Drives and aprons crack here because they sit on wet clay. We dig out the soft soil, build a compacted stone base and grade the surface so water runs to the alley.
Driveways and garage aprons in Chicago and the inner suburbs crack and sink because they sit on soft clay that holds water and heaves in winter. We break out the old concrete or asphalt, dig out soft soil, and build a compacted crushed stone base to the depth the paving contractor needs. The grade is set so water runs to the alley or the street, not into the garage.
Many Chicago garages open onto the alley, so the apron and the alley edge matter. Work in the alley or a new curb cut needs a city permit, and the city sets the materials and the details. In the suburbs, driveway aprons and curb cuts usually need a village permit as well. We set the apron height so it meets the alley pavement without a lip that catches water.
On larger suburban lots and commercial sites, we build gravel drives, parking areas and access roads on compacted stone, with drainage designed first. Where a drive crosses a roadside ditch in the outer suburbs, the road owner sets the culvert size and the permit. On parking lots, we grade to the catch basins shown on the plans and compact the stone in lifts. Soft spots found during proof rolling are dug out and replaced.
Driveways & roads in Chicago: common questions
Why did my garage apron or driveway sink?
Usually because the base under it was thin or the clay underneath stayed wet. A thicker stone base and better drainage help a new drive last.
Do I need a permit for a new garage apron?
Work in the alley, the parkway or a new curb cut usually needs a city or village permit.
Can you widen a driveway?
Usually, if the city or village approves it. The added strip gets the same dug-out subgrade and stone base as a new drive.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.