Category Archives: Blog

concrete lifting Salt Lake City, Utah

How Much Time Does Concrete Lifting Take to Complete?

Call on a professional, and you won’t have to set aside much time for concrete lifting at your Salt Lake City home or business. Compared to a slab tear-out and replacement project, the process is significantly faster. That can take a couple of weeks, and a newly poured slab can’t be used for at least a month.

In contrast, apart from the initial consultation, the average concrete lifting project takes just an hour or two to complete. And when the job is done, there’s no need to wait a long time before using the slab. For more details on the time frame for this type of concrete repair, read on.

Consulting with a Local Concrete Lifting Contractor

Many professional concrete repair contractors that serve the Salt Lake City area – including the team at Lift-Up Concrete – offer free, no-obligation consultations and project estimates.

Consultations take place on-site, as contractors must assess the condition of the slab before suggesting a repair approach. And while concrete lifting is an affordable and effective solution for most cracked, sunken and settled slabs, it’s not the right remedy for crumbling or badly damaged concrete.

The day of your consultation, count on your professional contractor to inspect the slab in question, make a recommendation on concrete repair and provide an estimate for the project. In all, this shouldn’t take more than five or ten minutes.

What to Expect When You Schedule Concrete Lifting

When you decide to go ahead with concrete lifting, you’ll call your professional contractor of choice and arrange to have the repair completed at a convenient time.

Before the work crew arrives at your Salt Lake City home or business, you’ll need to get everything ready. Fortunately, that won’t take long – clearing the slab, making sure the area is easily accessible and confirming that the truck can park on the driveway or street nearby is all it takes to prepare for the project.

Once the concrete repair begins, the scope of the work to be done will determine the amount of time it takes. But as a general rule, experienced professionals can complete most jobs in one or two hours.

When Can the Concrete Slab Be Safely Used Again?

Anyone can safely walk on the slab as soon as the work crew is finished or even during the concrete repair, should the need arise. Doing so won’t have any effect on the project results.

However, if the slab is expected to support heavy weight – which would be the case with a driveway or parking lot, for instance – there is a waiting period. But it’s only a few hours or, at the longest, overnight. With a tear-out and replacement, the wait is much longer.

Lift-Up Concrete, a leading northern Utah concrete repair contractor, offers complimentary consultations to homeowners and businesses in the greater Salt Lake City area. To discuss your concrete lifting project with a friendly and knowledgeable professional, contact us today.

concrete repair Ogden, Utah

How Concrete Repair Contractors Find Voids Under Concrete

When faced with cracked or sunken slab, concrete repair contractors in Ogden, Utah, solve the problem by conquering the subsurface voids. These pockets of air in the soil can form as a result of moisture infiltration, erosion and a host of other factors, but in any case, the spaces must be eliminated. By doing that, filling the voids with a special cement slurry mixture, professional contractors are able to raise and stabilize the concrete.

The question is, how do concrete repair contractors find subsurface voids? Empty spaces under concrete obviously aren’t visible – otherwise, Ogden homeowners and business owners would likely address the issue before a slab sinks or develops cracks. So, what approach do professionals take to determine where the voids are located?

When it comes to concrete repair, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the key player. Below, the Lift-Up Concrete team explains how the technology works.

Using Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground penetrating radar is an efficient, non-invasive method for identifying subsurface features. Commonly used in construction, engineering, archeology and various other scientific and commercial applications, GPR is also an extremely useful tool for concrete repair contractors. The advanced imaging technique captures detailed information regarding what’s under the slab, and it clearly shows the location of and dimension of any subsurface voids.

So, how does GPR work? Essentially, the technology is like an X-ray scanner that can penetrate concrete. The equipment itself is similar in size to a small lawn mower, and concrete repair experts can typically complete a GPR scan in less than an hour.

To do so, the equipment, which is similar in size to a small lawn mower, is slowly and carefully driven across the entire repair area. As it moves along, radio pulses are sent through the concrete and into the soil below. When a void or any other anomaly is detected, a signal is sent to the receiver. By sizing up the reflected signals, concrete repair contractors can determine exactly where the pockets of air under a slab are located.

