Mudjacking Concrete Leveling

Depending on the scope and scale of your concrete repair needs, mudjacking can often be the right repair method, offering a quick turnaround. Most residential concrete repairs using this technique are completed within the same day, with quite a few projects being finished in just a matter of hours. It's a testament to mudjacking's efficiency that it's frequently chosen for time-sensitive repairs.

Mudjacking typically averages one-third to half the cost of concrete replacement. For instance, if the concrete full replacement cost of a patio is $6000, mudjacking will typically average between $2000 and 3000 dollars, presenting a cost-effective alternative. However, be mindful of the disadvantages of mudjacking, such as potentially shorter warranty periods compared to other options like polyurethane foam injections.

This difference in warranty duration can impact the long-term value and should be considered when choosing. In scenarios such as stamped concrete pool decks or areas with difficult access, the cost savings can be even more significant due to the less invasive nature of the process. Additionally, ensuring the contractor offers a warranty on their work can provide peace of mind and protection against future issues.

In rare cases, such as with a small sidewalk slab, equipment mobilization costs may offset savings over concrete replacement. It's important to factor in these potential disadvantages when evaluating the overall affordability and suitability of mudjacking for your specific project.

Concrete raising with mudjacking requires a small pump to access the work area. In contrast, concrete replacement requires machines or trucks. The pump used for mudjacking can easily fit through a regular pool entry gate. The pump can fit through a regular pool entry gate. The process avoids the damage associated with concrete replacement.

While concrete raising does require drilling small, strategically placed injection holes through your slab surface, these are only about 1-2 inches in diameter and much less disturbing to the appearance of your concrete than replacing one section to remove a tripping hazard.

Most replacement leaves an unsightly result with major differences in slab color. Once lifted, these holes are carefully filled with a caulk that matches the existing concrete, maintaining a seamless look. Less disruption to your slab surface appearance and cost savings make mudjacking a much better alternative.

While mudjacking is a valuable process with numerous benefits, such as being a cost-effective method for leveling settled concrete, there are instances where it might not be the optimal repair solution for sunken concrete. Concrete that is badly cracked or fragmented presents a significant challenge.

If there are minor cracks, the concrete may retain structural integrity and be suitable for slab jacking. However, concrete broken into several pieces may not be a viable candidate for this process, potentially compromising the longevity of the repair.

Once concrete begins to disintegrate, it gets progressively worse and has a diminished service life. Patching these areas with traditional methods often provides only a temporary fix. However, utilizing advanced techniques such as limestone grout can enhance longevity and stability for a much longer-term solution.

It is common to receive calls to use concrete lifting as an approach to raise concrete to prevent water from standing on the surface. However, the issue is with standing ground water.

Water causes soil erosion and failure of the subsoils on which your concrete has been placed. If the drainage issue is not corrected, concrete problems will recur. Also, in a climate with frost, water causes ground expansion in low temperatures, which can cause slabs to heave or crack, further damaging the concrete.

It is extremely important to have a proper concrete assessment from a qualified, experienced, tradesmen to spend your money sensibly on the correct repair the first time!