"Excellent service! Pro was nice, easy to work with, professional! Never would have known he was here, he cleaned the working area so well! I would definitely recommend Blackburn Basement!!"
"Great system radon was reduced to trace levels within hours of turning the system on. My only recommendation is to consider the location and potential noise level.. The fan is the equivalent of a dryer vent sound so having it near a location you frequently sit outside can be an issue.. but overall excellent job"
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.
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.
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.
Polyjacking can be a permanent solution to sunken concrete if you also address the underlying issue—like poor drainage—at the same time. The polyurethane material itself can last as long as or even outlast the concrete you’re lifting it with. Your sunken concrete issue will likely return if you don’t couple polyjacking with proper drainage to prevent future soil movement and sinking.
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 Presho, SD homeowners’ guide to concrete leveling services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Learn about concrete leveling and how it can fix uneven surfaces, from sunken sidewalks to uneven driveways, and boost your home’s safety and curb appeal.
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.