A sunken driveway is more than an eyesore — it traps water against your foundation, damages your vehicle’s suspension, and signals deeper soil issues. We lift driveways back to grade in a single day for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
When to Lift Your Driveway vs. Replace It
Most driveway settlement problems are surface-level — the slab itself is intact, but the soil underneath has compacted or eroded. In those cases, lifting is the right answer.
Lift if:
- The slab itself is in good condition (no major cracks running through it)
- Settlement is limited to one section (e.g., near the garage entrance)
- Total settlement is less than 4 inches
- The underlying problem is identifiable and solvable (compacted soil, poor drainage, freeze-thaw)
Replace if:
- The slab has multiple deep cracks across its surface
- The concrete is spalling or crumbling apart
- Settlement exceeds 6 inches
- The slab was poured on uncompacted fill in a way that will keep failing regardless
In Bondurant and NE Des Moines suburbs, lifting works for roughly 85% of the driveway settlement problems we see.
How Polyurethane Driveway Lifting Works
- Step 1: We drill 5/8-inch holes in the sunken slab in a pattern designed for the specific settlement.
- Step 2: We inject high-density polyurethane foam under the slab. The foam expands within 5 seconds, lifting the concrete back to its original level.
- Step 3: We patch the drill holes with color-matched cement.
- Step 4: You can drive on it in 15 minutes.
The whole process for a typical residential driveway takes 2–4 hours.
Driveway Leveling Cost in Bondurant
Pricing depends on the size of your driveway, how much settlement needs to be corrected, and access to the slab. Most jobs cost a fraction of full replacement.
Compare to:
- Concrete replacement: typically $5,000–$15,000 for a residential driveway, plus 1–2 weeks of demolition, curing, and disrupted access.
- Asphalt overlay: moderate cost up front, but only buys 5–10 years before the underlying issue resurfaces.
We provide free, on-site, no-obligation estimates with the exact cost for your specific job. Most homeowners decide to proceed because the math is obvious.
What Causes Driveway Settlement in Iowa
Iowa’s combination of expansive clay subgrade and 30+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter is uniquely hard on residential concrete. Common settlement triggers:
- Heavy rain events that erode soil from under slab edges
- Freeze-thaw expansion that creates voids beneath the slab
- Tree roots that withdraw moisture and cause soil shrinkage
- Poor compaction during the original installation
- Natural settlement of clay over 15–25 years
Polyurethane lifting addresses the underlying void without disturbing the slab itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get on my driveway after lifting?
15 minutes. The foam cures faster than concrete.
Will the holes be visible afterward?
Slightly — they’re 5/8-inch cement patches that we color-match. You’ll see them up close, but most homeowners stop noticing them after the first few months of weathering.
Does this work for steep driveways?
Yes — we level driveways with up to 15% grade.
Can you lift driveways that have cracks?
Small surface cracks aren’t a problem. We can also fill them after lifting if needed. For large structural cracks, we may recommend partial replacement of just that section.
Won’t it just sink again with freeze-thaw?
Polyurethane foam doesn’t expand or contract with temperature like soil does. Properly installed, the lift holds for 25+ years.
Do you provide a warranty?
Yes — 5 years against settlement caused by our installation. Most lifts hold far longer.