Concrete Mudjacking questions, answered by experts
There is no real alternative to underpinning, although mudjacking and polyjacking are other repair methods that can add support from underneath your foundation. Rather than placing supportive piers under your structure, these involve pumping a material under your slab to lift a sunken section back into its original position. Polyjacking, in particular, is sometimes a suitable solution for stabilization issues under slab foundations, but underpinning is often accepted as the best and most permanent solution.
The timeframe is generally a few hours, allowing for immediate use post-hydration, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding activities.
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.
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.
It’s best not to perform mudjacking in the winter unless the ground temperature remains above freezing. Freezing temperatures can cause the slurry to harden too quickly, compromising its strength and longevity. Concrete is also more susceptible to cracking and splitting in cold temperatures, so there’s a higher risk of damaging the slab during the drilling and lifting process in winter.
The Schurz, NV 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.