Interpreting the GPR Scan Data

While ground penetrating radar produces highly accurate results, it takes expertise to understand GPR scan data. Not every signal indicates an air pocket – some point to underground pipes, utilities, storage tanks and other subsurface structures. And, the data comes in the form of a wavy line map, not as actual pictures of what lies underground. How, then, do concrete repair professionals pinpoint the position and proportion of the soil voids?

When GPR signals are sent through different materials, their conductive and dielectric properties create distortions. By analyzing these irregularities, experts can identify subsurface voids, along with rocks and items made of wood, metal and PVC.

Most professional concrete repair contractors, including Lift-Up Concrete, have the training and skill to conduct GPR scans and interpret the results. This knowledge is essential in this line of work, as the soil voids under a cracked or sunken slab must be filled to restore the integrity and stability of the concrete. However, for anyone without expertise, the variables at play can make GPR data quite difficult to understand.

Taking Steps to Abolish Soil Voids

After determining the precise location of the air pockets under a slab, concrete repair professionals take the necessary steps to fill them. As we’ve mentioned, eliminating the subsurface voids is the key to raising and stabilizing cracked, settled or sunken concrete. So how is this accomplished?

First, using a high-powered concrete drill, a few small holes – each about two inches in diameter – are bored through the surface of the affected slab. Next, professional contractors use a hydraulic pump to send a specialized slurry mixture into the soil voids. Once the air pockets have been filled, concrete repair experts use the resulting pressure to guide the slab into the proper position.

When the surface is level, the concrete is stable. At this point, the only task left is to caulk and seal the holes and cracks in order to prevent water infiltration. Some Ogden homeowners and business owners handle this themselves, but in many cases, professional contractors include this step in concrete repair estimates.

Does Filling Soil Voids Provide a Permanent Fix?

The cement slurry mixture that concrete repair contractors use to fill subsurface voids is incredibly strong, and most restored slabs remain stable for at least a decade. But as much as we’d love to say that the results last forever, that isn’t the case.

Many parts of Ogden, Utah, have poor soil conditions. Burrowing animals are a common problem, too, and other issues – like improper land grading, poorly placed gutter downspouts and tree root growth – can affect the integrity of concrete structures. And, of course, heavy rainfall, floods and serious plumbing leaks can drive a great deal of moisture into the soil. For all of these reasons, it’s likely that new air pockets will form in the future. Even so, a repeat concrete repair project won’t be necessary for quite some time.

Do you have a cracked or sunken concrete slab at your home or business property? If you’re in Ogden or the surrounding Utah area, the professional team at Lift-Up Concrete can provide you with an expert repair at a reasonable price. For a free, no-obligation concrete repair consultation and estimate, contact us today.

concrete repair Utah

Comparing Estimates for Concrete Repair in Utah

Before choosing a concrete repair contractor for a project at your northern Utah home or business, it’s a good idea to schedule consultations with at least a few local professionals. Do that, and you’ll get the information you need to move forward.

But let’s say you’ve already taken this step. When you’re ready to get the work done, how do you decide which contractor to hire?

As you compare concrete repair estimates, cost is certainly an important factor. However, to find the right professional to take on your project, you’d be wise to consider the following.

Professional Expertise

The concrete repair contractors you’ve consulted may all have solid credentials, but how much experience has each one had with projects that are like yours in size and scope? A history of handling similar work helps ensure top-quality results, so you’ll want to make sure the professional you choose isn’t a newcomer to the field.

Services Included

As you review your concrete repair estimates, make sure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison. Some professionals might include concrete sealing in the total price, while others might charge an extra fee for certain services. To accurately compare the costs of hiring each contractor, you need to look at the services included.

Contractor Conduct

Give thought to how each concrete repair consultation went. Did the contractors take time to explain how they’d handle the work at your Utah home or business? Were they willing to answer your questions? Trust your intuition – choose a professional who is friendly and knowledgeable, and you can expect to form a good working relationship.

Satisfaction Guarantee

With the right concrete repair contractor, the work should be carried out to your satisfaction. But what if there’s a problem? Some Utah companies – like Lift-Up Concrete – stand behind their work, offering a full satisfaction guarantee. Others don’t, which means any issue you face might only be resolved if you pay for a repeat repair.

