A sinking concrete driveway is more than an eyesore — it’s a functional problem that can lead to vehicle clearance issues, water pooling, and even safety hazards if left unaddressed. At PolyCo Spray Foam, we’ve helped countless homeowners right-size and restore concrete surfaces across the Baton Rouge area, eliminating dips and uneven edges with proven techniques that bring lasting stability and curb appeal. If you’re seeing dips or low spots in your concrete, it’s important to understand both what’s causing the issue and how a professional approach to concrete lifting in baton rouge can deliver a durable, cost-effective fix.
What Causes a Driveway to Sink
Your driveway doesn’t just sit on solid rock — it rests on soil, and that soil can shift for many reasons. One of the most common causes of sinking is soil erosion and compaction problems. Rainwater runoff, improper grading, or poor drainage can wash away or settle the soil beneath the slab, creating voids that allow sections of concrete to drop over time. If the driveway was poured over loosely compacted fill or soil that wasn’t properly prepared, the weight of vehicles and natural environmental changes can accelerate settlement and sinking.
Water is a particularly powerful force in this process. When water isn’t directed away from your driveway, it seeps into the ground and erodes supporting soil, leaving empty space under the slab that eventually leads to sagging or depression. This can be especially acute after heavy rains or in areas with poor drainage.
Other factors like tree roots, heavy loads, and long-term soil movement can also contribute to uneven concrete. No matter the cause, once the soil beneath your driveway is compromised, the concrete above it will follow.
Traditional vs. Modern Solutions
In the past, homeowners often faced two main choices: remove and replace the entire driveway, or attempt a basic fix like mudjacking. Mudjacking involves pumping a slurry of cement, sand, and water under the slab to raise it, but it tends to be messy and heavy. Over time, that material can settle or wash away again, leading to recurring problems and additional repairs.
Today, modern methods like polyurethane foam concrete lifting have changed how professionals repair sunken concrete. Polyurethane foam is injected beneath the slab through small access points and expands to fill voids while gently lifting and stabilizing the driveway. The material is lightweight, water-resistant, and cures quickly, allowing homeowners to use their driveway again in a matter of hours rather than days.
Why Choose Concrete Lifting with Polyurethane Foam
Choosing the right repair method is critical if you want long-term results. Concrete lifting in baton rouge using high-density polyurethane foam offers several clear advantages for homeowners:
The process is fast and efficient, meaning minimal disruption to your daily routine. The foam cures rapidly, reducing downtime and eliminating the long waiting periods associated with traditional concrete replacement. Because the material resists moisture, it helps prevent future erosion and supports the soil underneath the slab for lasting stability.
Polyurethane foam also allows for precise lifting. Technicians can carefully control how much material is injected and where it flows, ensuring the slab is leveled accurately without overcorrection. The process is clean and minimally invasive, leaving behind only small patched holes and a restored concrete surface.
Step-by-Step: How Driveway Lifting Works
When PolyCo Spray Foam repairs a sinking driveway, the process is straightforward and effective. First, the low areas of the driveway are carefully evaluated to determine the best lifting points. Small, dime-sized holes are then drilled into the sunken sections of concrete.
Next, the expanding polyurethane foam is injected beneath the slab. As it expands, it fills empty spaces, lifts the concrete, and stabilizes the soil below. Once the driveway reaches the proper level, the foam quickly hardens, and the access holes are patched. The result is a smooth, level driveway that’s ready for use with minimal downtime.
This method is ideal for driveways that are structurally sound but have settled unevenly, making it a practical alternative to full concrete replacement.
Conclusion
A sunken concrete driveway is a sign of underlying soil issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Left untreated, it can lead to worsening damage and safety concerns. The good news is that professional concrete lifting in baton rouge provides a reliable, efficient solution without the cost or disruption of replacing your entire driveway.
If your driveway is uneven or sinking, contact PolyCo Spray Foam today for a professional assessment. Our team is ready to help restore your concrete, improve your property’s appearance, and deliver long-lasting results you can trust.