RESTORING A SUNKEN DRIVEWAY AT THE STREET WITHOUT REPLACEMENT
The area where a driveway meets the curb experiences constant vehicle traffic, weather exposure, and changing soil conditions. Over time, it’s one of the most common places for concrete settlement to occur.
At this Lyons home, the driveway had settled near the curb, creating an uneven transition between the driveway and the street. The homeowner wanted to restore the concrete to its original height and match the adjacent driveway panels as closely as possible.
Instead of replacing the driveway, they chose polyurethane concrete lifting to correct the settlement while preserving the existing slab.
The Challenge
The driveway had dropped noticeably at the curb, creating an uneven approach when entering and leaving the property.
The homeowner was concerned about:
- A rough transition between the street and driveway
- Additional stress on vehicles
- Water collecting in the low area
- Continued settlement over time
- Preserving the appearance of the driveway
After our inspection, we found the slab had lost support beneath the concrete due to normal soil movement and long-term settlement.
As the supporting soil shifted and compacted, voids developed beneath the driveway, allowing the concrete to sink.
The homeowner wanted to:
- Lift the driveway back toward its original elevation
- Match the height of the adjoining driveway panels as closely as possible
- Restore proper support beneath the slab
- Avoid the cost and disruption of replacement
The Raise-Rite Solution
Following a complete evaluation, our team recommended polyurethane concrete lifting.
This solution allowed us to:
Raise the driveway at the curb
Match the adjacent concrete pads as closely as possible
Fill hidden voids beneath the slab
Stabilize the supporting soils
Restore a smoother transition between the street and driveway
By correcting the problem underneath the slab, we were able to improve both the appearance and performance of the driveway without demolition.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
Small, strategically placed holes were drilled into the affected driveway section.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the slab. As it expanded, it filled the empty spaces below the concrete while carefully lifting the driveway back toward its original position.
The lifting process was closely monitored to achieve the best possible match with the surrounding concrete.
Step 3: Patch
Once the desired elevation was reached, the drill holes were patched with a durable repair, leaving the driveway clean and ready for immediate use.
The Results
The completed repair restored both function and appearance.
The driveway now offers:
- A smoother transition from the street
- Better alignment with adjoining driveway panels
- Improved support beneath the slab
- Reduced water collection near the curb
- A safer, more attractive driveway entrance
Most importantly, the homeowner avoided replacing a large section of concrete while achieving a long-lasting repair.
WHY DRIVEWAYS SETTLE IN LYONS, IL
Driveway settlement near the curb is common throughout Lyons due to:
- Soil consolidation beneath the slab
- Water infiltration and erosion
- Freeze-thaw cycles during Illinois winters
- Heavy vehicle traffic
- Long-term ground movement
As support beneath the driveway weakens, concrete begins settling and separating from adjoining sections.
Concrete lifting restores support below the slab while helping prevent further movement.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN LYONS, IL
Since 1974, Raise-Rite has completed more than 100,000 concrete lifting projects throughout Illinois.
We regularly repair:
- Driveways and driveway approaches
- Concrete at street curbs
- Garage floors
- Walkways and sidewalks
- Patios and porches
- Front steps and entryways
If your driveway has settled near the curb or no longer lines up with surrounding concrete, Raise-Rite can restore it quickly without the cost of replacement.
For homeowners in the area, learn more about our Lyons concrete lifting services:
