Concrete lifting is the preferred solution for concrete slabs that have gradually sunk or settled. Also known as mudjacking, the repair method is highly effective – and with the right Salt Lake City contractor, it’s surprisingly affordable.
Naturally, if you have never researched concrete repair before, you might not know that concrete lifting is an option. You may even assume that replacing a damaged slab is the more sensible approach. That is not so. When you notice sagging, cracked or settled concrete at your home or business property, you’ll want to know all there is to know about solving the problem. Read on to learn how concrete lifting works and why it’s a smart choice.
How Concrete Lifting Works
Concrete slabs sink and crack due to changes in the soil underneath. Sometimes, improper soil compaction or substandard workmanship during construction is a contributing factor, but water drainage issues, serious plumbing leaks, wintertime frost heave, tree root growth and underground critters can also make a slab unstable.
Whatever the cause, concrete lifting works to restore a slab’s integrity. And the repair method takes a short time — typically less than two hours from start to finish, though larger mudjacking projects may take a bit longer. Here’s what the technique involves:
Step 1: The process starts with a ground penetrating radar (GPR) scan to identify subsurface voids, or pockets of air, under the concrete.
Step 2: Guided by the results of the GPR scan, professional contractors drill a few small holes through the affected slab to reach the soil underneath.
Step 3: Using a hydraulic pump, a cement-based slurry mixture is injected through each hole, filling the empty areas in the soil under the slab.
As the subsurface voids are filled, the concrete slowly shifts back into its original position. Once the slab is level, the drilled holes and surface cracks are sealed to prevent water infiltration and future damage. When the work crew leaves, the slab is ready for light use. Within a few hours or by the next morning, it can handle heavy weight.
How Concrete Lifting Compares to the Alternatives
In Salt Lake City, Utah, concrete lifting isn’t the only option for a sunken or settled slab, but it outshines other concrete repair methods.
Polyjacking is a similar technique that uses polyurethane foam instead of a cement-based mixture to restore slab integrity. The holes drilled during the process are smaller than those required for mudjacking, and the foam does work to raise and stabilize a slab. Given the higher price – and the synthetic materials that can be harmful to the environment – a slight difference in hole size is a trivial matter.
Slab replacement, or the process of tearing out a damaged slab and pouring new concrete, seems as if it would be the best solution. In reality, this approach costs much more than mudjacking – and since the soil isn’t usually stabilized with a slab tear-out and replacement project, settlement is likely to reoccur.
Why Experienced Contractors Recommend Concrete Lifting
As mudjacking works to restore the integrity of the soil while also raising a sunken or settled slab back into position, concrete lifting has several advantages over other repair options. Professionals recommend mudjacking for residential and commercial properties because it:
- Costs less – The price for mudjacking is a fraction of that for a slab tear-out and replacement project, and since the materials used are inexpensive, this method of repair is more budget-friendly than polyjacking.
- Solves the problem – During the mudjacking process, voids in the soil under the slab are filled, thereby making the concrete stable and secure. This doesn’t happen with a slab replacement.
- Takes little time – Mudjacking projects are usually complete within just an hour or two. The slab replacement process can take weeks, and that doesn’t count the month or more for the new concrete to cure.
- Delivers lasting results – Because mudjacking works to eliminate inadequacies in the underlying soil, it offers a long-term solution. In most cases, slabs remain secure for at least 8 to 10 years.
When Is Concrete Lifting the Right Repair Solution?
In all honesty, when isn’t concrete lifting the right choice would be a better question. The concrete repair technique works for most damaged slabs, including the following:
- Sunken sidewalks
- Lopsided driveways
- Cracked porches
- Fractured steps
- Sagging pool decks
- Uneven parking lots
- Slanted garage floors
- Settled shipping areas
Mudjacking can work to lift and stabilize nearly any concrete slab, but the technique isn’t considered for foundation problems. Also, when damage is extensive – as in a slab that is badly crushed or crumbling – replacement may be the only option.
Schedule a Free Concrete Lifting Consultation Today
If you have sagging, cracked or settled concrete at your home or business property, mudjacking is likely the right fix – but to find out for sure, you’ll need to get an opinion from an experienced contractor. For advice in Salt Lake City or the surrounding northern Utah area, call on the professional team at Lift-Up Concrete.
A long-time local industry leader, Lift-Up Concrete has a well-earned reputation for top-notch workmanship, stellar customer care and affordable pricing. For more information on concrete lifting, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at your Salt Lake City home or business property, contact us today.
