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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
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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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've addressed water intrusion in Blake's basement in the 42701 area. Our team installed a comprehensive waterproofing system, focusing on sealing potential cracks in the foundation walls and managing moisture effectively. The project also involved exterior drainage improvements, directing water away from the basement. This solution was developed with a budget of approximately $14,753, providing Blake with a dry and odor-free living space.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
Installed an exterior drainage system around the house to effectively manage water flow and prevent intrusion. This new setup enhances protection against water damage, especially at the foundation level. The job was completed for homeowner Arthur in zip code 42701, with the project cost being roughly around $4,649.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
We've just completed a slabjacking project for Claude in zip code 42701, focusing on the walkway and driveway to address existing cracks. The back section required some forming due to uneven surfaces. This service ensures a smooth, safe walking path by leveling the concrete surfaces. Approximately priced at $2,411.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
Addressed a significant crack in David's basement wall, located in zip code 42701, to prevent future water damage. A thorough repair process ensured the foundation remains stable and secure. The project was meticulously executed, costing around $3,150 and providing peace of mind against potential water issues.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
Completed an egress window installation for Ruth's basement in Elizabethtown, KY under zip code 42701. This addition enhances safety and brings natural light into the space. Lydia, a long-time friend and realtor, coordinated the process. The project was carried out at an approximate cost of $9,600.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
Recently addressed an issue with a sagging bathroom floor caused by structural challenges in the crawl space. Our team successfully installed a supportive jack system to stabilize the floor above, ensuring a solid and secure foundation. The project was completed for Terry in zip code 42701, with an approximate cost of $17,300.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
We recently completed a structural reinforcement project in Elizabethtown, involving the stabilization of basement walls. The installation included support straps and wall anchors to prevent further cracking and shifting. With an investment of about $12,401, this ensures a more secure and stable environment for the homeowner.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
We've successfully completed an essential waterproofing project in Brenda's basement in the 42701 area. Our team focused on addressing moisture problems by installing a comprehensive drainage system around the perimeter. A new sump pump was integrated to ensure efficient water management. This robust solution aims to keep the basement dry and secure, with an investment near $10,500.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
We attended to a structural repair need in Mark's finished basement at zip code 42701. Upon lifting the carpet, a crack in the foundation floor was revealed, causing unevenness. Additionally, an outdoor concrete patio also appeared unlevel. We’re set to address these issues with an approximate investment of $3,051, and Mark is pleased with our prompt availability for tomorrow.
Near Elizabethtown, KY