Lift- Up Concrete is Here to Meet Your Needs

When you’re in need of an experienced and well-qualified contractor to repair the concrete at your Utah home or business, the professional team at Lift-Up Concrete is ready to step in and get the job done. With us, you can count on exceptional workmanship, outstanding customer service and affordable pricing. But you don’t have to take stock in our words alone – we’d be happy to provide you with references from recent local projects.

For details on the services we offer at Lift-Up Concrete, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and cost estimate for concrete repair in northern Utah, contact us today.

concrete lifting Ogden, Utah

Is DIY Concrete Lifting an Option for Homeowners in Ogden, Utah?

Are you planning on taking the do-it-yourself approach to concrete lifting? In Ogden, Utah, other homeowners have given it a go, and we have no doubt that most regret making that decision.

Sure, you could be the exception to the rule, but whether you’re dealing with a damaged driveway, settled patio or uneven walkway, you’ll likely be better off if you leave the concrete repair work to a professional contractor. Read the following, and you’ll understand why.

Concrete Lifting Isn’t the Right Solution for Every Situation

Concrete lifting, or mudjacking, is a proven, cost-effective repair method – it’s been in use since the 1930’s, and professional contractors rely on the technique because it produces exceptional results. That said, it’s not the right remedy for every cracked or settled slab.

For concrete with dormant surface cracks, applying an epoxy mortar to mend the gaps might be all that’s needed. This type of cracking doesn’t pose a threat to a slab’s stability, so concrete lifting wouldn’t really be appropriate.

In addition, mudjacking isn’t the solution for structural foundation cracks. Helical piering, which involves the use of steel posts driven into the soil, is typically a more appropriate repair method for cracking that affects a home’s structural integrity.

Furthermore, and this may go without saying, but concrete lifting can’t fix a badly crumbled slab or one that has extensive cracking. When faced with this situation, the only route to take is to plan a tear-out and replacement project.

So, while you may think that mudjacking is the way to go, only a professional contractor can tell for sure if it’s the right approach for your damaged slab.

Concrete Lifting Isn’t as Easy as It Appears in Online Videos

Any homeowner in Ogden, Utah, could opt to pick the brain of a professional contractor, as most – including the team here at Lift-Up Concrete – offer free, no-obligation consultations. And we have to say, meeting with an expert can be a good way to learn if mudjacking is the best approach.

However, knowing that concrete lifting is the right choice isn’t enough. To get the job done properly requires knowledge of Utah’s unique soil conditions as well as an understanding of how to find voids in the soil under a concrete slab. Plus, of course, there’s the whole concrete lifting process – knowing how many holes to drill, where the holes should be and how much of the mudjacking slurry to pump through is essential for the repair to be effective.

Online videos and concrete lifting how-to guides make all of this seem extremely simple. In actuality, mudjacking isn’t an easy skill to master.

Professional training and a good deal of hands-on experience are essential for a project to go as planned – and no amount of online research can put an individual on the same level. At best, taking the DIY route to concrete repair might provide a temporary fix. And any way it goes, DIY concrete lifting almost never produces first-rate results. For that, you need to rely on a professional contractor.

Concrete Lifting Requires Specialized Tools and Equipment

Mudjacking isn’t a repair that can be done with ordinary household tools. Professional contractors use special equipment, including a high-power concrete drill and a hydraulic pump, and they use a proprietary cement-based slurry to fill voids in the soil under a damaged or settled slab.

Obviously, these aren’t items the average homeowner has, and attempting concrete repair with the wrong tools can create additional damage – or, worse, the slab could be left with a weak point, one that can’t be resolved without calling in a professional.

What’s more, because Utah law requires a license to perform concrete repair work, most areas don’t have mudjacking equipment available for the general public to rent. Purchasing it is an option, but the specialized tools and slurry mixture could add up to more than $10,000 – and anyone fortunate enough to complete the repair properly might not need to use any of it ever again.

How DIY Concrete Lifting Can Cost You

Whatever the issue at your Ogden home – whether it’s a cracked sidewalk, sagging porch steps, a damaged pool deck or some other settled slab – you want an effective solution. But, you also want the concrete to look good when the work is done. To make sure you don’t end up with an eyesore on your property, you need to hire a professional contractor.

Attempt concrete lifting on your own, and people who visit your property – which might include potential buyers, if you decide to sell at some point – will probably be able to tell that you took the DIY approach. And in all likelihood, no one will be impressed.

