jerry, the homeowner, expressed potential payment upon improved results, with the project valued around $5,200.
While addressing potential water damage under a stone deck, our team discovered issues with the poured concrete framing the basement. The stones above had allowed water to seep through, creating a risk for future damage. We took immediate action to evaluate and address any potential threats to the concrete. This important preventive measure is set at an approximate cost of $2,175.
We recently addressed structural concerns in Lana's crawl space in the 46060 area, focusing on replacing a deteriorating sill plate on the northeast side. Additionally, repairs involved replacing missing mortar between some blocks and addressing water damage impacting floor joists. The project was completed at an approximate cost of $7,100, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the home.
In Carolina's new home located in zip code 46062, we're dealing with water intrusion through the egress window in the finished basement. There’s noticeable water pooling along the sides of the window well. Exploration into either replacing the egress window or installing French drains is underway, considering the homeowner's recent move and the uncertainty about the foundation material. The estimated project cost is around $22,770.
Carolina's finished basement in zip code 46062 faced water intrusion through the egress window. Water was pooling along the window well, bringing moisture inside and risking further damage. The homeowner was interested in either replacing the egress window or installing French drains as a preventive measure. With a budget of around $22,770, the aim is to curb the intrusion and secure the space against further moisture issues.
We've successfully installed egress windows as part of a basement renovation in zip code 46062. This job for Ryan ensures the basement becomes a compliant and safer living space with proper emergency exits. The project was efficiently completed for an approximate cost of $9,700.
Tackled a structural repair in crawl space for Jason's home in the 46062 area. The project involved addressing unlevel floors and stabilizing the foundation. Some areas were found to be wavy, prompting a careful approach to ensure the integrity of the space. The work was completed at an approximate cost of $5,300.
Completed a split job slabjacking project at Brian's home to address foundational concerns. The task involved careful leveling and stabilization, enhancing the home's stability. This project ensures the foundation remains secure and prevents future settling issues. The approximate cost was around $3,762.
This job involved addressing multiple cracks in the foundation wall causing water leakage and pooling issues. The team focused on sealing the cracks effectively to prevent further water intrusion and maintain structural integrity. Approximately priced around $8,239, this essential repair ensures the home's stability. The work was completed behind a shelving unit where major leaks were detected.
Christian, working with a real estate agent, is ensuring her upcoming property purchase goes smoothly. We've addressed significant horizontal and diagonal cracking in the basement's cinderblock walls. The bowing sections have been reinforced, and seepage issues in the crawlspace have been mitigated. An approximate cost of $5,600 was involved in this essential structural repair to safeguard the home's foundation.
Completed a structural repair project for Paul in zip code 46060. The job involved reinforcing the basement walls to bolster the overall stability of the building. Given the extent of the necessary repairs, this crucial work was carried out for approximately $18,250.
We've undertaken a significant foundation stabilization project for Meyer in the 46060 area. The work involved installing robust supports to reinforce the foundation, ensuring structural stability. This project reflects our commitment to quality and was valued at around $15,200.
Susan in zip code 46060 needed structural attention for her bathroom floor. Our team addressed a significant horizontal crack running across the slab foundation, likely due to an external foundation issue near the bathroom wall. The repair, involving sealing and reinforcing the crack, aims to ensure stability and safety, completed for an estimated $1,600.
For Maryanne’s home, we addressed structural issues within the crawlspace by pouring concrete and installing new supports. The home presented unlevel floors, a horizontal crack in the hallway, and a problematic door in the master bedroom. We've made significant repairs, including fixing the soft spot in the kitchen floor. This project aims to stabilize the house, ensuring the floors remain level and secure, with an approximate cost of $3,500.
We returned to Thomas’s property in the 46060 area to address the sagging floors over the crawlspace. Previously, the site was inaccessible, but our team managed to excavate around the foundation and install support beams under the crawlspace. These measures effectively improve the home's structural integrity, with the job running at about $9,150.
Recently, we completed a project for Aaron in the 46062 area focusing on foundational stability and improvement of exterior elements. Our team ensured the porch's structural integrity was maintained by addressing any underlying issues. The job was efficiently carried out at an approximate cost of $1,600, providing a safe and stable entry into the home.
We tackled a foundation repair project to address cracks and water leakage in a basement with partial crawlspace for Daryl. Our team reinforced the basement section to prevent further water intrusion. Approximate cost for this comprehensive solution was $7,474, ensuring stability and dryness.
