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.
Completed a waterproofing project by sealing the connection between the basement bulkhead emergency exit and foundation at Scott's home in zip code 49276. The job was carried out efficiently to prevent any future water intrusion, enhancing the security of the basement area. This service was completed for an approximate cost of $3,000.
We tackled a water intrusion issue for George in the 43623 area, focusing on securing the basement where water was coming through between the brick and insulation. This job, priced around $6,550, involved waterproofing measures to prevent future water ingress and protect the structural integrity of the home.
We worked on lifting a patio slab that was leaning towards the house, ensuring no cracks and a smooth surface. This precise slabjacking job was completed for Keith in the 49286 area, providing a balanced and secure outdoor space for approximately $2,100.
Completed a driveway slabjacking job to rectify uneven concrete surfaces. This essential repair ensures smooth and safe access, and the overall job was priced around $2,000. The project provides improved durability and helps prevent future settling issues.
Our team completed a comprehensive waterproofing job for Mark in the 49249 area. This project involved installing a dehumidifier and a sump pump in the basement to effectively manage moisture levels. We also set up a drainage system to ensure efficient water redirection away from the foundation, addressing any potential water issues in this Michigan basement. The overall cost of this project was around $6,000.
We recently completed a structural repair project at Abby's cabin in the 49230 area. Our team tackled the sagging floors by reinforcing the crawlspace, ensuring a stable and secure foundation. This essential repair helps maintain the cabin's integrity and was approximately priced at $8,800.
A repair was carried out to address cracking in Tom's basement wall in the 48176 area. Although there was no significant seepage initially detected, some brown seepage was noted. Our team worked efficiently to reinforce and seal the cracks to prevent future issues. This structural repair was completed for approximately $9,000, fitting the scheduling preferences of Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afternoons.
We recently tackled a challenging project addressing water intrusion under a deck area. Our team reinforced the structure, repaired damaged wood, and applied effective waterproofing solutions around critical entry points. This ensures long-term stability and prevents further moisture issues in the basement. The project was completed with precision and attention to detail, safeguarding the home for the future.
We tackled a cracked foundation in Cherie's home in the 48176 area, addressing water intrusion without mold or odor issues. Our team expertly sealed the cracks and applied waterproofing measures, ensuring the foundation remains secure and dry. This essential service was completed for approximately $3.5k.
We addressed water intrusion and biological growth in Deb's crawlspace in the 49265 area. With a focus on effective waterproofing options, our team worked to secure the area against moisture, implementing solutions that protect the block foundation. The project, costing around $3,000, ensures a dry and safer environment.
Wrapped up a comprehensive foundation project involving structural reinforcement and installation of a window well egress. Noted deterioration in the south wall requiring immediate attention, with new support beams added to ensure stability. The task included excavation around the foundation to redirect water away from the home. Estimated project cost is approximately $13,700, taking care to stabilize Alexa's property in zip code 43617.
Lea's property is experiencing significant water intrusion in the crawl space, garage, and cellar. Water is entering the garage from the yard, and there's concern over the vapor barrier potentially hindering the French drains installed under the house. The external drainage is also insufficient, leading to a flooded driveway. Solutions are being sought to address these issues and ensure proper water management around the home, with an estimated project cost around $11,950.
Recently completed a detailed waterproofing project in Tonya's basement, addressing moisture issues efficiently. Our team implemented a full drainage system alongside a sump pump installation to manage water entry. The solution also involved sealing off vulnerable areas prone to leaks. This essential service, valued at approximately $14,800, greatly enhances basement dryness and security.
Completed a project addressing moisture-induced damage to a sill plate in a home that's going on the market. We reinforced the structural integrity of the base by adding support to prevent further deterioration. The job is estimated at roughly $2,100 and ensures the home is in sellable condition.
Addressing structural concerns in a new home due to foundation cracks and water intrusion. Our team implemented reinforcement solutions to stabilize the basement by installing steel support beams. These steps ensure the long-term safety and stability of the structure, allowing the family to finally move in. Approximate cost for this comprehensive repair is around $10,000.
Completed a comprehensive waterproofing and reinforcement project in a crawlspace to address existing water intrusion issues. Our team applied a waterproofing sealant and reinforced the structural integrity using specialized tape and coatings. Additionally, we ensured proper encapsulation to mitigate future moisture concerns. This project, located in the 49221 area, was estimated at about $17,000.
Visited Yousif's property for structural repair due to unlevel floors requiring additional support. The project involved reinforcing the foundation and addressing issues in the partial crawl space and basement. This effort ensures improved stability and level flooring, with the project estimated around $12,700.
We've tackled a persistent water intrusion problem where the chimney used to be in Sarah’s home. Our team installed a comprehensive waterproofing system to address leaks that worsened during rain, enhancing both the foundation's integrity and indoor dryness. This essential repair is valued at approximately $5,450 and was completed in the 48176 area.
We're addressing water concerns in Alyssa's crawlspace as she prepares to sell her home. The buyers expressed worries about previous water presence during an inspection, although it's currently dry. Our team is proposing waterproofing options to ensure peace of mind, with the project valued at about $7,500.
Addressed water seepage concerns in Sharron's basement by implementing a reliable waterproofing system. This involved sealing vulnerable areas to prevent future moisture issues, with the overall project cost estimated around $2,800. Ensuring a dry and secure basement environment was the primary goal of this service.
Dieter recently purchased a home and wanted to address some driveway issues before they worsen. Noticing significant erosion and some cracking, we leveled the driveway to ensure it sits correctly relative to the foundation. This preventative measure is crucial for maintaining the home's structure and is valued at just over $2,000. Financing options were discussed.
Addressed a foundation crack in Kayla's basement wall, essential for securing the property for prospective buyers. Despite no water intrusion or settling signs, the crack was noted during a home inspection. We applied a robust sealing solution, preventing possible future issues. This repair, priced around $1,715, ensures structural integrity in zip code 49237.
We recently completed a comprehensive waterproofing project for Robert in the 48176 area. The problem stemmed from water backing up in the basement during heavy rains, notably through inadequate drain tile. Our team installed interior drainage systems to ensure proper water management and prevent future issues. This vital repair, costing around $3,000, will safeguard the home from water damage.
We tackled a structural issue in Todd's crawlspace with shifting blocks posing potential problems. Our team worked on stabilizing the foundation to prevent any further movement. This essential repair job, located in zip code 49229, was completed for around $24,000, ensuring the home remains secure and sturdy.
Completed a waterproofing job on a cracked basement wall in Scott's home, located in zip code 49250. This essential repair, priced around $2,500, ensures long-term protection against water intrusion, enhancing the structural integrity of the basement.
