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.
Scott in zip code 46074 required attention to a significant foundation crack running across his basement. Our team efficiently repaired the poured foundation to restore stability over a span of 30 feet. The project was completed for around $2,300, ensuring the structural integrity of the space.
Near Westfield, IN
We recently completed a foundation repair project on Carl's front porch in the 46062 area. The work involved leveling the brick surface to ensure stability and enhance the overall appearance of the entrance. Our team used specialized equipment to address any tilting issues, making the space both safer and more visually appealing. The project was completed with a budget of approximately $6,100.
Near Westfield, IN
Addressed a series of cracks on the front patio of a home, identified during a building inspection. Our team efficiently filled and repaired the affected areas to enhance stability and aesthetics. This crucial repair work was carried out at a cost of around $6,915.
Near Westfield, IN
Completed a slabjacking project for Shpat’s porch in zip code 46074. The work involved lifting and leveling the existing concrete porch to correct prior sinking issues. This job helps ensure a stable and even surface, improving both safety and appearance. The project was efficiently handled for an approximate cost of $2,700.
Near Westfield, IN
Addressed a footer problem causing settling in the front area of Ben's home in zip code 46074. The project involved stabilizing the foundation to prevent further shifting and ensure the safety and stability of the structure. This essential repair was carried out for approximately $9,800.
Near Westfield, IN
Completed a foundation repair involving brickwork and drainage installation for a property in zip code 46074. Despite the snowy conditions, our team addressed brick damage and ensured proper water drainage using a robust system. This essential project was completed for approximately $2,300, providing crucial structural support and water management.
Near Westfield, IN
Recently completed a basement waterproofing project for Trevor in zip code 46074. We identified a problematic crack allowing water intrusion and installed a comprehensive drainage system to redirect water away from the foundation. This approach ensures a dry basement environment, preventing future moisture issues. The project was completed at an approximate cost of $3,000.
Near Westfield, IN
For Walter's home in the 46074 area, we tackled a crack in the concrete slab under the carpet, addressing some water damage in the process. We ensured proper drainage to redirect water away from the foundation, providing a stable and dry environment. This essential repair work came in at an approximate cost of $3,000.
Near Westfield, IN
Today, we addressed several cracks in the foundation walls of a crawlspace, which were allowing moisture to enter. We reinforced the structure and sealed the affected areas to improve stability and prevent future water intrusion. This repair job, approximately priced at $1,600, was essential for maintaining the home's structural integrity.
Near Westfield, IN
