Subgrade Washout Solved Sinking Muscatine Driveway Slabs Lifted in Hours
A homeowner in Muscatine, IA recently faced a frustrating and hazardous problem right outside their front door: progressive settlement across their concrete driveway. What started as small hairline cracks had turned into noticeable vertical lips between panels, creating trip hazards and threatening ongoing damage under vehicular weight. Concerned about worsening conditions, the homeowner called in expert help to fix the root cause before the driveway deteriorated beyond repair.
The process began with an in-depth home inspection by System Design Specialist Ryan Nolen. Ryan evaluated the site and diagnosed the true culprit behind the sinking panels: subterranean voids created by shifting subgrade soil and moisture erosion. When rainwater seeps through unsealed joints, it gradually washes away the fine base sand beneath the slabs, leaving hollow pockets that force heavy concrete to tilt and sink under its own weight. To solve this, Ryan designed a complete lifting and protection plan tailored to the site.
Foreman Justin Maddox Jr. and crew member Brantly executed the project with speed and precision. The crew began by drilling discrete, pea-sized holes directly through the sunken driveway panels. Using our high-density PolyLevel® geopolymer system, they injected high-strength polyurethane foam directly into the voids underneath. The expanding foam filled 100% of the subterranean gaps, compacted the surrounding loose soil, and gently lifted the heavy slabs back to a completely flush, level position—all without tearing up the surrounding lawn or landscaping.
To ensure the problem won't return, the crew prepped all control joints and surface cracks, sealing them with NexusPro® joint sealant. This advanced silicone formulation locks out surface water, preventing future soil washout while standing up against harsh UV rays and intense Midwest freeze-thaw cycles. In just a few hours, the driveway was restored, level, and fully ready for traffic, giving the Muscatine homeowner a safe entryway and long-term protection.