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.
Conducted an inspection around the exterior of this property's foundation. The focus was on ensuring effective water drainage and evaluating existing vegetation to maintain structural stability. Notable attention was given to the alignment of downspouts and conditions of surrounding greenery to prevent moisture-related issues.
A detailed examination of the basement revealed minor cracks requiring attention to prevent potential water intrusion. We reinforced the structural support beams and ensured that all drainage pipes were properly aligned to maintain efficient water redirection. The focus was on enhancing the basement's stability while addressing any initial signs of moisture exposure.
Evaluated the exterior foundation of a residential property with a focus on effective water drainage. Observed the downspouts and noted their effectiveness in directing water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues. Ensuring proper alignment of drainage components is essential for maintaining structural integrity.
We conducted a thorough inspection of the foundation's exterior to identify and address any potential concerns. The focus was on examining vegetation and soil around the structure to ensure proper drainage and prevent future issues. Notable cracks were observed on walls, indicating the need for immediate attention to maintain structural integrity and prevent moisture intrusion.
We successfully installed a drainage system alongside the foundation to enhance water management for this property. Our focus remained on ensuring effective downspout connections to direct water away from structural areas, mitigating any potential erosion and maintaining foundational equilibrium.
We conducted a detailed inspection of the exterior foundation to identify any potential concerns. The examination revealed areas with overgrown vegetation near the foundation, which can affect stability if not managed properly. Addressing the greenery will be essential to maintaining the foundation's integrity and ensuring proper drainage away from the structure.
Conducted an evaluation of the exterior surroundings to identify potential foundational issues. Observed the soil and vegetation around the perimeter of the building, checking for any signs of uneven settling or erosion. Notable areas were inspected to ensure stability and prevent any future damage.
Inspected the driveway and surrounding exterior foundation of the residential property. Noted some minor settlement issues near the garage area that may require attention to ensure stability and prevent further shifting. Follow-up actions will be planned to address the identified concerns and maintain the structural integrity.
Recently evaluated a basement with visible cracking along the concrete block walls. The inspection identified potential structural issues that need addressing to ensure the foundation remains stable. Additionally, we have set up a sump pump system to manage water accumulation effectively, minimizing the risk of moisture problems. This combination of inspection and drainage setup offers a comprehensive solution to maintain the structural integrity of the property.
Today we inspected a section of the sidewalk that displayed noticeable uneven settling. The visible cracks suggest potential underlying issues that need addressing to ensure stability. With proper assessment, corrective measures can restore both function and safety to the area.
We've examined a residential external foundation, taking note of the whole structure and its surrounding areas. Particular focus was given to assessing potential signs of settling and any structural concerns. Our attention to detail ensures any necessary interventions are promptly undertaken to maintain stability and address foundational integrity.
Our recent check-in involved examining the exterior foundation for potential structural issues. The area showed some signs of minor settling, and we're assessing the next steps required to maintain stability and prevent future concerns.
Today, we carried out an inspection of a patio foundation that showed signs of settling. The concrete edging is visibly uneven, which could potentially lead to stability issues. Our team is planning to level the foundation to prevent any further sinking and ensure long-term integrity. The estimated cost for this repair will be reasonable, reflecting our commitment to quality and affordability.
Our team has started a foundational project focusing on reinforcing and repairing basement walls. The studs show signs of damage, which we're addressing to prevent potential structural issues. This effort is crucial in maintaining the building's integrity and safety.
We addressed unlevel floors in a crawl space, part of a structural repair project for Kate. The existing foundation was unsteady, requiring professional intervention to restore balance and ensure long-term stability. Roughly priced at around $4,000, this project stabilizes the home's foundation effectively.
We’ve worked on stabilizing a backyard patio for Marilyn and Russell, which had sunk due to soil erosion beneath. Our team applied slabjacking techniques to lift and level the patio, ensuring the attached roof and surrounding area remained secure. This essential repair was roughly priced at $2,200, bringing back both functionality and appeal to their outdoor space.
We addressed a significant structural issue at Pradeep's new home, where one of the cinderblock basement walls was bowing. In conjunction with this, the driveway also needed to be leveled. Our team carefully implemented repairs to restore structural integrity, ensuring stability and preventing further damage. This comprehensive job, located in zip code 47906, was completed for approximately $10,500.
Just wrapped up a comprehensive waterproofing project for Christine's basement. We inspected areas with previous leaks, installed a sump pump, and applied epoxy crack fills to ensure a dry, stable environment. The space was gutted, allowing us to address all issues effectively. The homeowner can now move forward with confidence toward finishing the basement. This job was approximately priced at $28,000.
We successfully completed a foundation leveling project for Andrea's home. The front porch and walkway had settled, requiring a jacking process to restore their positions. Additionally, visible cracks in the porch were addressed to prevent further structural issues. The approximate cost for this work was around $5,800, ensuring both stability and aesthetic appeal.
We're tackling a significant structural repair for Tony's basement where a large crack has been allowing water to seep through. The issue, worsened by a faulty downspout, has led to wet areas around the foundation. Our team is working to seal the crack and redirect water flow to prevent future intrusions. This essential repair is estimated around $4,000.
We tackled a challenging waterproofing project in a basement where moisture and dampness were persistent issues. The job necessitated careful remediation to prevent future water intrusion. We also assessed the nearby crawlspace, albeit a tight one, to ensure it fell within safe height requirements. This comprehensive waterproofing and inspection project was completed for approximately $20,000, ensuring the space remains dry and stable.
We have successfully completed a commercial foundation stabilization project for J.R. in Lafayette, zip code 47905. Our team worked diligently on the excavation and structural reinforcement, ensuring a sturdy and reliable foundation. This commercial job was expertly handled for an approximate cost of $56,500.
Addressed the sunken portion of Diane's sidewalk in zip code 47906 with a slabjacking project. The process involved strategically injecting material beneath the concrete to raise it back to a level position, preventing further sinking issues. This precise intervention was valued at roughly $2,000.
Deborah's crawlspace in zip code 47906 was exhibiting signs of water intrusion. After consultation, our team provided an estimate for a vapor barrier installation to mitigate the moisture issues. Ensuring the space is properly sealed will help protect the home from potential structural damage. The project was estimated at around $11,854.
Visited Linda's home in zip code 47906 to perform a slabjacking job. The team focused on lifting and leveling the uneven sections of the concrete floor, ensuring a stable base. Slab piers were also installed to further support the structure. This critical repair helps prevent long-term foundational issues, with the entire project estimated to cost around $5,500.
