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.
Addressed a challenging water intrusion problem in a basement with several vertical cracks in a poured wall. Our team applied a dedicated waterproofing solution to prevent further water entry, ensuring the affected area stays dry and secure. This comprehensive service, valued at around $4,300, provided a solid defense against moisture in the 48912 area for Charlie.
Near Lansing, MI
We addressed structural issues in Nathan's crawl space in zip code 48906, where noticeable sinking was evident in several rooms. Our team installed supportive metal piers to stabilize the home's foundation, effectively counteracting the sloping floors and bowing walls. This vital repair was carried out at approximately $8,280, ensuring a safer living environment.
Near Lansing, MI
Addressed water intrusion in a corner of Denise's basement in zip code 48911. We focused on ensuring that the basement remains dry, effectively tackling the issue that occurs during rainfall. This essential service was completed around a cost of $24,800, providing peace of mind and structural stability.
Near Lansing, MI
We've tackled a water intrusion issue in Cecil's basement, primarily stemming from the floor area. Our team employed advanced waterproofing techniques to address the problem and prevent future occurrences. This essential service, priced at roughly $21,365, ensures that the basement remains dry and the foundation stable.
Near Lansing, MI
Recently estimated and installed a sump pump to address and prevent water intrusion in Brandy's basement, located in zip code 48915. This essential waterproofing solution, costing approximately $1,750, ensures a dry and secure environment.
Near Lansing, MI
Emanuel's basement in zip code 48906 needed urgent attention due to bowing walls and water intrusion issues. Our team reinforced the foundation walls to stabilize the structure and prevent further damage. This crucial repair was essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of the home, with an approximate cost of $7,000.
Near Lansing, MI
Transformed an aging basement in the 48915 area with a comprehensive waterproofing and encapsulation solution. Our team focused on addressing the standing water issue in the coal bin room by installing a robust drainage system and sealing the cinderblock walls to prevent further damage. This project, valued at around $4,800, enhances the basement’s durability and usability.
Near Lansing, MI
Just wrapped up a waterproofing job for David in Lansing, zip code 48917. We tackled a significant crack in the basement wall, ensuring water won't infiltrate during rainstorms. This essential work highlights our commitment to keeping foundations dry and secure, all completed for about $3,600.
Near Lansing, MI
Lori's century-old house in zip code 48910 required immediate attention due to dry-rotted and cracked basement floor joists. Our team replaced and reinforced these crucial structural elements, ensuring the stability and safety of the home. This thorough foundation repair was carried out for approximately $15,000.
Near Lansing, MI