Also, without the expertise of a professional contractor, the results of mudjacking aren’t optimal. Do the concrete lifting work yourself, and your damaged slab may very well lack the structural integrity it needs for long-term stability. As such, you might need a repeat repair sooner than you’d like.

Don’t jeopardize the integrity of your concrete by taking the do-it-yourself approach to mudjacking. In Ogden, Utah, Lift-Up Concrete offers expert concrete repair services at an affordable price – for a free, no-obligation concrete lifting consultation, contact us today.

concrete leveling Salt Lake City, Utah

Signs You Need to Call a Salt Lake City Concrete Leveling Expert

Concrete is an incredibly durable material, and if your walkways, driveway, patio, porch steps and other slabs are in good shape, you might not need to call a Salt Lake City concrete leveling expert right now.

Still, nothing lasts forever. As time marches on, slabs can become problematic – and left unaddressed, the issues only get worse. To preserve the curb appeal of your northern Utah property and make sure every slab is safe, contact a local concrete leveling company if you notice any of the following signs.

Concrete Cracks

Cracking in a concrete slab is often a warning sign of structural instability in the underlying soil.

Repair is essential, as cracks allow for water penetration. With more moisture seeping down into the soil, the affected slab becomes less stable. As temperature extremes cause the earth to expand and contract, voids or air pockets are created and the concrete starts to settle. Not taking action results in the issue getting worse – and with that, the cost of professional concrete leveling is higher.

Sunken Concrete

A slab that lacks sufficient soil support will sink – and any surface that isn’t level can be hazardous.

Walking on a sunken or settled slab increases the chance of a fall. If you know about the problem and someone visiting your Salt Lake City property happens to fall and suffer an injury, you might be held liable for any resulting medical costs, lost wages and other damages. To avoid this outcome, it’s best to schedule concrete leveling as soon as you notice a slab is sinking.

Pooling Water

Rain and melting snow should drain off of the slabs on your property – and if that’s not happening, you have a problem.

Standing water compromises the surface of a slab, causing it to wear down more quickly. Leave the issue unaddressed for too long, and along with pools, you’ll be seeing cracks. As we mentioned above, cracking can created soil instabilities, making the whole situation worse. On that account, if you notice any pooling water, calling a concrete leveling expert immediately would be wise.

Schedule a Free Concrete Leveling Consultation

Do you have cracked or settled concrete on your residential or commercial property? Or have you noticed a puddle on one of your slabs? For expert advice in the Salt Lake City area, turn to the team at Lift-Up Concrete.

As a long-time northern Utah industry leader, we’re known for fixing concrete for an affordable price. We also have a reputation for stellar workmanship, and we offer a warranty on all of your services. For more information, or to arrange for a free, no-obligation concrete leveling consultation, contact our Salt Lake City office today.

concrete repair Utah

Concrete Repair Questions: How Much Does Mudjacking Cost in Utah?

Do you have a cracked driveway? A sagging porch? A sunken sidewalk? Whatever the issue is with your concrete, repair is worth your while. Left unaddressed, the damage will only get worse – and the sooner you call a Utah mudjacking contractor, the easier the fix will be on your bank account.

However, before you move forward with concrete repair, you’ll want an idea of how much you’ll need to budget for the project. Requesting estimates from a few local contractors is the best approach, as every mudjacking job is unique. At the same time, you might appreciate a more immediate answer. Read the following, and you’ll understand what lies ahead in terms of your concrete repair costs.

Average Cost of Professional Mudjacking Services

Also known as concrete jacking, slab leveling, slabjacking, and concrete lifting, mudjacking is a highly effective solution for sunken, settled and uneven concrete slabs. The technique addresses the root of the problem, eliminating voids in the underlying soil, and the results typically last for at least eight to ten years.

Costs for concrete repair projects vary, but according to HomeAdvisor.com, the trusted online marketplace, the average price for mudjacking is $1,192. Expenses can vary, though, and Utah property owners may pay anywhere from $300 to $2,200 to get a slab leveled. That said, the typical project is priced at between $633 and $1,751.

Pricing to Remove and Replace a Concrete Slab

Based on the information above, your max budget for mudjacking should be about $2,000. This might seem like a rather large sum, but let’s look at how that compares to the costs for concrete slab replacement.

