Lifting Driveway Pads and Sealing Open Joints
Uneven driveway pads can make everyday use a hassle. Raised edges create awkward transitions, while open joints allow water to reach the ground beneath the concrete.
This project in Brainerd, MN focused on driveway pad leveling and caulking. The goal was to improve the surface and help protect the spaces between the slabs.
Granite City Concrete Raising combined concrete lifting with joint caulking to address both concerns while keeping the existing driveway in place.
The Challenge
Driveway slabs need steady support underneath. When that support changes, individual pads can settle at different heights.
Uneven pads and open joints can create several concerns:
- Raised edges that catch a foot.
- Rough transitions between driveway sections.
- Water entering unsealed joints.
- Soil washing out beneath the slabs.
- Added stress along unsupported edges.
Caulking alone cannot raise a sunken pad. Lifting alone does not seal the gaps between slabs. This repair called for both services to address the surface and the open joints.
The Granite City Solution
Our driveway leveling service uses expanding polyurethane foam beneath the concrete to lift settled pads and improve their support.
Once the lifting was complete, the next step was concrete caulking. Sealing the prepared joints helps limit water entry while allowing for normal movement between concrete sections.
The repair focused on:
- Bringing settled pads into better alignment.
- Supporting the affected concrete from below.
- Reducing uneven transitions.
- Sealing joints against water and debris.
- Preserving the existing driveway.
Together, lifting and caulking address different parts of the same maintenance problem.
The Fix (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Prepare the Driveway
The affected pads and joints were checked before work began. Small injection holes provided access beneath the concrete.
Step 2: Lift and Support
Polyurethane foam was injected below the settled pads. As it expanded, it filled spaces beneath the concrete and carefully raised the affected sections.
Step 3: Patch and Caulk
After lifting, the injection holes were patched. The joints were cleaned and prepared for flexible concrete caulk to help reduce water entry.
The Results
The repair addressed the uneven pads and open joints together.
The improvements included:
- More even transitions between driveway pads.
- Reduced raised edges in the repaired area.
- Better support beneath the lifted sections.
- Caulked joints that help limit water entry.
- A neater finish between concrete sections.
The existing driveway remained in place. Caulking also added protection at the joints, where rain and melting snow can otherwise reach the supporting base.
Why Driveway Pads Settle in Brainerd, MN
Concrete can remain usable even when the ground beneath it shifts. In Brainerd, moisture changes and seasonal freezing and thawing can contribute to movement around driveway slabs. Fix Uneven Concrete
Common contributing factors include:
- Soil settling beneath the driveway.
- Water washing away supporting material.
- Poorly compacted fill.
- Seasonal ground movement.
- Open joints that allow water below the surface.
The right repair depends on the condition of the slabs and their underlying support. Lifting addresses settlement, while caulking helps protect vulnerable joints.
Driveway Leveling & Caulking in Brainerd, MN
Uneven driveway pads do not always mean the whole driveway needs replacement. When the concrete is suitable for lifting, leveling and joint caulking can help improve its use and protect the repaired area.
Granite City Concrete Raising helps local property owners explore repair options for sinking concrete and open joints.
Learn more about our concrete lifting services in Brainerd or call 320-204-6061 for a free estimate.
Fix Your Concrete Without the Cost of Replacement
If you’re dealing with uneven, sinking, or cracked concrete, don’t wait for it to get worse. We make it easy to fix the problem quickly without tearing anything out.
At Granite City Concrete Raising, we lift and level your existing concrete using polyurethane foam—saving you time, money, and hassle. Most projects are completed quickly, and your concrete is ready to use immediately.
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Proudly Serving St. Cloud & Surrounding Areas
Granite City Concrete Raising provides concrete lifting, leveling, and repair services across Central Minnesota. Based near St. Cloud, we work with homeowners and businesses throughout the region to fix uneven, sinking concrete quickly and cleanly.
Whether you’re dealing with a sunken driveway, uneven sidewalk, or settling garage floor, our team is ready to help—without the cost and hassle of full replacement.
We proudly serve:
- St. Cloud, MN
- Sauk Rapids, MN
- Sartell, MN
- Waite Park, MN
- Rice, MN
- Foley, MN
- Little Falls, MN
- Brainerd, MN
- Cold Spring, MN
- Richmond, MN
- Clearwater, MN
- Monticello, MN
- Elk River, MN
- Becker, MN
- Buffalo, MN
- St. Michael, MN
- Albertville, MN
- Princeton, MN
- Milaca, MN
- Annandale, MN
We also travel throughout surrounding counties including Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Morrison, Crow Wing, and Wright County.
Not sure if you’re in our service area? Just reach out. If it’s a larger project, we’re often able to travel even further.
