Restoring Uneven Concrete at a Burien Home
A homeowner in Burien, Washington, had settled concrete along a walkway and the approach to the garage. As the slabs shifted, uneven transitions developed between sections, affecting both the walking path and the driveway entrance.
Settlement around a garage approach can create a noticeable bump or low spot where the driveway meets the garage floor. Uneven walkway slabs may also become trip hazards for residents, guests, and delivery workers.
Because the existing concrete remained in repairable condition, polyurethane concrete lifting offered a practical way to raise and support both areas without removing and replacing the slabs.
The Challenge
The walkway and garage approach had settled after losing consistent support from the soil and base material beneath the concrete.
The homeowner was dealing with:
- Settled walkway sections
- An uneven garage approach
- Height differences between adjoining slabs
- Potential trip hazards
- Rough transitions for vehicles
- Voids beneath the concrete
- Concern about continued settlement
The goal was to lift the affected sections and improve their alignment as much as the existing concrete conditions allowed.
It was also important to restore support beneath the slabs. Without addressing the empty spaces below the concrete, the affected areas could remain unstable even if the surface appeared level.
The Foamjection Solution
After evaluating the walkway and garage approach, the local Foamjection professional recommended polyurethane foam injection to raise and stabilize the settled concrete.
The repair focused on two connected areas:
Lifting the Walkway
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the settled walkway sections in controlled amounts. As the foam expanded, it filled hidden voids and carefully raised the concrete toward a more even position.
Improving the alignment between the walkway slabs helped create a smoother path and reduce uneven edges that could cause someone to trip.
Raising the Garage Approach
The settled concrete near the garage entrance was also lifted and supported. Adjusting the approach helped improve the transition between the driveway and garage floor, making the surface smoother for vehicles and foot traffic.
This targeted repair preserved the existing concrete while avoiding the cost, mess, and longer downtime associated with complete replacement.
The Fix: 3-Step Process
Step 1: Drill
Small access holes, approximately 5/8 inch in diameter, were strategically drilled through the affected walkway and garage approach slabs.
Step 2: Pump
High-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the concrete. As it expanded, the foam filled underground voids, restored support, and carefully raised the settled sections.
Step 3: Patch
After the lifting was completed, the injection holes were patched for a clean, durable finish. The work area was cleaned, and the repaired concrete was ready for normal use shortly afterward.
The Results
The completed project improved the alignment, support, and everyday function of the walkway and garage approach while keeping the existing slabs in place.
The repaired areas are now:
- More evenly aligned
- Better supported underneath
- Smoother between adjoining slabs
- Safer for walking
- Easier for vehicles to cross
- Less vulnerable to continued movement
- Improved in overall appearance
Most importantly, the lifting process addressed the unsupported spaces beneath the concrete while reducing the uneven transitions at the surface.
The homeowner received a focused repair without the expense and disruption of demolishing and replacing the walkway and garage approach.
Why Concrete Settles in Burien, WA
Concrete settlement often begins when the soil or base material beneath a slab shifts, compresses, or washes away. Several conditions around Burien can contribute to this problem:
- Poorly compacted fill soil
- Frequent rainfall and excess moisture
- Water entering along slab edges
- Erosion beneath the concrete
- Voids below the slabs
- Changing soil moisture levels
- Repeated vehicle weight near the garage
When the material beneath a walkway or driveway no longer provides consistent support, the heavy concrete can gradually sink into the empty space.
Polyurethane concrete lifting addresses the problem below the surface by filling voids, restoring support, and raising repairable slabs toward a better position.
Concrete Lifting in Burien, WA
An uneven walkway or sunken garage approach does not always need to be replaced. When the existing slabs are still structurally repairable, polyurethane foam lifting may provide a faster and less disruptive solution.
Learn more about concrete lifting in Burien, WA if your property has:
- Sunken walkway sections
- Uneven joints between slabs
- Trip hazards near the home
- A settled garage approach
- Rough driveway transitions
- Unsupported concrete
Foamjection connects homeowners with qualified local professionals who can evaluate settled concrete and recommend an appropriate repair. Request a free quote to find out whether your walkway and garage approach can be lifted and supported instead of replaced.