First, this sort of project requires the removal of the old concrete. As reported by HomeAdvisor.com, the average charge for this service is $1,106 – but the cost can be as high as $3,700.

After the damaged slab has been removed, the next step is to pour new concrete. On average, the cost for this is $10 per square foot, and at that rate, a relatively small concrete patio or porch might run $2,000 or more.

Putting it all together, the total needed to remove and replace a damaged slab is far above the amount of money it takes for mudjacking. And not only does mudjacking come in at a much lower price, it’s also a more effective fix. With this method of concrete repair, soil instabilities are resolved – and the same can’t be same of a standard tear-out and replacement project. As such, mudjacking offers longer-lasting results, and at a fraction of the cost. What’s not to like?

Factors that Impact the Cost of Concrete Repair

Generally speaking, most mudjacking projects cost just a few dollars per square foot. In comparison, when you consider disposal fees, equipment expenses and labor charges, a tear-out and replacement can add up to over $50 per square foot. However, certain variables can have an impact on pricing.

When determining the cost for concrete repair work, professional contractors take all of the following into account:

  • Soil voids – During the mudjacking process, soil voids are filled with a cement slurry. When the voids are extensive, concrete repair costs are higher.
  • Scope – The larger the job, the more time is required. Extra time translates to higher labor charges and, consequently, a greater total project cost.
  • Struggles ­– If a damaged slab isn’t all that easy to access, or if a professional mudjacking contractor has to work in tight quarters, repairs cost more.
  • Services – Professionals can handle the caulking or seal the surface of a slab after completing a concrete repair project, but these services add to the cost.

In addition, while many companies that offer mudjacking services in Utah accept rush jobs, completing work on an expedited timeline adds to the cost. That said, some contractors, including Lift-Up Concrete, have payment plans to make urgent and scheduled concrete repair projects more affordable.

Making Sure You Pay a Fair Price for Mudjacking

Cost is a major consideration for any property improvement project, and mudjacking is no exception. Paying more than necessary isn’t something anyone wants to do – but spending as little as possible might not yield the results you’d like.

To get the job done for a reasonable price, mudjacking experts recommend asking a few local contractors for estimates. Most offer free consultations, and you can get quote without any obligation. But after meeting with representatives from two or three concrete repair companies, don’t simply choose the one with the lowest price.

Before you make a decision, consider the experience of each mudjacking contractor and whether they offer a warranty. Look at reviews, too, as the experiences others have had with a concrete repair company can be quite telling.

In Ogden, Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas of northern Utah, Lift-Up Concrete is a trusted source for top-quality mudjacking. We’re known for our outstanding workmanship and our affordable pricing, and we always guarantee our work. For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss concrete repair at your Utah home or business property, contact us today.

concrete repair Ogden, Utah

Is Mudjacking a Long-Lasting Concrete Repair Solution?

No one in Ogden, Utah, wants to redo a concrete repair project after a short period of time, as that would be like throwing money down the drain. However, those who choose mudjacking don’t have that concern.

Generally speaking, concrete that is raised and leveled using the mudjacking method remains stable, secure and trouble-free for at least 8 to 10 years. With mudjacking, instabilities in the underlying soil are eliminated, which keeps the concrete from sinking and cracking again. The efficacy is well-proven, too — mudjacking has been in use since the 1930’s, and today’s professional concrete repair contractors continue to rely on the technique.

However, certain factors can impact how long a slab stands strong after mudjacking. If you’re planning to get concrete repair, follow the advice below for long-term results.

Issues that Contribute to Concrete Problems

The expansive nature of the soil here in Ogden, Utah, and the freeze-and-thaw cycles we get every winter might be the reason you need concrete repair. That said, if any of the following played a role, addressing the issue is essential for mudjacking to be a long-term solution:

  • Drainage – Downspouts that direct rain and melting snow toward a slab are sure to make the concrete settle more quickly.
  • Property grade – If the slope of the ground isn’t built up properly, water will flow into the soil under a slab, making it unstable.
  • Plant roots – Without root barrier systems, trees and shrubs growing too near a slab can cause settlement problems.
  • Burrowing pests – Voles, moles and groundhogs create underground tunnels, affecting the integrity of the slab above.

