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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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