Driveway Repair in Lee, IL

Challenge

In Lee, IL, a homeowner began noticing the the concrete slabs in his driveway were progressively losing their level alignment. This shift was primarily driven by the soil beneath the concrete compacting and eroding over time, which eventually caused the heavy concrete to sink. This settling process introduced several serious concerns, most notably the creation of hazardous "lips" at the joints that posed a major tripping risk for family and guests. 

Solution

To address the root cause of settling without the high cost and mess of a full driveway replacement, a two-step stabilization process was implemented. 

1. Lifting with polylevel
   • Instead of traditional "mudjacking" which uses a heavy grout mixture, our team used PolyLevel. 
     • The process: Small, pea-sized holes were drilled into the sunken slabs. A high-density polyurethane foam was injected into the void beneath the concrete. 
     • The result: The foam expanded instantly, creating the lifting pressure needed to level the slabs with precision. Because the foam is waterproof and lightweight, it won't wash away or add significant weight to the soil. 
2. Sealing with NexusPro
   • The process: Silicone-based sealant was applied to all joints.
   • The result: Unlike standard caulking that dried out and cracks, NexusPro stays flexible and is resistant to UV rays and extreme Illinois temperature swings. This creates a watertight barrier that prevents rain and snowmelt from getting under the slabs and restarting the settlement cycle. 

The driveway was fully restored within a matter of hours. By choosing PolyLevel and NexusPro, the homeowner avoided the 28-day cure time of new concrete and secured a long-term solution that protects the driveway from future soil erosion.