RESTORING AN UNEVEN DRIVEWAY AND CREATING A SMOOTHER GARAGE ENTRANCE
The area where a driveway meets the garage is one of the most important concrete transitions around a home. Vehicles cross it every day, and even a small amount of settlement can create an uncomfortable bump when entering or leaving the garage.
That was the concern at this Arlington Heights home.
The driveway and concrete near the garage door entry had settled, leaving an uneven transition between the driveway and garage floor. The homeowner wanted to correct the sinking concrete, improve the entrance, and prevent the problem from becoming more severe.
Instead of removing and replacing the existing driveway, Raise-Rite used polyurethane concrete lifting to raise and stabilize the affected sections.
The Challenge
The driveway had gradually settled near the garage entrance, creating a noticeable difference in elevation.
This area experiences regular vehicle traffic, making proper support beneath the concrete especially important.
The settlement created several concerns:
- An uneven transition at the garage door
- A noticeable bump when driving into the garage
- Potential trip hazards near the entrance
- Loss of support beneath the driveway
- Possible water collection near the garage door
- Concern about continued settlement and cracking
The garage entrance was the main priority.
When a driveway sinks below the garage floor, vehicles must cross an uneven edge every time they enter or exit. The changing slope may also affect how rainwater moves near the garage.
The homeowner needed a solution that would improve the concrete elevation while preserving the existing driveway.
The Raise-Rite Solution
After evaluating the driveway and garage entry, our team determined that the affected concrete could be lifted and stabilized.
Polyurethane foam injection allowed us to carefully raise the settled driveway while filling unsupported spaces beneath the slabs.
The repair focused on:
- Lifting the settled driveway sections
- Improving the transition at the garage door
- Reducing uneven concrete edges
- Filling voids beneath the driveway
- Restoring support under the affected slabs
- Preserving the existing concrete
Unlike surface-only repairs, concrete lifting addresses the low slab and the loss of support beneath it.
The goal was to restore a smoother, more functional garage entrance without the cost and disruption of complete driveway replacement.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
Small injection holes were strategically drilled through the affected driveway sections near the garage entrance.
These access points allowed our crew to reach the areas beneath the concrete that needed lifting and stabilization.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the settled slabs.
As the foam expanded, it filled underlying voids and gradually lifted the driveway. Our technicians carefully monitored the movement to improve alignment between the driveway and garage floor.
Special attention was given to the garage door transition, where proper elevation is important for everyday vehicle access.
Step 3: Patch
Once the driveway was lifted and stabilized, the injection holes were patched.
The existing concrete remained in place, avoiding the demolition and extended curing time associated with installing a new driveway.
The Results
The repair improved the driveway and garage entrance while allowing the homeowner to keep the existing concrete.
The project provided:
- A smoother transition into the garage
- Improved driveway elevations
- Reduced uneven edges near the garage door
- Better support beneath the concrete
- Filled voids under the settled slabs
- A more functional driveway for daily use
Correcting the settlement also helped address concerns about continued movement around the garage entrance.
Instead of replacing a large section of driveway, the homeowner was able to restore the affected concrete and improve the area used every day.
WHY DRIVEWAYS SETTLE NEAR GARAGES IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
Driveways often settle near garage entrances because the concrete and supporting soil experience different conditions over time.
The driveway is exposed to rain, snow, changing temperatures, and vehicle traffic. Meanwhile, the garage floor is generally supported by a separate concrete slab and base.
When the material beneath the driveway begins to consolidate or wash away, the driveway can sink while the garage floor stays at a higher elevation.
Common contributing factors include:
- Soil consolidation beneath driveway slabs
- Water erosion near the garage approach
- Illinois freeze-thaw cycles
- Seasonal moisture changes
- Poorly compacted fill material
- Voids developing beneath the concrete
Over time, these conditions can create uneven garage entrances, low driveway sections, and changes in surface drainage.
Polyurethane concrete lifting helps correct the settled slabs while restoring support beneath the affected areas.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
Since 1974, Raise-Rite has helped Illinois homeowners repair sinking and uneven concrete, completing more than 100,000 projects.
Our concrete lifting services can help with:
- Driveway lifting and leveling
- Garage approaches and driveway aprons
- Uneven garage door transitions
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Front steps and entryways
- Patios and porches
- Other settled concrete slabs
If your driveway is sinking near the garage door, replacing the concrete may not be necessary.
When the existing slabs remain in suitable condition, concrete lifting can restore their elevation, improve the garage entrance, and provide additional support underneath.
Learn more about our Arlington Heights concrete lifting services.
