"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
Polyjacking and mudjacking can both be effective solutions for sinking concrete, but they have key differences. Polyjacking, which uses expanding polyurethane foam, is often considered a better option because the foam is significantly lighter than the cementitious material used for mudjacking. This reduced weight puts less pressure on the underlying soil and lowers the risk of future sinking. Polyjacking is suitable for any sinking concrete slab, while mudjacking is typically only recommended for non-structural concrete, such as sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and driveways. The primary drawback of polyjacking is its cost, which can be up to four times higher than mudjacking—as much as $25 per square foot compared to a maximum of about $6 per square foot for mudjacking.
The method involves lifting settled concrete using pressurized cement slurry via drilled holes. This solves uneven surfaces and prevents further settling.
The average cost for mudjacking is around $1,200, though prices can range from $300 to $3,400. On a per-square-foot basis, you can expect to pay between $3 and $8, with an average of about $5 per square foot. The final cost depends on several factors, including the square footage of the concrete, the type of slab, its accessibility, whether it is load-bearing, and the type of material used to lift it. Generally, lifting a driveway, small patio, or sidewalk is less expensive than lifting a slab foundation or garage floor.
Generally speaking, push piers—or steel piers—are the best option for underpinning, as they reach down to solid bedrock to find support for your foundation rather than relying on soil, which could be subject to the same issues as the soil directly below your foundation. However, the best underpinning method for your home depends on your location, how far down the bedrock is, and the type of soil in your area. Helical piers are usually the best option for sandy soil or in areas where the bedrock is too deep to use steel piers.
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.
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.
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