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 essential repairs for Fred in the 48103 area, focusing on addressing water intrusion in the basement. Our team efficiently sealed cracks in the foundation and installed an exterior drainage system to prevent further moisture issues. This comprehensive waterproofing and repair project was carried out with a budget of approximately $5,900.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
We've completed a significant waterproofing project for Cheryl's basement aimed at resolving water intrusion issues. Our team installed a tailored system to effectively manage moisture, ensuring the basement remains dry and secure. This vital upgrade, costing about $34,971, safeguards the home's foundation and enhances its overall stability.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
We recently tackled a basement water intrusion issue for Robyn in the 48103 area. The walls displayed signs of water logging, prompting the installation of a comprehensive waterproofing system. This project, including interior drainage implementation, was completed for approximately $14,400 to ensure a dry and secure environment.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
Completed a slabjacking job for Trivellore to address sinking sidewalks connecting to a porch in zip code 48108. The project involved raising the walkway to create a level surface, efficiently enhancing pedestrian safety and aesthetics. This necessary repair was carried out for approximately $2,600.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
We recently conducted structural repairs for Joseph in the 48103 area, focusing on reinforcing the basement windows and surrounding foundation. This essential work included window frame installation and ensuring proper waterproofing to prevent future water intrusion. The entire project was executed efficiently, contributing to a more secure and stable home environment. The job was completed for around $16,000.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
Completed a comprehensive basement waterproofing project for Kenneth in Ann Arbor, addressing water intrusion and mold issues. Our team installed a perimeter drainage system with external egress, ensuring the space remains dry and secure. This project, priced around $9,700, enhances the home’s structural stability and protects against future water damage.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
Gary's basement needed urgent attention due to a cracked foundation and water intrusion through the rod holes, which was causing an unpleasant dirt smell. Our team focused on waterproofing and sealing the cracks to protect the integrity of the foundation. At a value of approximately $8,500, these essential repairs ensure a stable and dry environment in the 48108 area.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
Rene's basement walls in zip code 48103 showed significant cracking, both diagonal and vertical, requiring urgent attention. A structural engineer pointed out the need for a joist and sister joist to support the weight of an intended bookshelf, approximately 300 lbs. Our team addressed these structural concerns to ensure stability and safety. The repairs were performed smoothly for about $3,264.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
At KLA's property in the 48103 area, we undertook a foundation stabilization task. Our team installed helical piers to address settlement issues and ensure the structure's stability. This essential project was executed with attention to structural integrity, around a budget of approximately $24k.
Near Ann Arbor, MI
