"Our project was to lift and balance a garage floor and long driveway using foam. Marc, Ben and Andrew showed up on time, did a thorough job, explaining the process every inch of the way. They did what was contracted for plus a bit. The cleanup was everything I could have asked for. We were told exactly what possible problems to watch for and what to do about them. A very good experience and a good warranty."
Concrete Mudjacking questions, answered by experts
Mudjacking typically takes 24 to 72 hours (one to three days) to dry and cure completely before you can resume normal use. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the project. Because the slurry mixture contains cement, it must fully harden to ensure that added weight from walking, furniture, or vehicles won't shift the concrete slab. A professional contractor can advise you on when the surface is safe to use. For comparison, if you use polyjacking instead, the polyurethane foam can dry in just a few minutes, but it's best to wait about an hour before use.
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.
Mudjacking is usually reserved for light-duty slabs, like patios, driveways, and sidewalks. However, it can be an effective way to lift garage slabs and concrete around the perimeter of the home, which could harm your foundation if it’s not done properly. The risk of damage is why having a professional mudjacking company carry out the work is important. This type of slab or foundation repair is relatively inexpensive, especially if you consider that a DIY job requires that you pay to rent the necessary equipment.
Yes, expanding foam (also known as polyurethane foam) can lift concrete. This approach, called polyjacking, involves injecting the foam rather than concrete slurry to fill voids and raise the concrete slab back into place. It’s often faster and requires smaller drill holes than traditional mudjacking, though it may come at a higher cost. Some contractors also prefer polyjacking over mudjacking for more damaged and delicate slabs.
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.
The Napoleon, ND 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.
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