RESTORING A SAFE TRANSITION TO THE FRONT ENTRYWAY
The area directly in front of a home’s entryway is one of the most heavily used sections of concrete on the property.
When settlement occurs near the front stoop, even a small height difference can create an awkward step, increase trip hazards, and make the entrance feel unsafe.
That was the situation at this Wheaton home.
Over time, the walkway approaching the front entry had settled significantly below the brick stoop, creating an excessive step-up to reach the front door.
The homeowner wanted to restore a safer, more comfortable transition while improving the overall appearance of the entrance.
The Challenge
The concrete walkway leading to the front stoop had settled over time, leaving a substantial elevation difference between the walkway and the entryway.
The goal was ambitious:
Lift the sidewalk approaching the front stoop by approximately 7¾ inches—best as possible—while maintaining stability and preserving the existing concrete.
The homeowner was concerned about:
- The large step up to the front entrance
- Potential trip hazards for visitors
- Uneven access to the home
- Further settlement occurring over time
- Avoiding the cost of replacing the walkway
As with many settlement issues, the visible problem was only part of the story.
Beneath the slab:
- Soil had consolidated and settled
- Voids had developed under portions of the walkway
- Support beneath the concrete had diminished
- The walkway gradually dropped lower than the stoop
The challenge was restoring the elevation without damaging the existing concrete.
The Raise-Rite Solution
After evaluating the walkway and surrounding conditions, our team recommended polyurethane concrete lifting.
This process allowed us to:
- Lift the settled walkway significantly toward its original elevation
- Fill voids beneath the slab
- Stabilize the supporting soils
- Improve the transition to the front entrance
- Restore safer access to the home
Rather than replacing the walkway, we were able to preserve the existing concrete while correcting the settlement issue underneath.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
Small access holes were carefully drilled into the walkway slab to reach the voids beneath the concrete.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the slab. As the material expanded, it filled empty spaces and gradually lifted the walkway toward the desired elevation.
Achieving significant lifts requires careful monitoring and precise adjustments throughout the process to maximize results while protecting the concrete.
Step 3: Patch
Once the lifting was complete, the access holes were patched with a clean finish, leaving the walkway ready for use.
The Results
The improvement was dramatic.
The walkway now provides:
- A much safer transition to the front stoop
- Reduced trip hazards at the entryway
- Improved accessibility for family and guests
- Stabilized support beneath the slab
- Better overall curb appeal
Most importantly, the homeowner was able to correct a major settlement issue without replacing the existing walkway.
The entrance now feels safer, more welcoming, and more functional for everyday use.
WHY WALKWAYS SETTLE IN WHEATON, IL
Walkway settlement is common throughout Wheaton because of:
- Soil consolidation beneath concrete
- Water erosion and washout
- Freeze-thaw cycles during Illinois winters
- Long-term ground movement
- Moisture fluctuations around foundations
As support beneath the slab weakens, walkways begin to settle and separate from adjoining structures such as porches, stoops, and front entryways.
Concrete lifting restores support beneath the slab while helping re-establish a safer elevation.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN WHEATON, IL
Since 1974, Raise-Rite has helped Illinois homeowners repair sinking concrete without the cost and disruption of replacement.
We regularly repair:
- Front walkways
- Sidewalks
- Front steps and stoops
- Driveways
- Patios and porches
- Concrete trip hazards
If your walkway has settled away from your front entrance or created an unsafe step, Raise-Rite can help restore it safely and efficiently.
For homeowners in the area, learn more about our Wheaton concrete lifting services: Wheaton
