"On July 1st (2021), Mel and Stephan from Innovative Basement Authority dug a 30'x18" trench by hand to bury our sump pump discharge pipe. They installed a freeze valve, 30' of 5" PVC, and a discharge grate, exactly where we asked to place it. They had to dig right next to the garage foundation, so this was no easy feat. They also made short work of removing a 4'x4' concrete pad for us. The guys were very courteous, punctual, and seriously hard-working. They did an exceptional job, and in just half a day, I was able to check 1 more item off my honey-do list! We are hoping to hire Innovative Basement Authority for some garage floor concrete work in the near future. Thanks IBA! Brian & Terri MacDonald"
Concrete Mudjacking questions, answered by experts
Mudjacking is suitable for sidewalks, driveways, patios, and nearly all exterior flat structures. However, it may not suit severely damaged or heavily cracked areas.
The polyurethane used for polyjacking will expand and cure in 15 to 30 minutes. After that point, your slab will be safe to walk on and even drive on in the case of a sidewalk or concrete driveway. Double-check with your concrete lifting specialist to confirm a curing timeline, as products can differ.
Mudjacking is your best bet for leveling concrete on a tighter budget. It’s less expensive than foam or grout mixture. For smaller, surface-level issues, you could also use a self-leveling compound, which creates an even surface over existing concrete—it’s a budget-friendly option suitable for DIY enthusiasts.
Mudjacking can be an expensive foundation repair process, but in many cases, it’s well worth the investment. This is especially true if you’re lifting a portion of sunken foundation slab back into place. In that case, mudjacking can help avoid major structural damage and even home collapse by restoring the integrity of your structure with minimally invasive procedures. Mudjacking a concrete patio, walkway, or sidewalk can be worthwhile because it removes tripping hazards and makes your outdoor area more aesthetically appealing.
Mudjacking typically takes 24 to 72 hours (one to three days) to dry and cure completely before you can resume normal use. The total drying time can vary depending on the size of the project. Because the slurry mixture contains cement, it needs to harden fully to prevent the concrete slab from shifting under added weight. You should avoid walking on the concrete or placing heavy items like furniture or vehicles on the surface until it has fully set. Your concrete contractor can provide a precise timeline. As a point of comparison, if you opt for polyjacking, the polyurethane foam can dry in minutes, but it's recommended to wait about an hour before use.
The Littlefork, MN homeowners’ guide to concrete mudjacking services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
DIY mudjacking is an advanced task, but learning how to raise a concrete slab is great to know for many scenarios. Let's take a look at how to DIY mudjack.
Sunken concrete can be a structural issue, but a professional can easily repair it. Ask these concrete injection leveling and mudjacking questions before you hire.