McHenry Sidewalk Leveling
It doesn’t take much of a step between two panels to turn a sidewalk into a hazard for pedestrians and delivery carriers alike. In McHenry, IL, a city where a lot of homes sit close to the Fox River and the Chain O’Lakes, and both are common reasons we get called out to lift a walkway before someone catches a toe on it.
We lift and level the settled panels instead of replacing the whole run of sidewalk.
We lift and level the settled panels instead of replacing the whole run of sidewalk.
Why sidewalk panels settle in McHenry
Soil near the river and the lakes tends to hold more moisture and shift more with seasonal water levels than soil farther inland, which can make sidewalk panels near the water settle unevenly rather than in one clean spot.
How we choose foam or mudjacking
Foam is usually our first choice close to the water, since it’s lightweight and won’t add extra load to soil that may already be saturated. We’ll check your specific sidewalk before recommending it or mudjacking.
Raising the panel back to level
What to look for on a settling sidewalk
• A raised or sunken edge where two panels meet
• A panel that rocks or wobbles underfoot
• Standing water on the walkway after rain
• A visible gap between the sidewalk and the curb or driveway apron
• A wavy or uneven feel across more than one panel, not just a single dip
A quarter-inch offset might not seem like much, but it’s usually enough to catch a shoe, a bike tire, or a walker.
• A panel that rocks or wobbles underfoot
• Standing water on the walkway after rain
• A visible gap between the sidewalk and the curb or driveway apron
• A wavy or uneven feel across more than one panel, not just a single dip
A quarter-inch offset might not seem like much, but it’s usually enough to catch a shoe, a bike tire, or a walker.
Call today for a FREE Estimate!
A tripping hazard on your walkway is usually simpler to fix than it looks, so let’s have a look. The assessment is free and there’s no obligation attached to it.
We also lift and level sidewalks throughout the surrounding area, including Crystal Lake and Algonquin.
Call us at (815) 264-2200 or request a free estimate online. Acme Concrete Raising & Repair · 824 S Main Street, Ste 105, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
We also lift and level sidewalks throughout the surrounding area, including Crystal Lake and Algonquin.
Call us at (815) 264-2200 or request a free estimate online. Acme Concrete Raising & Repair · 824 S Main Street, Ste 105, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my home too close to the water for a sidewalk lift to work?
Not usually. We regularly lift sidewalk panels on riverfront and lakefront properties, and we just pay closer attention to soil moisture during the assessment.
Will rising water levels undo the repair?
The cured foam itself holds up fine. What we watch for is whether shifting groundwater could create new voids elsewhere under the walk over time.
Can you lift a sidewalk that runs along a slope toward the water?
Yes, that’s a fairly common layout here. We adjust the injection pattern to account for the slope.
Not usually. We regularly lift sidewalk panels on riverfront and lakefront properties, and we just pay closer attention to soil moisture during the assessment.
How is this different from a sidewalk repair on an inland property?
The method is the same. We just spend more time assessing soil moisture and drainage before deciding where to inject.