Long-Term Results Require Concrete Repair Expertise

Countless videos and do-it-yourself guides to mudjacking can be found online, and using that information, some Ogden property owners decide to handle the concrete repair work themselves. But for long-lasting results, this isn’t the right route to take.

Planning a mudjacking project means making several decisions, including how many holes to drill through the slab, where to place each one, what type of slurry mixture to use and how much of the mixture to pump into the soil. Online tutorials make all of this seem simple, but without training, knowledge and skill in concrete repair, that certainly isn’t the case. With that in mind, hiring an experienced professional contractor – like Lift-Up Concrete – is the best way to ensure good results with mudjacking.

In addition, taking the right steps after mudjacking can make a major difference in how long a slab remains in a stable and level position. At Lift-Up Concrete, we recommend:

  • Immediately caulking the drilled holes and any cracks in the concrete to keep rain and melting snow from penetrating the surface
  • Periodically resealing the concrete to strengthen its waterproof properties and help prevent the surface from chipping and cracking

Schedule a Consultation with Lift-Up Concrete Today 

The professional team at Lift-Up Concrete completes every mudjacking project with expert workmanship, and we’re happy to help property owners with caulking and resealing. We’re the company to call for both residential and commercial concrete repair projects in Ogden, Utah, and a free consultation with us comes with absolutely no obligation. Contact us today!

concrete lifting Salt Lake City, Utah

Concrete Lifting vs. Concrete Slab Replacement – Which is Better?

Improper grading, frost heaving, poor water drainage, unstable soil – in Salt Lake City, Utah, concrete can sink and crack for any number of reasons. No matter the cause, however, concrete lifting is usually the right solution.

Otherwise known as mudjacking, concrete lifting is recommended over slab replacement for the repair of cracked sidewalks, tilted driveways, sloped patios, uneven porch steps, sagging garages and other settlement-related issues. Of course, being that we’re a professional concrete lifting company, you’d expect us to speak highly of the service.

Still, we do have several good reasons for saying that mudjacking is the better option. And after reading about how the repair method compares to slab replacement, you’ll appreciate our point of view.

Cost

In almost every situation, slab replacement is far more expensive than concrete lifting. The demolition and removal of the old slab must be factored into the price, as does the process of pouring new concrete. The entire project requires a great deal of manpower, too, and labor charges can be substantial.

Taking all of this into consideration, the total cost to tear out and replace a slab is typically two to three times the cost of mudjacking. Choose concrete lifting, and your wallet will certainly thank you.

Time

Slab replacement isn’t a quick project. Tearing out the damaged concrete, prepping the area and pouring a new slab can take days – and at that point, the surface isn’t usable. Newly poured concrete needs time to cure to be capable of supporting any weight, and curing can take several weeks.

In contrast, concrete lifting offers much faster results. From start to finish, most projects take no more than a couple of hours to complete. No curing time is needed, and the surface can handle heavy weight after just a few hours. 

Aesthetics

When first installed, new slabs have a nice look. This is also true when all of the concrete around a Salt Lake City home or business property is replaced at the same time. However, if just one or two slabs are ripped out and repoured, the concrete tends to look mismatched.

With concrete lifting, very little evidence is left behind. A few small homes are drilled through the slab, but once the concrete has been leveled and stabilized, the holes and surface cracks are caulked to provide a uniform appearance. 

Efficacy

While many people seem to think that replacing a settled slab is the right way to ensure that the surface is strong and secure, the opposite is actually true. The slab tear-out and replacement process doesn’t address instabilities in the underlying soil, and without that step, the new concrete is at risk of settling in the future.

Not so with concrete lifting. Holes are drilled through the affected slab, and voids in the soil underneath are filled with a cement-based slurry. As this solves the root cause of the problem, the stability of the concrete is restored.  

Messiness

Ripping out and replacing a settled slab requires heavy machinery, and Salt Lake City property owners often find the large, invasive tools and loud concrete trucks to be a nuisance. Worse than that, though, is the mess this equipment can create – in many cases, the grass and plants around the work area are ruined.

Landscape damage isn’t a concern with concrete lifting. The repair process involves just a single truck, and that remains parked in the driveway or on the street. Machinery may snake across the yard, but this doesn’t disrupt the landscaping. 

