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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.
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.
Near Jerome, MI
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.
Near Brooklyn, MI
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.
Near Jackson, MI
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.
Near Onsted, MI
We've begun groundwork preparation for a new commercial building in the 46703 area. The initial phase involves clearing and leveling the land, with a focus on ensuring a stable foundation. This project, undertaken for Meyer, is crucial for setting up a robust and secure base, with an approximate budget of $17.3k.
Near Angola, IN
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.
Near Adrian, MI
We addressed structural concerns in Brian’s basement by reinforcing the bowing cinder block walls. Visible sealing and support work were applied to stabilize the area and avert potential issues, all executed without water intrusion. This project was managed efficiently with an approximate budget of $8,000.
Near Fremont, IN
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.
Near Onsted, MI
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.
Near Adrian, MI
