Beachside Path Leveling & Protection
Challenge
Homeowners in Wasaga Beach often face a unique set of issues due to the local geography: sandy, highly-draining soil that is prone to washouts. For this property, the front walkway had experienced significant settlement over time. The sandy sub-base shifted and eroded, causing the concrete slabs to sink unevenly. This resulted in jagged vertical offsets between sections, creating multiple trip hazards at the main entrance.
As the slabs settled, wide gaps formed along the walkway’s edges. These gaps collected runoff from seasonal rains and snowmelt from Lake Huron, channeling water directly into the unstable sub-base. Each rainfall exacerbated the problem, washing away more soil, increasing the risk of further sinking, and putting the concrete at risk of cracking beyond repair. This ongoing cycle presented both a safety concern and a structural threat to the property.
Solution
estoring this walkway required a two-part strategy: to level the path and protect it against Wasaga Beach’s unique climate. First, our team employed a precision hydraulic lifting technique to raise the sunken slabs. Each lift was carefully monitored to ensure smooth, flush transitions—from the driveway to the walkway and up to the front porch. This immediately eliminated trip hazards and restored proper pitch, allowing water to shed off the sides rather than pooling in the center.
Once the walkway was level, we treated every seam with our Premium Crack and Joint Sealant. In a sandy, shifting environment, this sealant provides a crucial flexible, watertight barrier. By sealing both the joints between the slabs and the edges along the brickwork, we prevented water from reaching the sub-base, stopping the cycle of erosion and locking the slabs securely in their newly leveled position.