LIFTING A SUNKEN SIDEWALK TO CREATE A SAFER WALKING SURFACE
It does not take much concrete settlement to create a noticeable trip hazard. When one sidewalk slab sinks below the next, the raised edge can become a problem for homeowners, visitors, delivery drivers, and anyone walking across the property.
That was the concern at this Maywood property.
A section of sidewalk had settled and created an uneven transition between slabs. Rather than removing and replacing otherwise usable concrete, Raise-Rite lifted and stabilized the affected sidewalk to reduce the trip hazard and restore a smoother walking surface.
The Challenge
The problem was easy to see at the surface: neighboring sidewalk slabs were no longer sitting at the same elevation.
The height difference created several concerns:
- A noticeable trip hazard
- An awkward walking transition
- Increased risk of someone catching a foot on the raised edge
- Unsupported areas beneath the settled slab
- Concern that the settlement could continue
- The possibility of additional cracking or movement
Grinding down a high edge may sometimes improve a small transition, but it does not restore support beneath a slab that has actually sunk.
For this project, the goal was to raise the low concrete and address the problem from underneath.
The Raise-Rite Solution
After evaluating the sidewalk, Raise-Rite determined that the settled slab could be lifted and stabilized.
Polyurethane concrete lifting allowed our team to carefully raise the low section toward the elevation of the neighboring concrete while filling voids underneath.
The repair helped:
- Reduce the uneven sidewalk transition
- Eliminate the existing trip hazard as much as conditions allowed
- Restore support beneath the slab
- Fill underlying voids
- Create a smoother walking surface
- Preserve the existing sidewalk
This provided a practical alternative to tearing out the affected slab and pouring new concrete.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
Small injection holes were strategically drilled through the affected sidewalk slab to access the unsupported areas underneath.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the concrete.
As the foam expanded, it filled voids and carefully raised the settled sidewalk. Our crew monitored the slab as it moved to improve its alignment with the surrounding concrete.
Step 3: Patch
Once the sidewalk was lifted and stabilized, the small injection holes were patched.
The repair preserved the existing slab while creating a safer and more even walking surface.
The Results
Correcting the sidewalk settlement made an immediate difference in how the area could be used.
The completed repair provided:
- A more even sidewalk surface
- A smoother transition between slabs
- Reduced trip hazard concerns
- Better support beneath the concrete
- Filled voids below the settled section
- No need to replace the entire affected slab
For the property owner, the biggest benefit was addressing a safety concern before continued settlement made the problem more severe.
The existing concrete stayed in place while the underlying support and slab elevation were improved.
WHY SIDEWALKS BECOME UNEVEN IN MAYWOOD, IL
Sidewalk slabs can remain in good condition while the soil beneath them changes.
Water movement, soil consolidation, and seasonal weather can gradually create empty spaces below the concrete. Without consistent support, one section can begin sinking while the slab next to it stays at its original height.
Common causes include:
- Soil settling and consolidation
- Water washing away supporting material
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Seasonal changes in soil moisture
- Poorly compacted base material
- Voids developing underneath the sidewalk
Once slabs begin moving independently, even a relatively small difference in height can create a noticeable trip hazard.
Concrete lifting addresses the low slab instead of simply hiding the uneven transition.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN MAYWOOD, IL
Raise-Rite has been helping Illinois homeowners and property owners repair sinking concrete since 1974, with more than 100,000 projects completed.
Our concrete lifting services can address:
- Uneven sidewalks and walkways
- Concrete trip hazards
- Driveways and garage approaches
- Steps and entry areas
- Patios and porches
- Other settled concrete slabs
If you have a sidewalk slab that has sunk below the surrounding concrete, replacement may not be the only solution. When the existing slab remains in suitable condition, concrete lifting can restore its elevation and support with much less disruption.
Learn more about our Maywood concrete lifting services.
