CORRECTING A SUNKEN DRIVEWAY THAT WAS SLOPING TOWARD THE HOUSE
When a driveway settles, the problem isn’t always limited to uneven concrete. If the slab begins pitching toward the house instead of away from it, rainwater can start moving in the wrong direction.
That was the concern at this Joliet home.
A section of the driveway had settled and developed a large crack. The movement created an uneven surface and trip hazard, while the changing slope allowed water to drain toward the house.
The homeowner wanted to correct the elevation, improve drainage, repair the large crack, and stabilize the existing concrete rather than replace the driveway.
The Challenge
The driveway slab had lost support underneath and gradually settled out of its intended position.
This created several problems at once:
- A noticeable trip hazard
- A large crack through the driveway
- Poor drainage near the home
- Concrete pitching toward the house
- Concern about continued settlement
Water drainage was an especially important part of this repair.
Concrete around a home should generally direct surface water away from the structure. Once a driveway settles in the wrong direction, rainwater can begin collecting or flowing toward the house instead.
The goal for this project was to lift and support the settled driveway to create positive pitch away from the house, best as possible, while also addressing the large crack.
The Raise-Rite Solution
After evaluating the driveway, our team determined that the existing concrete could be lifted and stabilized rather than torn out and replaced.
Polyurethane concrete lifting allowed us to:
- Raise the settled driveway section
- Improve the pitch away from the house
- Fill voids beneath the slab
- Restore support underneath the concrete
- Reduce the uneven transition and trip hazard
- Address the large existing crack
Correcting the elevation helped solve two concerns at the same time: making the driveway safer to walk across and encouraging water to move in a better direction.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
Small access holes were strategically drilled through the affected driveway slab so we could reach the unsupported areas below.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was carefully injected beneath the driveway.
As the foam expanded, it filled voids, supported the slab, and gradually lifted the settled concrete. Our team carefully monitored the elevation to improve the driveway’s pitch away from the house as much as conditions allowed.
Step 3: Patch
After the slab was lifted and stabilized, the injection holes were patched and the large crack was addressed to leave the driveway with a cleaner, more complete repair.
The Results
The repair addressed more than the appearance of a sinking driveway.
The completed project provided:
- A safer, more even walking surface
- Reduced trip hazard concerns
- Improved pitch away from the home
- Better water drainage
- Stabilized support beneath the driveway
- Repair of the large existing crack
Instead of allowing the slab to continue sinking, the homeowner was able to preserve the existing driveway and address the underlying loss of support.
The result is a more functional driveway that better manages water and provides a safer transition for people walking across it.
WHY DRIVEWAYS SETTLE AND DRAIN POORLY IN JOLIET, IL
Driveway settlement can occur when the soil supporting the concrete changes over time.
Common contributing factors include:
- Soil consolidation beneath the driveway
- Water washing away supporting material
- Moisture entering through cracks and joints
- Illinois freeze-thaw cycles
- Seasonal changes in soil moisture
Once part of the slab loses support, it can begin sinking independently of the surrounding concrete. That can create cracks, uneven edges, low spots, and changes in drainage.
When the concrete remains in repairable condition, lifting the slab can restore support and improve its elevation without full replacement.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN JOLIET, IL
Raise-Rite has been helping homeowners repair sinking and uneven concrete since 1974, with more than 100,000 projects completed.
We regularly repair:
- Driveways and garage approaches
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Steps and entryways
- Patios
- Porches
- Other settled concrete slabs
If your driveway is sinking toward your home, holding water, or developing uneven sections, correcting the slab’s elevation early may help prevent the problem from becoming more extensive.
Learn more about our Joliet concrete lifting services.
