5 Questions to Ask About Concrete Injection Leveling and Mudjacking

Over time, concrete surfaces can settle and sink thanks to soil erosion, tree root expansion, or freeze/thaw cycles. The best way to address the issue is through concrete injection leveling or mudjacking. Before you hire a pro for this job, consider these essential questions.

1. What is the best concrete leveling method for my surface?

Concrete injection leveling, or mudjacking, is when a pro drills an injection hole in the affected concrete area and pumps concrete slurry into the holes to lift the slab. Other leveling methods include sandjacking (where sand is injected instead of concrete slurry) and polyjacking (where the pro injects expanding polyurethane foam under the concrete). Mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot, sandjacking costs $3 to $8 per square foot, and polyjacking costs $5 to $25 per square foot. Mudjacking is best for repairing concrete driveways, pool decks, and patios. Sandjacking is better suited for smaller areas like sidewalks and walkways, and polyjacking is the best option for foundation slabs.

2. What best describes the damage to your concrete?

The type and extent of the damage will affect the repair price. Concrete leveling costs $660 to $1,870, with most homeowners paying an average of $1,230. A concrete repair professional will assess the damage to your concrete and advise you on the best repair method, but it can help to give them an idea of the damage before requesting a quote.

3. What is the location of the concrete leveling project?

The type and location of the concrete surface that needs leveling will affect the project's cost. Smaller areas, like concrete steps, a sidewalk, or a pool deck, generally cost less to level, while garage floors, driveways, and foundations cost a lot more. For example, leveling a concrete sidewalk costs $300 to $1,800, while leveling a concrete patio can cost up to $3,200. Foundation leveling is the most expensive, with an average cost range of $4,500 to $37,500, depending on the foundation size and the extent of the damage.

4. When do you need the work done?

Ideally, you’ll complete your concrete leveling project in the spring, when the ground has thawed from the colder winter weather and the air temperature is stable and mild. Cold weather increases the curing time for concrete, while hot weather can prevent the concrete injected below the sinking surface from expanding fully. If you need the job done outside that time frame, ask a concrete mudjacking pro near you for advice on handling it properly.

5. What type of climate do you live in?

Because temperature affects the ability of concrete to cure, you’ll need to consider the type of climate you live in. If you live in a warm or humid region, it might be best to complete your concrete injection leveling project during the winter. But if you live where winters last longer, you might need to push your project back to late spring or early summer.