Cracks, water intrusion, crawl space moisture, settlement, etc.
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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 evaluated and reinforced a section of the foundation wall, identifying areas affected by moisture. The old wooden supports were assessed, and plans for necessary repairs are underway to ensure long-term stability. This step is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Our team conducted a thorough assessment of a property to address water management and potential foundation issues. The basement area was inspected for effective waterproofing and drainage, focusing on the setup near the foundation to prevent moisture buildup. Ensuring that the exterior drainage directs water away from the structure was a key aspect of this check-in, aimed at enhancing durability and preserving the structural integrity of the property.
Our team assessed the property's external drainage setup to ensure efficient water management away from the foundation. We inspected the drainage covers and nearby landscaping to confirm proper function and prevent moisture-related issues. This proactive evaluation aims to preserve foundation integrity by maintaining effective drainage.
We carried out a detailed inspection of the crawl space and foundation at a property. Issues such as cracking and potential soil erosion were observed, which may impact structural stability. These findings suggest the need for reinforcement and moisture control to ensure long-term effectiveness. Addressing these areas will be crucial in maintaining the foundation's integrity.
Conducted a thorough inspection of the property's foundation and basement areas. The team focused on identifying any structural issues, ensuring that the existing support system is adequate. Some reinforcing work may be needed to maintain integrity over time. Additionally, an overview of the exterior premises was carried out to check for areas that could contribute to future stability concerns.
Conducted an exterior assessment of the foundation for this property. The review focused on identifying any visible signs of wear or damage that could impact the structure's stability. Planned follow-up actions include a more detailed inspection to verify if further improvements are necessary to ensure long-term integrity.
A comprehensive inspection was conducted around the property's foundation to assess drainage effectiveness and structural conditions. The assessment focused on ensuring proper water flow away from the building and verifying the stability of both the exterior and interior foundation structures. These efforts are crucial to prevent water-related damage and maintain long-term integrity.
Our team conducted a thorough inspection of the interior flooring area to evaluate the levelness and integrity of the surface. The tiles appear to be well-laid, with some signs of prior work evident. This check is part of our routine to ensure that all aspects of the foundation are maintained to prevent future issues.
Our team addressed water accumulation alongside the property's foundation by installing a new drainage system. By excavating around the perimeter and setting up effective drainage channels, we ensure proper water flow away from the structure. This enhancement is crucial to prevent potential foundation issues and maintain the property's long-term stability.
Inspected the drainage setup around the foundation to ensure proper water flow away from the building. The focus was to confirm that the gravel and drain configurations effectively prevent water accumulation near the structural base. This proactive measure aims to protect the foundation from potential water-related issues.
The team recently completed a project involving the installation of a new deck to enhance outdoor space. Alongside this, a thorough inspection of the existing foundation was conducted. Notable findings included minor cracks in the basement walls, which have been scheduled for repair to maintain structural integrity. This comprehensive approach ensures not only improved aesthetics but also the long-term stability of the property.
We recently reinforced a crawl space to improve its structural integrity. Our team installed new wooden beams and ensured that the foundation remains stable against potential risks. By focusing on robust support, we aim to maintain the longevity and safety of the property.
Reviewed the exterior foundation and inspected the basement for any potential structural issues. Noticed some cracking in the pavement adjacent to the foundation which could be indicative of underlying problems. The basement's condition, including the flooring and wall integrity, was thoroughly evaluated to ensure stability. Any necessary repairs will be identified to maintain the property's safety.
Our team conducted a thorough inspection of a basement showing clear signs of water damage and structural wear. Notable areas included deteriorating walls and visible cracks around the exterior foundation. Attention was given to areas exhibiting significant dampness to plan necessary waterproofing and repair. This step aims to prevent further damage and enhance the overall stability of the property.
Observed significant cracking along the exterior brickwork, especially noticeable beneath the window area and near the back entrance. The team's next steps involve thorough assessment and planning effective measures for stabilization and repair to prevent further structural issues.
We successfully completed a foundation waterproofing and stabilization project. Our team dug around the perimeter of the house, applied a protective coating to the foundation walls, and installed a durable drainage system. These steps help to prevent water intrusion and ensure the structural integrity of the property over time.
Inspected and assessed the crawl space to identify any structural concerns. Initial observations suggest a need for potential support enhancements to ensure the long-term stability of the foundation. Cleaning and organization of materials were conducted to prepare for upcoming repair work.
Our team successfully completed a foundation crack repair project, addressing visible cracks along the property's exterior. This job involved leveling the affected areas and ensuring the stability of the foundation. By restoring the integrity of the surface, we’ve significantly reduced the risk of future issues. The approximate cost for this essential repair was handled within a reasonable budget, ensuring long-lasting results.
Analyzed exterior and interior structural conditions of the property, identifying visible cracks in both areas. These evaluations are crucial for planning necessary foundation repairs, ensuring long-term stability and preventing further damage. Addressing these early helps maintain the integrity and safety of the home.
This project involved an in-depth evaluation of the property's foundation, focusing on potential challenges around the exterior and basement areas. Initial landscaping adjustments have been made to facilitate upcoming critical repair work. This groundwork is essential to ensure the property's structural stability and prevent future foundational issues.
In our latest project, we've inspected the exterior foundation of a property, identifying several visible cracks that need attention. These cracks, found along the patio and wall area, are crucial to address to maintain structural stability. Our team plans to perform necessary repairs to prevent further deterioration and ensure the foundation remains solid.
We recently completed a project addressing both the concrete slabs on a driveway and the basement area. The driveway slabs were leveled to ensure a smooth transition, preventing future settling issues. Inside, we reinforced the basement walls, tackling any foundational vulnerabilities. These essential repairs enhance both safety and stability for the property.
We addressed foundational instability at a property by reinforcing the corner of the structure. Our team excavated the area to install new support brackets, ensuring the building remains well-supported and durable. This essential work safeguards the property against future settling issues.
Assessed the property for foundation issues, focusing on the exterior and basement areas. This initial evaluation is crucial for identifying potential concerns and planning necessary repairs. The focus is on ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the home's foundation.
We've undertaken a comprehensive waterproofing project to protect a basement from persistent moisture issues. Our team installed a reliable sump pump system and ensured proper drainage around the foundation. By addressing these water intrusion concerns, we aim to provide long-lasting protection and foundational stability.