Sustainability

Given the energy-hungry machinery and gas-guzzling trucks required, slab replacement is far from eco-friendly. But that’s not the only reason this isn’t a sustainable solution. Torn-out concrete is sometimes taken to a recycling center, but more often than not, it goes to a local landfill — where it sits forever.

Concrete lifting is a much greener option. Not only is the cement-based slurry used made of natural materials, but the process also requires only a minimal amount energy. What’s more, with mudjacking, no waste is produced.

Situations that Call for Slab Replacement

At Lift-Up Concrete, we specialize in concrete lifting, but we recognize that not every settled slab is suited for mudjacking. Meeting the needs of our customers is important to us, so when replacement is the right choice, we make that known. A few scenarios where mudjacking isn’t our recommendation include:

  • Extensive damage – If a slab is badly crumbled or contains large, deep cracks, replacing it may be the only option.
  • Surface imperfections – Concrete with surface defects or discolorations may need to be replaced, as those issues don’t go away with mudjacking.
  • Multiple problems – With a slab that has both structural and cosmetic damage, concrete lifting may not be the best solution.

In most circumstances, mudjacking is the most effective and most reliable form of repair. And as we explained above, mudjacking also has several other advantages over slab replacement. But is it the right choice for you? To answer that question, you’ll need a professional opinion. For expert advice in Salt Lake City, Utah, contact Lift-Up Concrete and schedule a free, no-obligation concrete lifting consultation today.

mudjacking Ogden, Utah

Mudjacking – A Low-Cost Utah Concrete Repair Method

So, you have a settled slab at your Ogden, Utah, home. You’ve looked into concrete repair, and mudjacking is the cheapest method – the price is far less than any other option.

But don’t you get what you pay for? If you go with mudjacking to minimize the cost of fixing your settled concrete, won’t you end up regretting the decision?

Absolutely not. While making a choice based on price might not be all that wise for some home improvement projects, that’s not the case for concrete repair. Mudjacking is a highly effective technique, one that’s been in use for decades – and it’s also the most affordable way to raise and stabilize a settled slab. Here’s why.

Mudjacking Doesn’t Require Costly Materials

Mudjacking restores settled concrete by means of a mud-like slurry mixture, typically made of Portland cement, pulverized limestone, water, sand and other organic materials. The air pockets in the soil under a slab are filled with this mixture, and pressure raises the concrete into position.

Since the slurry contains only natural materials, it’s rather inexpensive. And reputable concrete repair companies – like Lift-Up Concrete – pass the savings along by charging a minimal price for the mixture.

Mudjacking is a Quick and Easy Repair Method

For experienced concrete repair professionals, the process of raising and stabilizing a settled slab is routine – and it doesn’t take much time. Whether restoring a sunken sidewalk, uneven driveway, tilted patio or another concrete surface, contractors can usually get the job done in an hour or two.

Given that repairs are both fast and easy, labor charges for mudjacking projects tend to be on the low side. Unlike other solutions for settled concrete, the cost of labor isn’t much of a concern with mudjacking.

Mudjacking Isn’t a Short-Term Repair Solution

Mudjacking addresses the reason a slab has settled – the development of air pockets in the soil underneath. Over time, changes in the moisture level lead to shifting, and these voids are the result. After mudjacking, no more pockets of air remain, and the concrete is back to its original position.

The mud-like slurry mixture used in mudjacking is incredibly strong, durable enough to last for quite some time. Utah homeowners who make sure the concrete is caulked and sealed don’t need to pay for a repeat repair for at least 8 to 10 years.

Schedule a Free Mudjacking Consultation Today

Lift-Up Concrete, a leading northern Utah concrete repair company, has years of experience completing all kinds of projects. With us, you can expect top-quality, long-lasting results – and the cost of our services is sure to make you smile.

If you have settled concrete at your Ogden home, contact Lift-Up Concrete and request a free, no-obligation mudjacking consultation today.

concrete leveling Utah

Is Concrete Leveling a Good Idea? Info for Utah Homeowners

Maybe you’ve noticed cracks in the walkways and sidewalks surrounding your Utah home. Or perhaps your porch steps have sunk a few inches. In any case, concrete leveling is certainly worthy of your consideration.

