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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
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.
Devon's century-old craftsman bungalow is undergoing essential structural repairs. We've addressed the uneven floors by reinforcing the joists and installing adjustable support beams in the basement. This step prepares the home for future renovations by ensuring the floors are level. Estimated investment for these improvements is around $20k.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
We've addressed a significant issue in Aaron's basement with structural supports to counteract a sagging floor and prevent further damage. The project involved installing metal support posts to bear the load and stabilize the area effectively. This intervention not only rectifies existing problems like wall cracks and sticking doors but also prevents future issues, all for an investment around 10k in the 49503 area.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
In Aaron's basement, we've tackled sagging floor issues by reinforcing the beams and addressing potential load-bearing challenges. This involved the installation of new steel support beams to counteract any cracking and stress on existing structures. With a budget around 10k, this project ensures a stable and secure foundation, offering peace of mind for the future.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
Stephen's project involved a comprehensive upgrade to the drainage system outside and additional support installation in the basement. The new piping layout addresses potential water issues efficiently, while the interior support beams bolster the basement's structural integrity. Estimated investment for these improvements is around 9k.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
In Jake's remodel, we've tackled the basement's water intrusion problem, especially noticeable after heavy rains. By implementing a new waterproofing system, including drainage improvements, we aim to keep the basement dry and secure. This project, priced at about 20k, is a crucial step in preserving the home's integrity.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
We are working on reinforcing a solid wood support beam in a basement with 10-foot ceilings in a house built in 1915. The foundation is concrete, possibly with boulders around the outside, and there appears to be prior water damage. The goal is to ensure the structural stability of the basement, preparing it for finishing. The approximate cost of the project is $4000.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
This project involved addressing unlevel slabs near an AC unit with no visible cracks. Working with Bill and property manager Tina, the focus was on realigning the slabs seamlessly. As this was for a repeat customer, the job was expected to go smoothly, all for an estimated cost around $2,000.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
We wrapped up a driveway slabjacking project for Anita in the 49546 area. The end of the driveway was in need of some careful attention. Our team efficiently repaired the cement, restoring it to a stable and leveled state. The job was completed at an approximate cost of $6,600.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
We recently completed a structural repair project to support a bathroom remodel for David in the 49504 area. Our team installed two robust 2x10 planks, ensuring the floor above is well-supported for the renovation. This essential update was carried out for approximately $7,400, providing a stable base for the continued remodeling efforts.
Near Grand Rapids, MI
