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.
Recently completed a foundation repair and stabilization project on a brick property. The work involved addressing foundational issues at the base by installing supportive piers. This structural enhancement ensures the long-term durability and integrity of the home and helps prevent future settlement.
We recently completed a comprehensive project in this property's crawl space, focusing on encapsulation and structural reinforcement. Our team installed a vapor barrier along the ground to minimize moisture intrusion, enhancing the area's stability. This work aims to maintain long-term architectural integrity and reduce the risk of foundation issues.
Recently conducted an inspection and repair task focused on visible cracks in the foundation of a residential property. Efforts were made to stabilize the affected areas, enhancing structural integrity and preventing further water damage. This kind of repair is crucial for maintaining the stability and durability of the building over time.
We’ve recently improved a property's drainage system by installing a reliable gutter extension and surface channel. This setup efficiently directs rainwater away from the foundation, significantly reducing water-related issues. Ensuring proper drainage is a key step in maintaining the foundation's integrity over time.
We've just completed an important job involving the installation of adjustable steel jacks and a robust waterproofing system in a residential basement. This project aimed at enhancing the structural stability and managing moisture effectively. The installation of a dimpled wall membrane and drainage helps ensure a drier and safer environment, contributing to the foundation's longevity.
In our latest job, we took measures to reinforce a crawl space by strategically placing concrete blocks and additional supports to bolster the structural foundation. This ensures the foundation is well-supported and reduces the risk of future settlement. We also conducted an inspection of visible cracks in the interior walls, providing essential assessment for potential repairs. These steps are crucial to maintaining the long-term stability and integrity of the property.
Installed adjustable steel jacks in the crawl space to reinforce and stabilize the structure. This primary improvement addresses settling issues, ensuring the foundation’s durability and enhancing the home’s overall safety.
We have recently completed a project focused on stabilizing and reinforcing the crawl space of a residential property. The installation of support columns has significantly improved the structural integrity and safety of the area. Our comprehensive approach ensures a more secure environment, providing long-term protection for the foundation.
Recently completed a project involving reinforcement of a crawl space. The job included the installation of new insulation and piping improvements to ensure better support and functionality. This effort aims to enhance structural stability and prevent issues related to moisture and air circulation in the crawl space area.
Recently completed reinforcement work in a property's crawlspace. This project included the strategic placement of supports to stabilize the foundation and enhance its long-term integrity. Utilizing concrete blocks and metal supports, we've aimed to ensure a steady and secure foundation moving forward. This work is essential in preventing future settlement issues and maintaining the overall stability of the structure.
We conducted an assessment of the property's foundation, focusing on visible cracks and potential structural concerns. Our preliminary work involved addressing some of the more pronounced cracks to ensure stability and prevent further deterioration. This initial step is essential in maintaining the integrity and safety of the building.
Addressed significant cracking along the external foundation walls in this recent project. The process involved meticulous sealing of the cracks to prevent water intrusion and stabilize the structure. These efforts are crucial in ensuring the long-term durability of the property.
Completed a thorough inspection of both the exterior and interior foundation areas for a residential property. The focus was on identifying potential moisture intrusion and assessing structural conditions around the property. This detailed evaluation is essential to ensuring the home’s foundation remains secure and stable.
We conducted a thorough assessment of this basement focusing on potential foundation issues. Our team inspected visible cracks and checked structural integrity to ensure the long-term safety of the property. This process helps in identifying key areas for repair and strengthening.
Our latest task involved inspecting the exterior and basement of a residential property. We focused on ensuring structural integrity by evaluating potential issues along the foundation and the surrounding areas. Key attention was given to drainage and stability checks to maintain longevity and prevent future complications.
We've addressed a visible crack in the foundation, implementing essential repair measures. The project involved stabilizing the foundation, ensuring structural integrity, and preventing further deterioration. The completed work reflects our commitment to safeguarding the property's stability.
Our team successfully completed a structural foundation repair in the basement of this residential property. We focused on reinforcing stability and addressing potential moisture concerns, ensuring the space remains dry and secure. This thorough approach safeguards the integrity of the home, promoting long-lasting durability.
Our latest project focused on enhancing the waterproofing of a crawlspace. We addressed moisture issues by installing a durable encapsulation system. This setup will effectively reduce humidity and potential water damage, offering better protection for the foundation.
We recently completed an encapsulation of the crawl space, coupled with the installation of foundation support columns. This project focused on enhancing moisture control within the space, as well as bolstering the structural integrity of the housing foundation. Our efforts provide a durable and stable environment, ensuring long-term protection against potential damage.
Carried out a detailed inspection and repair on the property's brick foundation. Addressed visible cracks and structural issues by reinforcing critical areas for enhanced stability. This work helps ensure the long-term security and integrity of the home.
We just finished a comprehensive basement waterproofing and structural repair in a home experiencing moisture issues. The team installed a waterproofing system along the basement walls, including drainage channels and a sump pump. This setup is crucial to maintaining a dry and stable basement environment, protecting the structure from potential water damage.
Successfully addressed visible cracks in the brick foundation of a residential property. The repair involved sealing the gaps to prevent further damage and maintain structural integrity. The work ensures long-term stability and peace of mind for the homeowner.
Our team recently undertook a project to stabilize the foundation and improve the exterior entryway of this residential property. We focused on enhancing the structural robustness by addressing support issues, ensuring a safer and more secure environment. Additionally, improvements around the basement entry with new supports and drainage adjustments were made, contributing to the overall longevity of the home's foundation.
We've successfully addressed foundation crack issues to ensure long-term stability. By sealing visible gaps in the concrete slab, we've enhanced the structural integrity and prevented potential water intrusion. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees the foundation remains robust and secure.
We performed a crucial stabilization job for a historic brick building facing foundational issues. The project involved reinforcing the structural integrity of the basement area, focusing on addressing potential moisture damage and ensuring long-term stability. With an emphasis on precision and durability, we aimed to preserve the historical essence while enhancing safety.