Also referred to as concrete lifting, slab leveling or mudjacking, concrete leveling is a method of repair for settled slabs. The process involves drilling small holes to reach the soil voids under the concrete and using a hydraulic pump to fill those voids with a cement slurry mixture. Pressure lifts the slab back to its original even position, then the cracks and drilled holes are caulked. That’s really all there is to leveling concrete – but is the repair right for your damaged slab?

Concrete lifting is an excellent option for Utah homeowners, but it isn’t the only option. Before committing to having your settled slab professionally leveled, read the following to get the information you need.

Why Bother Repairing Settled Concrete?

We get it – repairing the settled slabs around your Utah home doesn’t seem all that important. If you’re like most people, the project probably isn’t one of your top priorities. However, scheduling concrete leveling soon is in your best interests.

Cracked and sunken slabs are trip hazards. Utah homeowners have a responsibility to keep their properties safe, and ignoring settled concrete opens up the possibility of a premises liability lawsuit. If you hold off on addressing the issue and someone gets hurt, you may end up paying a rather high price.

In addition, concrete settlement can create problems around your property. Left unaddressed, affected slabs can cause rain and melting snow to flow in the wrong direction. If there’s any water runoff along the foundation, it can settle, pulling away from the house structure. As that happens, cracks may develop in the walls of your home and the doors and windows may begin to stick. Foundation settlement isn’t an issue that can be resolved with concrete leveling, and the fix is quite costly. However, if you go ahead and repair your settled slabs now, eliminating your drainage issues, you can preserve the foundation of your Utah home.

Also, we have to ask – are you planning to live in your current home forever? If not, concrete repair may be a must at some point. Home buyers are put off by settled slabs, as they can be a sign of foundation damage. And even if that isn’t the case, people may see your cracked and sunken concrete as a sign that you haven’t taken care of the property. At any rate, your Utah home could sit on the market for quite some time if you don’t address the problem.

Advantages of Concrete Leveling

Now that you’re clear on the reasons to move forward with concrete repair, you need a solution. When faced with cracked or sunken slabs, homeowners in Utah and across the country depend on concrete leveling to eliminate the problem. Take a look at the upsides, and you’ll understand why.

Price

One of the most impressive benefits of concrete leveling is the cost. As long as a slab isn’t badly crumbled or severely riddled with cracks, it can likely be mudjacked for far less than any other repair solution would cost.

Time

Most residential concrete leveling projects are completed in less than a day – and there’s no waiting for the slab to cure. The surface can handle foot traffic right away, and a few hours later, it can support much heavier weight.

Appearance

Matching a new slab to the surrounding concrete is nearly impossible. With slab leveling, this isn’t a concern – the surface remains the same, and the caulk used is closely color-matched to the concrete, making the repair almost invisible.

Impact

The process of concrete leveling is minimally invasive, and professional contractors make every effort to preserve the landscape while completing the work. Homeowners who go with a different solution are often forced to deal with damaged yards.

Other Options for Settled Concrete Slabs

While concrete leveling is typically the best fix for settled slabs, Utah homeowners do have other options. If you have cracked or sunken concrete anywhere on your property, you could choose any of these game plans:

Leave the Slab Alone

Waiting awhile might be okay if the damage isn’t too severe, but you shouldn’t put off the repair for too long. As we said above, settled slabs can lead to costly foundation problems. And, of course, you could be sued if someone is injured while on your property. In the long run, doing nothing could cost you.

Replace the Concrete

Tearing out and replacing the concrete will solve your problem, but going this route comes with significant drawbacks. The cost is typically two to three times higher than that for concrete leveling, and you can expect the work to disrupt the surrounding landscape. Plus, the slab will be unusable for a couple of weeks.

Go for Foamjacking

Similar process to mudjacking, foamjacking is effective — but not nearly as budget-friendly. What’s more, the polyurethane foam used contains flammable chemicals, while the slurry used for traditional concrete leveling is organic. The foam sets much faster, too, and if it hardens before the soil voids are filled, slab stability can be affected.

Schedule a Free Concrete Leveling Consultation Today

Have you decided that mudjacking is the right fix for your cracked or sunken slab? For expert service at a nice price, Utah homeowners rely on the professional team at Lift-Up Concrete. Contact us to arrange for a free, no-obligation concrete leveling consultation today!HHave you decided