South Milwaukee Concrete Leveling FAQ
Do I need a permit to fix a sidewalk in South Milwaukee?
To replace public sidewalk, yes. The city requires a permit, and the Engineering Department inspects the work. Ask the city whether lifting a sunken slab back into line needs the same permit before work starts, and we will plan around their answer.
Where should my sump pump discharge?
City code does not allow storm or rain water to be discharged so it creates a hazard on the public right of way, and on land platted after July 30, 1984 sump lines must connect directly to the storm sewer. Keep discharge away from your driveway and walks too, because it can wash out the soil under them.
Why does concrete settle so much here?
Soils near the lake are mostly silt and clayey glacial till that drain slowly. Add a century of freeze and thaw, downspouts that empty beside a slab and settling backfill around older foundations, and slabs sink.
Can you lift steps that pulled away from the house?
Yes, if the steps are solid. We lift them back toward the foundation and fill the void underneath so they stop tipping. If the steps are crumbling, we will tell you when replacement makes more sense.
Is foam lifting or mudjacking better for my concrete?
Both raise concrete by pumping material underneath it. Polyurethane foam is light, needs smaller holes and cures in minutes, so it suits most driveways, walks and garage floors on clay soil. Traditional mudjacking still makes sense on some larger slabs. We look at the slab and the soil and tell you which one we would use and why.
How soon can I use the slab after it is lifted?
With foam, you can usually walk on it right away and drive on it the same day. Mudjacking takes a little longer to set. We tell you exactly when it is ready before we leave.
Do you serve the area around South Milwaukee?
Yes. We work in Cudahy, Oak Creek, St. Francis and Franklin, plus the rest of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington and Sheboygan Counties.
