What is Mudjacking? Everything You Need to Know

If you are searching for mudjacking, it is safe to assume that you are dealing with an uneven concrete slab and need to repair it as soon as possible. The old technique of repairing uneven slabs involved a lot of time and effort. You had to replace the slab with a new one, wait for it to dry, and whatnot. But with mudjacking, you can raise the slab without removal or replacement.

In this article, we will discuss what mudjacking is and its pros and cons. Let’s get started!

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is used to raise or lift settled concrete slabs and pavements by pumping a cement mixture by drilling holes. This method eliminates the need to remove and replace the concrete slab and can only be done within a few hours.

Keep in mind that mudjacking cannot be used for all types of concrete repairs. If you are dealing with sunken porches, cracked sidewalks, damaged driveways and walkways, or uneven patios, then you can use the mudjacking technique.

If you are still unsure, consult Utah concrete lifting experts to evaluate the damage and provide the best course of action.

Process of Mudjacking

To better understand what mudjacking is, you need to know the process of mudjacking.

1. The first step in mudjacking is to drill holes in the concrete. This is done by a professional that drills 3 to 5 holes strategically in the concrete slab by spacing them evenly or in a pattern.
2. The second step is to insert a nozzle in the hole and pump cement slurry through it to lift the concrete slab. The slurry is a mixture of cement, soil, and water that is not too sticky and sturdy. It fills all the nooks and crannies and then hardens as it dries.
3. The final step involves adding the finishing touches. For example, once the concrete is hardened, make sure everything is leveled and then fill up the drilled holes with concrete. The holes will be visible, although you can cover them up with plants and flower beds.

Pros and Cons of Mudjacking

Pros

• The old concrete repair methods didn’t fill the soil voids below the damaged concrete. But with mudjacking, the slurry reaches and fills every void and corner, making the fix more stable and long-lasting.
• Instead of taking days for the new slab to dry, the mudjacking process can be completed in a few hours and is also cost-effective compared to other processes.
• Mudjacking is an eco-friendly option. The cement slurry is made of natural materials, and there is no wastage. Moreover, the process is designed to reuse the old concrete slab rather than replacing it with a new one.

Cons

• The cement slurry used for mudjacking is very heavy, so consult Utah concrete lifting experts to see if the slab can handle the weight before opting for this method.
• The drilled holes are visible even after repair; this could be an eye-sore for many, especially if they can’t cover it up.
• This process is ideal for sunken concrete slabs but does not remove cracks.

Now that you know what mudjacking is and what the benefits of mudjacking are, you can make a well-informed decision when dealing with sunken porches, patios, pavements, etc.