BACK ENTRYWAY STEP LIFTING IN SCHAUMBURG, IL (HIGHLANDS AREA)
In established neighborhoods like the Highlands of Schaumburg, many homes date back to the 1950s—built with solid craftsmanship, but now showing signs of age beneath the surface.
One of the most common issues we see?
Settling concrete steps at entryways.
That’s exactly what was happening at this beautiful brick home.
The back entry steps had gradually dropped over time—creating a noticeable separation,
uneven step height, and a growing concern during the home selling process.
The Challenge
This issue came to light during a pre-sale home inspection.
Inspectors flagged the back steps due to:
– A 2.5-inch drop in the concrete
– Uneven step height creating a safety concern
– Visible separation between step sections
– Evidence of voids forming underneath
Beyond appearance, this raised real concerns:
– Trip hazard for future buyers
– Potential liability issue
– Red flag that could delay or impact the sale
The homeowner knew this needed to be fixed before listing the home.
They wanted a solution that would:
– Restore the steps to a safe, even height
– Address the structural issue underneath
– Be completed quickly before closing timelines
– Avoid the cost and disruption of full replacement
The Raise-Rite Solution
After evaluating the steps, we confirmed the root cause:
Voids beneath the concrete caused by soil settlement and erosion over time.
This is extremely common in older homes—especially where drainage, soil movement, and decades of settling come into play.
Instead of removing and rebuilding the steps, we recommended polyurethane concrete lifting.
This allowed us to:
– Lift the steps back to their original position
– Fill and seal the empty space beneath
– Stabilize the base to prevent future movement
– Preserve the existing concrete and surrounding structure
A fast, clean solution—perfect for a home preparing to hit the market.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
We drilled small, precise holes into the affected areas to access the voids beneath the steps.
Step 2: Pump
Polyurethane foam was injected under the concrete. As it expanded, it filled the voids and lifted the steps—raising them approximately 2.5 inches back into proper alignment.
Step 3: Patch
Once the steps were level and secure, we sealed the holes with a clean, professional finish.
The Results
In just a short amount of time, the problem was fully corrected.
The back entry steps are now:
– Even and safe to walk on
– Structurally supported from below
– Free of gaps and separation
– Ready to pass inspection with confidence
Most importantly, the repair helped:
– Remove a major objection during the home sale
– Improve buyer confidence
– Prevent delays or renegotiation
The homeowner was able to move forward knowing the issue was handled properly—and permanently.
WHY STEPS SETTLE IN SCHAUMBURG, IL
In neighborhoods like the Highlands, settlement often comes from:
– Decades of soil movement under older homes
– Water infiltration and erosion over time
– Freeze-thaw cycles loosening the ground
– Natural compaction beneath entryways
As soil shifts or washes out, empty space forms under the concrete—leading to sinking, cracking, and uneven surfaces.
Concrete lifting corrects this by filling the voids and restoring full support underneath.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN SCHAUMBURG, IL
For over 50 years, Raise-Rite has helped homeowners across Illinois fix sinking concrete the right way—without tearing it out.
We specialize in:
– Entryway and step lifting
– Walkways and sidewalks
– Driveways and garage floors
– Patio and porch repair
– Pre-sale inspection corrections
If you’re preparing to sell—or just want to fix uneven concrete before it gets worse—we can help you get it handled quickly and correctly.
