RESTORING A SETTLED PATIO WITHOUT TEARING OUT THE CONCRETE
A back patio should provide a comfortable, usable space for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time outdoors. When sections of the concrete begin to sink, however, the patio can quickly develop uneven areas that affect both safety and drainage.
That was the problem at this Medinah home.
The backyard patio had settled, leaving portions of the concrete lower than their intended elevation. The homeowner wanted to correct the sinking slabs and restore support underneath before the settlement became more severe.
Instead of removing the existing patio and pouring new concrete, Raise-Rite lifted and stabilized the settled slabs.
The Challenge
The patio had gradually lost support beneath portions of the concrete.
As the slabs settled, the surface became uneven and created several concerns for the homeowner:
- Uneven areas across the patio
- Potential trip hazards between slabs
- Low spots where water could collect
- Loss of support beneath the concrete
- Concern about additional settlement
- The possibility of cracks becoming worse over time
A sinking patio can also affect how water moves around the back of a home. As slabs change elevation, water may begin collecting in low areas or draining in an unwanted direction.
The goal was to restore the patio to a more appropriate elevation while stabilizing the concrete from underneath.
The Raise-Rite Solution
After evaluating the patio, our team determined that the existing concrete could be lifted rather than replaced.
Polyurethane concrete lifting allowed us to address both the visible settlement and the unsupported areas beneath the slabs.
Our repair focused on:
- Raising the settled patio sections
- Improving alignment between adjoining slabs
- Filling voids beneath the concrete
- Restoring support to the affected areas
- Improving the overall patio surface
- Preserving the existing concrete
Because the slabs could remain in place, the homeowner avoided the demolition, removal, and new concrete installation required with replacement.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Drill
Small injection holes were strategically drilled through the patio slabs in the areas requiring lifting and stabilization.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the concrete.
As the foam expanded, it filled empty spaces below the patio and allowed our technicians to gradually lift the settled sections. The movement was carefully monitored to improve slab alignment and restore a more even surface.
Step 3: Patch
After the patio reached the appropriate elevation and the underlying areas were stabilized, the injection holes were patched.
The existing patio remained in place with minimal disruption to the surrounding backyard.
The Results
The completed repair gave the homeowner a more level, stable, and usable outdoor space.
The project provided:
- Improved patio elevations
- Smoother transitions between slabs
- Reduced trip hazard concerns
- Better support beneath the concrete
- Filled voids under settled areas
- Improved conditions for surface drainage
Most importantly, the homeowner was able to preserve the existing patio instead of replacing it.
By addressing the settlement while the concrete was still suitable for lifting, Raise-Rite helped extend the useful life of the patio and restore a more comfortable backyard space.
WHY BACK PATIOS SETTLE IN MEDINAH, IL
Patios can settle when the soil and base material beneath the concrete no longer provide consistent support.
Backyard areas can be particularly affected by water moving through landscaping and soil around the home.
Factors that can contribute to patio settlement include:
- Soil consolidation over time
- Water erosion beneath the slabs
- Seasonal changes in soil moisture
- Illinois freeze-thaw cycles
- Voids developing beneath the concrete
- Poorly compacted fill from original construction
As support is lost, one portion of a patio may sink faster than another. This can create uneven joints, low areas, and changes in drainage.
Concrete lifting helps restore the slab elevation while filling unsupported spaces beneath the patio.
RAISE-RITE CONCRETE LIFTING IN MEDINAH, IL
Raise-Rite has been helping Illinois homeowners repair sinking and uneven concrete since 1974, with more than 100,000 projects completed.
Our concrete lifting services can help with:
- Backyard patios
- Driveways and garage approaches
- Walkways and sidewalks
- Front steps and entryways
- Porches
- Other settled concrete slabs
If your backyard patio is sinking or becoming uneven, replacing the entire slab may not be necessary. When the concrete is still in suitable condition, lifting and stabilization can restore the existing patio with far less disruption.
Learn more about our Medinah concrete lifting services.
