Mudjacking/Slabjacking

What is Mudjacking or Slabjacking?

Mudjacking, or slab jacking, means the process of lifting a building, driveway, or any object by pumping concrete (known as mud to people who work with it) underneath the item to be lifted. Different types of concrete can be used. Usually, a low strength concrete is used. It is also performed by injecting polyurethane resins. When the resins mix underneath a foundation, they form a plastic that contains gas bubbles. As the gasses and plastic expand, they can lift buildings. Polyurethane injection is costlier than lifting with concrete, but it is much more precise and controllable.

Advantages & Disadvantages?

The advantages of using slab jacking or mudjacking in Dallas / Fort Worth is relatively inexpensive and it is fast. The disadvantages are that it comes with no warranty, it can lead to your sewer line being filled with concrete, and sometimes, the concrete emerges in unexpected places, such as the inside of a wall, where there are unidentified holes in a slab.

When should it be used?

Advanced uses mudjacking in Dallas / Fort Worth as a convenient and inexpensive way to lift pool decks, patios, driveways and other items made of concrete that is 3 to 6 inches thick.  It is cheaper than pouring new concrete and can often be completed in a day or two. Mudjacking or slab jacking is used when a foundation is so weak that piers or pilings cannot be installed. It should not be used under a foundation if there is a chance that the soils under the mud will expand. If soils under injected mud or concrete expand, the soils will push up on the overlying structure and move it upwards.

Is there a warranty?

Because mudjacking relies on the underlying soils to support whatever has been lifted, there is no guaranty.  Mudjacking is used most commonly to avoid the cost of repouring flatwork (driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc.).