Slab Jacking in Illinois for Sunken & Uneven Concrete
Slab jacking is a concrete lifting method used to raise and support sunken or uneven concrete by filling unsupported areas beneath the slab. Scritchlow provides slab jacking for driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, walkways, and other concrete surfaces throughout Central and Northern Illinois.
A site evaluation can help determine why the concrete settled and whether slab jacking is the right repair option.
What Is Slab Jacking?
Slab jacking is a method of lifting settled concrete by placing material beneath the slab to fill voids, restore support, and carefully raise the concrete toward its proper elevation.
The process can be used when the existing concrete is still in suitable condition and full removal and replacement may not be necessary.
Scritchlow evaluates the condition of the concrete, amount of settlement, soil and drainage conditions, and access around the slab before recommending a repair approach.
Slab jacking may be used for:
- Sunken driveways
- Uneven sidewalks and walkways
- Settled patios
- Garage floors
- Concrete steps and stoops
- Commercial concrete slabs
Why Does Concrete Settle?
Concrete can settle when the soil beneath a slab loses support. Common causes include poor soil compaction, erosion, water movement, drainage problems, washout, and voids beneath the concrete.
Seasonal soil movement and changing moisture conditions in Illinois can also contribute to settlement. Identifying the cause helps determine whether slab jacking is an appropriate repair.
When Is Slab Jacking Not the Right Solution?
Slab jacking works best when the existing concrete is still structurally suitable for lifting. Concrete that is severely cracked, crumbling, extensively deteriorated, or otherwise damaged may be a better candidate for replacement.
Drainage problems, erosion, or continuing soil movement may also need to be addressed so the cause of the settlement is not ignored.
Is My Concrete a Good Candidate for Slab Jacking?
Uneven or sunken concrete does not automatically need to be replaced. A professional evaluation can determine the condition of the slab, amount of settlement, underlying voids, drainage conditions, and accessibility around the concrete.
Scritchlow evaluates driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, walkways, steps, and commercial slabs throughout Central and Northern Illinois to determine whether slab jacking is the right repair option.
When Can Slab Jacking Be Done?
Slab jacking can be performed during much of the year when ground, weather, and site conditions are suitable for the work.
The condition of the concrete, surrounding soil, drainage, access to the slab, and amount of settlement all affect whether a project can be completed safely and effectively.
During colder months, frozen ground or severe weather may limit when slab jacking can be performed. A site evaluation helps determine whether current conditions are appropriate for your project.
- Suitable for many residential and commercial concrete slabs
- Soil and site conditions are evaluated before work begins
- Frozen ground or severe weather may delay some projects
- Scheduling depends on accessibility and project conditions
Why Choose Scritchlow for Slab Jacking?
Slab Jacking FAQs
Get answers to common questions about slab jacking, sunken concrete, repair suitability, the lifting process, and when replacement may be necessary.