Is Your Driveway a Tripping Hazard? How We Restored Safety and Curb Appeal in Atkins, IA
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As homeowners, we tend to take our driveways for granted until something goes wrong. Over time, shifting soil, heavy rains, and harsh winters can cause concrete slabs to sink, crack, and shift. That is exactly what happened to a homeowner in Atkins, IA, who noticed their driveway was settling unevenly. The resulting uneven edges created significant tripping hazards for family and visitors alike, while also directing rainwater back toward the home's foundation. Realizing the safety risks and potential for structural water damage, they reached out to the experienced team at MidAmerica Basement Systems for a permanent fix.
The journey to a safer driveway began with a comprehensive, on-site inspection. System Design Specialist Ryan Nolen visited the home to assess the concrete and diagnose the root cause of the sinking. Ryan determined that unstable, eroded subgrade soil was no longer supporting the weight of the heavy concrete plates. To restore the driveway without the massive expense and mess of tearing it all out, he designed a customized plan featuring the state-of-the-art PolyLevel® concrete lifting system, paired with NexusPro® joint sealant for long-term weatherproofing.
On the day of the repair, Foreman Ricky Sigala and crew member Jaylen arrived promptly to execute the plan. They began by drilling small, penny-sized holes into the sunken concrete slabs. Through these strategically placed injection ports, they pumped high-density polyurethane foam beneath the surface. As the liquid foam expanded, it filled the underlying voids, compacted the weak subgrade soil, and gently lifted the massive concrete slabs back into perfect alignment. Once the slabs were completely level, the team patched the injection holes and applied NexusPro® to the joints and cracks, creating a durable, waterproof seal that resists UV damage and keeps moisture from seeping under the driveway in the future.
The transformation was fast, clean, and highly effective. In just a matter of hours, the driveway went from a dangerous, unsightly eyesore to a smooth, stable, and highly functional entrance to the home. By utilizing PolyLevel® instead of traditional mudjacking or total concrete replacement, the homeowner avoided weeks of downtime and saved thousands of dollars. Best of all, the correct slope was restored to ensure rainwater sheds safely away from the foundation, giving the homeowner ultimate peace of mind for years to come.