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What issue are you experiencing?
Cracks, water intrusion, crawl space moisture, settlement, etc.
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.
We're wrapping up a waterproofing project around Curt's detached garage in the 46383 area to address water intrusion issues. By installing exterior drainage solutions, we've effectively diverted water away, preventing future leaks. The project, scheduled through Workiz, required coordination to ensure seamless execution, coming in at an estimated cost of around $10,761.
Near Valparaiso, IN
We addressed a critical waterproofing issue at Judy's residence in the 46383 area. The project involved mitigating a leak caused by a chimney connected to the foundation. Our team ensured the foundation was properly sealed to prevent future water intrusion, with Claude Shelton serving as the main contact for coordination. The work, achieved at an approximate cost of $5,700, enhances the stability and dryness of the affected area.
Near Valparaiso, IN
Completed a structural repair project for Steve's home at zip code 46383, focusing on addressing the unlevel floor situation in the living room. The job involved examining the foundation and ensuring stability, with a cost of approximately $9,500. This service enhances the integrity of the property and ensures a safe living environment.
Near Valparaiso, IN
Addressed significant water intrusion in Ray's basement by sealing cracks where the floor meets the walls. Installation of a sump pump was crucial to manage water entry effectively. This project ensures a dry, secure space and is valued at approximately $17,500.
Near Valparaiso, IN
Visited Samantha's property to address issues with her crawl space. We conducted an encapsulation to control moisture and improve air quality, alongside installing an Aprilaire dehumidifier for optimal humidity levels. This comprehensive approach ensures the crawl space remains dry and stable, preventing potential mold growth and structural issues. The project is approximately valued at $36,900.
Near Valparaiso, IN
Tackled structural issues in Steve's home by repairing floor joists in the crawlspace to address unlevel floors in the kitchen area. The crawlspace, with a height of at least 18 inches, required careful navigation to ensure effective repairs. This project, valued around $3,000, was essential for enhancing the structural integrity and stability of the home.
Near Valparaiso, IN
We're in the midst of a crucial structure repair project in the 46383 area. The job includes addressing significant foundation issues and reinforcing the interior framework to ensure stability. Lisa's home required these essential repairs, and the estimated cost of the project is around $25,900. This work is vital to maintaining the integrity of the home and ensuring a secure environment.
Near Valparaiso, IN
Completed a necessary foundation repair for Paige in zip code 46383, addressing issues after a tree had fallen on the home. Cracks in the foundation were meticulously handled to restore stability. This repair, carried out after consulting with a structural engineer, was approximately valued at $3,000.
Near Valparaiso, IN
Completed a detailed waterproofing and crack repair project for Donovan's basement in the 46383 area. The walls had noticeable cracks that required filling, and a strategic drainage system was installed to handle water intrusion. This essential repair, aimed at protecting the basement from future issues, was undertaken for approximately $18,700.
Near Valparaiso, IN
