If you’re a homeowner in Illinois and you’ve noticed an uneven driveway, sunken patio, or “speed-bump” sidewalk slab, you’re not alone. The region’s constant freeze-thaw cycles, shifting soils, and drainage challenges make concrete settling a common problem. Fortunately, proper concrete leveling can restore safety, appearance, and value to your property.
Here’s an in-depth look at hiring a good concrete leveling contractor in Illinois — what to look for, what methods are used, and how to ensure you make a smart choice.
Why Concrete Leveling Is Important in Illinois
- The soils across northern Illinois expand, contract, and shift due to frequent freeze and thaw cycles and moisture changes.
- Uneven slabs are safety hazards: tripping risks, water pooling, and accessibility issues.
- Repairing (rather than replacing) uneven concrete can save significant money and avoid the disruption of full slab removal.
What Methods Are Commonly Used by Contractors in Illinois
When you contact a contractor in Illinois, you’ll encounter two primary methods for raising or leveling concrete slabs:
1. Traditional slab jacking (mudjacking/slab jacking)
A cement-based slurry is pumped under the slab through holes to lift it. Some local contractors still offer this.
2. Polyurethane foam injection (modern concrete raising)
Small holes are drilled, and high-density foam is injected to lift and stabilize the slab. Many Illinois contractors emphasise this method due to speed, less mess, and durability.
When selecting a contractor, ask which method they propose and why — the soil conditions, slab type, drainage situation and load (driveway vs walkway) can affect which method is best.
Questions to Ask Any Concrete Leveling Contractor
Before you hire someone, it’s wise to ask questions to differentiate professionals from less reliable providers:
- Are you licensed and registered to do business in Illinois? Is your company incorporated (LLC/Inc)? You can verify via the Illinois Secretary of State site.
- What method will you use for the job (mudjacking vs polyurethane foam)? Why is it suited for my site?
- Do you offer references, photos or videos of similar jobs you completed locally?
- What kind of warranty do you provide on lifting/leveling work? Some Illinois companies offer a multi-year warranty.
- Will my driveway/patio be usable same day after repair? Some foam-based solutions allow rapid return to use.
- How will you handle site cleanup, drainage issues, and recommendations to avoid future settling (e.g., redirecting downspouts)?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
- What is the total cost estimate, and is there a clear explanation of what happens if further settlement occurs?
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Needs
Here are some tips tailored for Illinois homeowners:
- Local experience matters. A contractor who understands Chicagoland’s climate, soil, drainage issues, and local permitting will be more reliable. For example, one Illinois contractor emphasizes that freeze/thaw cycles routinely cause slab settlement in the area.
- Avoid “fly-by-night” companies. Do your homework: check online reviews, Better Business Bureau listings (there are many concrete leveling firms listed in Illinois)
- Compare multiple bids. Ask at least two or three contractors to inspect the site and provide detailed quotes.
- Understand the full scope. If settlement is caused by poor drainage, shifting soil, or tree‐root issues, the leveling is only part of the solution — you may also need drainage improvements, landscaping changes, and soil stabilization.
- Check for hidden costs. Some services may quote “lifting” but ignore waterproofing or controlling future erosion. Ask what they’ll do to prevent the same problem returning.
Typical Project Types & What to Expect
Some common concrete leveling scenarios in Illinois include:
- Driveways: Vehicle traffic and freeze/thaw cycles can cause edges to drop or slab segments to separate. Foam injection often enables same‐day use.
- Walkways & Sidewalks: Trip hazards often arise from even small drops. Many municipalities in Illinois have liability concerns with uneven sidewalks.
- Patios & Pool Decks: For outdoor surface slabs, proper drainage and leveling can extend the life and usability of the slab.
- Commercial & Municipal Projects: Some Illinois contractors handle larger slabs, warehouses, loading zones. One local firm notes they’ve completed “100,000+ jobs since 1974” using foam-based systems.
Cost, Timeline & What to Expect
- Most residential concrete lifts using foam in Illinois can be completed within hours, and the slab can often be used the same day.
- Foam injection tends to cost more upfront than old mudjacking but often delivers longer-lasting results and less mess.
- If multiple slabs need leveling, or if drainage correction is needed, the cost will be higher.
- A good contractor will provide a written estimate and timeline.
Avoiding Future Issues: Maintenance & Prevention
To help your slab remain stable after leveling:
- Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from slab edges — undermining of soil is a common cause of settlement.
- Avoid heavy loads parked in the same spot on older slabs, especially if soil support is weak.
- Inspect annual for small drops, cracks, or gaps and address them early — small issues can become big problems.
- Keep adjacent landscaping trimmed and roots managed to prevent root intrusion or soil disruption.
- If you notice uneven slabs forming again, contact your leveling contractor to inspect and possibly adjust.
Final Thoughts
For homeowners in Illinois facing uneven or sinking concrete, hiring a professional concrete leveling contractor is a smart strategy to restore safety, appearance, and value—without the full expense of replacing slabs. By choosing a reputable, experienced company, asking the right questions, and verifying methods and warranty, you can make sure you get a reliable solution suited to local soil and climate conditions.
Trusted Concrete Leveling Contractors in Illinois
Concrete Hero – Concrete Leveling & Coatings — Provides concrete leveling and coatings for the Chicago suburbs; specializes in polyurethane-foam methods.
Raise-Rite Concrete Lifting — Based in Carol Stream, IL; family-owned for over 50 years and uses polyurethane foam for concrete raising.
Acme Concrete Raising & Repair — Serves Chicago and northern Illinois using modern foam injection methods; offers free estimates
Contractor Evaluation Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate potential contractors and compare quotes:
- Ask for proof of licensing and insurance (liability + workers’ compensation).
- Confirm method of concrete leveling (mudjacking vs polyurethane foam) and the rationale for your specific application.
- Request before/after photos or references of similar projects in your region.
- Ask about warranty terms — length, what it covers, how claims are handled.
- Clarify cost estimate details: area/sq ft, materials, any site prep (drainage, voids), cleanup.
- Verify site readiness/use turnaround (e.g., how soon you can drive on it) and any disruption.
- Investigate how the contractor addresses underlying causes (soil, drainage, roots)—not just the slab itself.
- Check reviews on platforms like Angi, Yelp and Better Business Bureau.
- Ask about cleanup and restoration: landscape disturbance, hole patching, final appearance.
- Get everything in writing: scope, schedule, cost breakdown, warranty, method.
