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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Lack of building codes- or outdated ones- are another concern.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.
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
