A curb and gutter system has two jobs. It carries stormwater to the drain, and it marks a clean edge where cars stop and people step up. When a section settles, it fails at both. Water sits in the low spot instead of running off. A lip opens between the gutter and the drive approach, or between the curb and the sidewalk, right where people walk.
Foamjection lifts settled curb, gutter and drive approach concrete with high-density polyurethane foam. Small holes are drilled, foam is injected underneath, and the section is raised back toward its original grade. The existing concrete stays in place, and traffic can usually return the same day.
A Curb and gutter sits at the low edge of the pavement, so it sees more water than anything around it. When that water gets into an open joint or runs along the back of the curb, it soaks and softens the soil underneath. Over time it carries fine soil away and leaves a void. FHWA notes that sealed joints help limit how much surface water gets into a pavement system (FHWA Joint Sealing Tech Brief). Once joints open up, that protection is gone.
Other common causes:
Gutters only work if they keep a steady slope to the drain. Texas DOT’s design manual, for example, says gutter slopes on curbed pavements should usually be at least 0.3 percent (TxDOT Hydraulic Design Manual). That’s a very shallow grade, so even a small amount of settlement can create a low spot that holds water.
In cold months, standing water freezes into an ice patch at the curb ramp. In warm months, EPA notes that many mosquito species need 7 to 10 days of calm, standing water to develop (EPA Office of Water). A gutter that never drains can give them that.
Lifting a settled gutter section back to grade restores the flow line so water moves to the inlet again.
FHWA’s guide to maintaining pedestrian facilities calls heaving and settled sidewalk panels a common cause of tripping hazards. It also points out that curb ramps sit low near gutters, where water and ice collect (FHWA Guide for Maintaining Pedestrian Facilities).
For sites covered by the 2010 ADA Standards, Section 303 allows a change in level of up to 1/4 inch to be vertical. Between 1/4 and 1/2 inch it has to be beveled, and anything over 1/2 inch has to be ramped (U.S. Access Board). In public streets, the U.S. Access Board published its final public right-of-way guidelines in August 2023. They stay voluntary until DOJ and DOT adopt them as standards (U.S. Access Board, PROWAG).
Foamjection isn’t an accessibility consultant, and your engineer or city staff make the compliance call. What lifting does is remove the lip by raising the low side, instead of grinding the high side down or patching a wedge over it.
Replacing a section means saw-cutting, breaking out and hauling the old concrete, forming, pouring, and keeping traffic off while it cures. Driveways behind a replaced approach can be blocked for days.
Lifting saves the existing concrete without demolition. The foam fills the void, raises the section, and supports it. Most areas are open again within hours.
Lifting works best when the concrete is still in good condition but has sunk or shifted. If the curb is badly cracked, crumbling, or needs a new drainage slope, replacement may be necessary. A site evaluation helps determine the best solution.
Usually, yes. Foam is injected under the curb and gutter section itself. Pavement that has settled next to it can be evaluated at the same visit.
If the gutter has settled, raising it back to grade often restores the flow. If the inlet itself is broken or the pipe is leaking, that has to be repaired as well.
Foam sets quickly. Most sections can carry traffic again the same day, depending on the load and site conditions.
Yes. Curb, gutter, approach and walk sections are often lifted in one visit. See walkway and sidewalk leveling and driveway repair.
Call 866-913-6519 or request a free estimate. Tell us where the property is and send a few photos of the settled sections, and Foamjection will connect you with a local concrete lifting professional. See the full service area.
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