Your driveway and sidewalk aren’t just functional — they’re part of your home’s first impression. However, over time, concrete can settle, sink, or crack, particularly due to Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy seasonal rains. The result? Trip hazards, standing water, and even potential foundation issues.
Knowing when your concrete needs attention can save you from expensive replacements down the road. Here are the most common signs your driveway or sidewalk might need concrete leveling and what to do about it.
1. Uneven or Sunken Slabs
If parts of your driveway or sidewalk look like they’ve dropped lower than the rest, that’s a classic signal of soil settlement. You might notice your driveway slopes toward the garage, or one section of the sidewalk dips noticeably. This unevenness isn’t just unsightly — it can redirect water toward your foundation and create safety issues.
2. Cracks That Keep Widening
Small cracks aren’t unusual, but if they grow wider, multiply, or run from one slab to another, it’s a sign your concrete is shifting. Leveling the slab can stop the movement and keep those cracks from turning into expensive repairs.
3. Pooling or Standing Water
After rain, does water sit on your driveway instead of draining away? Or do puddles form in the middle of the sidewalk? This means the slab is no longer level. Standing water can worsen cracks, encourage mold growth, and create slippery surfaces in winter.
4. Trip Hazards
Raised edges where two slabs meet create a risk for tripping — not to mention a liability if someone falls. If you notice lips or sharp changes in height between sections, sidewalk leveling can quickly smooth them out.
5. Gaps Between Slabs or Along Edges
Raised edges where two slabs meet create a risk for tripping — not to mention a liability if someone falls. If you notice lips or sharp changes in height between sections, sidewalk leveling can quickly smooth them out.
6. Garage Door or Steps Out of Alignment
Sometimes, the first clue is in how your garage door operates — scraping along the concrete or leaving a gap when closed. Settling concrete can throw off alignment, making doors, steps, or adjacent surfaces uneven.
Why Concrete Leveling Is Smarter Than Replacement
Homeowners often think replacement is their only option. In most cases, modern concrete lifting techniques like polyurethane foam injection (polyjacking) or slab jacking can raise the sunken slab back into place at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Benefits include:
- Less disruption – most projects are completed in hours, not days
- Immediate use – driveways and sidewalks are ready the same day
- Cost savings – leveling is usually 50–70% less expensive than replacement
- Long-lasting results – polyurethane foam is water-resistant and won’t wash out
Check out our article on Concrete Lifting Vs. Replacement Here
Why Timing Matters
The longer you wait, the more the slab will sink and crack. Acting early:
- Prevents water from being directed toward your foundation
- Eliminates safety hazards before they cause injuries
- Stops further soil erosion under the slab
- Protects your home’s curb appeal and resale value
Concrete Leveling in Chicago & Suburbs
Perma-Seal has been serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for over 40 years. We specialize in driveway and sidewalk leveling, utilizing advanced polyurethane foam injection to quickly lift and stabilize concrete. Our experts will inspect your concrete, explain your options, and provide a free, no-obligation estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete leveling cost?
How long does concrete leveling take?
How long does it last?
When done properly with polyurethane foam injection, concrete leveling can last for decades because the foam is water-resistant and won’t break down over time.
Is concrete leveling messy?
Not at all. The process requires only small injection holes that are patched afterward, leaving minimal disruption to your landscaping or yard.
Do you service my area?
Perma-Seal proudly serves Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, Orland Park, and most surrounding suburbs. Contact us for a free inspection to see if we service your neighborhood. Check out our full service area here.
Schedule a Free Estimate for Concrete Raising In Chicago
If you’ve noticed sinking slabs, cracks, pooling water, or trip hazards, now is the time to act. Contact Perma-Seal today for a free inspection and see how quickly we can restore your driveway or sidewalk — saving you money and stress down the road.
Schedule your free estimate with Perma-Seal today. Call 800-421-7325 or click the button below to fill out our online contact form.
