Mudjacking

What is concrete raising?

Concrete raising is also known as Mudjacking, Slabjacking, Pressure grouting, and PolyJacking. Mudjacking is the process of pumping material under a sunken slab of concrete to lift it. Other uses include joint stabilization or filling voids to support the weight of a concrete slab. On residential, commercial, and municipal levels, raising concrete is a cost-effective alternative to replacing concrete typically saving 30-50%. The best way to recycle concrete, mudjacking it, it will avoid the cost of demolition and removal.

Consequences of Ignoring Uneven Concrete

Safety Hazards

Children, seniors or visitors to your place could trip and fall.

Lower Property Appeal

Sunken or uneven concrete can make a negative first impression and discourage potential buyers. Fix it first and get more for your property.

Higher future costs

If left alone and not taken care of cracks and settled concrete can and will worsen over time, causing your concrete to become too far gone to be mudjacked. What could have been fixed affordably will now cost you more to have it torn out and replaced.

Structural Concerns

Sunken concrete that is leaning in towards your house foundation can cause water drainage issues that may impact your foundation.

How to choose the right concrete lifting method. Here’s a “side by side by side” comparison

Mudjacking vs Foam Jacking vs Tear Out and Replace

When comparing the three options to fix your settled concrete here are a couple of differences that will stand out.

Mudjacking - Traditional

Involves drilling slightly larger holes and using a cement-based material, which consists of blending Portland cement, sand and water. This “mud mixture” fills hidden voids, displaces water, and gently lifts the slab back into place. It offers strong environmental resistance, excellent structural support, and a lower overall cost.

Limitations: The only limitation is the slightly larger holes, which can be somewhat visible but always patched to blend into your concrete as best as possible.

Advantages: Cost effective, high strength material stabilizes the base soil, all natural, non-decaying material which allows the ground to breathe, and is a time – tested solution.

Foam (Poly) Jacking

Uses a two-part liquid material (engineered foam chemical), that combines during injection to create an expanding polyurethane foam. Poly (foam) can typically only raise concrete 2” – 4”. Anything more than that would require multiple lifts or other options. Poly is good for small lifts, but in our area, most require larger lifts that possibly have voids under them. Poly wouldn’t be a cost effect approach but the holes that they drill will be slightly smaller.

Ground squirrels love chewing at this to make their winter bedding.

Tear out and Replace

Tearing out and replacing your concrete can typically take 2-5 days. First the company will come out and tear out the concrete and haul it away. Then they form up the job, lay gravel as a base and then pour the concrete. After the concrete has cured, they will come back and tear out the forms. Then the new concrete can be used (walked on or parked on). Disruptive to your landscaping.

Before Mudjacking

After Mudjacking

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the holes be visible?

They may be somewhat visible, but we always patch the holes to blend into your concrete as best as possible.

Do you offer a warranty on your work?

YES, we offer a 2-year warranty. If for some reason your concrete resettles, we will come out at no expense to you and raise it up again. This warranty is only valid if the cause of the settlement has been correct. For example – downspouts are redirected to get water to flow away from this area.

What area do you service?

We service a 55-mile radius of the Quad Cities. If you don’t see your town listed on our list, please call the office to see if we service your area.

How high can you lift concrete?

We have lifted a garage out of the ground 12” – 14”. Whereas poly can typically only raise concrete only 2” – 4”. Anything more than that would require multiple lifts or other options. Poly is good for small lifts, but in our area, most require larger lifts with possible voids under them. Poly wouldn’t be a cost effect approach.