Have you ever noticed concrete cracking on a patio, sidewalk, or driveway?
You may need mudjacking!
These cracks often occur when the concrete settles.
This is a natural process, and you often can’t avoid it.
Factors like soil erosion, water damage, and improper installation all contribute to it in addition to the settling.
However, if you’re sick and tired of seeing your once-perfect concrete look like someone took a jackhammer to it, there is a fix.
So, what is mudjacking?
Let’s explore this cost-effective solution that allows you to mend that busted concrete.
1. What is mudjacking?
Mudjacking — also known as slabjacking or concrete leveling — is a process that involves pumping a mixture of cement, water, and other additives, such as sand or fly ash, under a sunken concrete slab to lift it back to its original position.
2. When was mudjacking invented?
Mudjacking was invented in the 1930s in Burlington, Iowa.
To this day, it’s still considered a viable concrete lifting solution.
However, experts have strayed away from mudjacking and generally favor polyjacking instead.
3. When is mudjacking the best option?
Mudjacking is the best option in the following scenarios:
You have a concrete floor that is relatively new, leveled, and structurally sound, but it needs to be repaired
You don’t need to replace the concrete floor in its entirety because you don’t have the time or money to, but you want to modify what you have to fix it up until it’s time for a full replacement
If the concrete slab is severely cracked or damaged, mudjacking is not a great option.
Additionally, the soil under the slab must be both compact and stable.
If this is not the case, then this may not be the right technique to fix the issue.
Furthermore, keep in mind that, while you can mudjack cracked concrete, it won’t actually fix the cracks.
You’ll need to patch these with a concrete patcher and bonding agent.
If your concrete is broken apart altogether, then you should replace the entire slab.
4. How does mudjacking work?
Here are the steps for mudjacking:
Drill holes into the sunken concrete slab
The holes often have a 1.5 to 2.5 feet diameter
Pumped the slurry into the holes to raise the slab
- The slurry (cement, water, other additives) is pumped beneath sinking concrete by pushing it through holes near the surface of the concrete with a hydraulic pump
- The slurry is pumped through a hose into the holes near the surface of the set concrete
- The slurry fills the empty spaces under the structure and hardens to make a strong base
- This process lifts sunken concrete surfaces but doesn’t fix the structure of the surface or make it last longer
Fill the holes with a concrete mixture to seal them
- This step is necessary to finish the process
- Keep in mind that mudjacking quickly lifts sunken concrete surfaces
- However, the process doesn’t fix the structure or make it longer lasting
5. What are the advantages of mudjacking?
Mudjacking is beneficial for all property owners trying to lift and level settled concrete slabs.
Here are the top benefits you should keep in mind if you’re deciding whether this is a method you want to use on your land.
Affordable: Mudjacking is a cost-effective option because you don’t need to replace the entire concrete slab to achieve your intended result.
Efficient: Mudjacking often takes just hours to complete; although, this timing will ultimately depend on the size of the project.
Disruption: Mudjacking minimizes disruption to your life and land because it doesn’t remove the existing concrete slab.
This means you can continue to go about your day and use your land as intended while mudjacking is performed.
Long-lasting: Mudjacking can last several years.
Its longevity ultimately depends on the condition of the soil and the maintenance of the concrete slab.
6. What are the disadvantages of mudjacking?
Mudjacking is an effective and affordable solution when you’re struggling with uneven and sunken concrete on your land.
Yet, there are some drawbacks you should consider before deciding if this is the right route for you.
Appearance: Mudjacking can cause a patched and uneven appearance in the concrete.
This is because it drills holes in the surface and injects the slurry with a different combination of ingredients than the concrete.
Some property owners may not find this visually appealing.
Durability: Mudjacking addresses settlement issues, but it doesn’t help with soil problems that can prompt settlement challenges to begin with.
So, if you’re having to mudjack, you may just consider the possibility of addressing any soil issues before laying concrete.
You should also keep in mind that regardless of whether or not you mudjack now, you could face these issues again in the future.
Potential damage: Mudjacking requires you to drill into the ground, which can interfere with utilities and plumbing that already exist underground.
Additionally, although mudjacking seeks to fix damage to concrete, it could also cause additional cracking or other issues because there is so much pressure involved.
Time-consuming: Although some mudjacking jobs can take just hours to complete, others require a much more time-intensive process if there are multiple slabs that need treatment.
So, if you have a large job on your land, then it could be several days before the mudjacking job is completed.
Limited effectiveness: Depending on the type of concrete you’re dealing with, mudjacking may not be the most effective.
Additionally, how well mudjacking works can often come down to the condition that your soil is in.
If the soil beneath the slab has eroded or washed away, then mudjacking may not work as well as you would hope.
Some concrete settlement issues can be resolved with mudjacking.
However, not all property owners should choose this option.
You should carefully weigh all your options and do a cost-benefit analysis to see which one offers the greatest advantages for your specific project.
7. What type of concrete can be used?
Here are the most common types of concrete slabs that are mudjacked:
Driveways
Patios
Sidewalks
Pool decks
Garage floors
Stairs
8. How long does mudjacking last?
Mudjacking is not a permanent solution.
So, if you’re going to use it on your property, you should note that its effects will eventually wear off.
In general, mudjacking lasts for many years, but the lifespan depends on numerous factors.
These factors include the condition of the concrete slab, the underlying soil, and the quality of the mudjacking work performed.
Now, if you’re performing mudjacking without fixing the soil, you have a limited window in which this will be effective.
The concrete could start to settle again.
If you want to maximize the mudjacking lifespan, diagnose the soil issue before you start and see if you can do anything to fix it.
You should also be working with a reputable and experienced contractor who uses high-quality materials and techniques.
After your mudjacking job is complete, make sure you perform regular inspections of your concrete, so you can address any issues before they become more serious.
9. Is mudjacking cheaper than pouring a new concrete slab?
Yes, generally speaking, mudjacking is more affordable than pouring a new concrete slab.
This is especially true if you’re dealing with small areas of settled or sunken concrete.
Mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot while new concrete will cost $4 to $8 per square foot (or more).
Depending on the size of the job, other factors like site preparation, concrete thickness, and decorative finishes are what will increase or decrease the price.
One reason it may make sense to go with mudjacking outside of price is time.
Mudjacking can be completed much faster than pouring new concrete.
It also requires less labor and generally disrupts the land less.
Many landowners find mudjacking to be less of a hassle because it preserves the existing concrete.
When you go this route, you won’t have to remove and dispose of old concrete which can be labor-intensive and expensive.
Because this isn’t part of the mudjacking process, it allows it to be a cheaper alternative to pouring concrete.
10. How long does it take for a mudjacking mixture to dry?
Depending on the weather and the thickness of the mixture, mudjacking will take a few hours to dry.
When you mudjack, you’ll want to make sure you avoid walking or driving on the concrete for at least 24 hours to ensure that the mixture has time to fully cure.
11. Can mudjacking be done in cold weather?
Yes, you can mudjack in cold weather, but it will take longer for the mixture to dry.
Do not mudjack if the temperature is below freezing because the mixture must be about 32 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it sets properly.
12. What are the signs that concrete needs to be mudjacked?
Are you wondering if some of the concrete on your property should be mudjacked?
Here are the top signs that this method should be used:
Cracks in the concrete slab
Uneven or sloping surfaces
Trip hazards in the concrete
Water pooling on the concrete surface
13. How long does the process take?
Our recommendation is to ask the contractor who will perform the mudjacking services how long your job will take.
In general, mudjacking takes a few hours to do.
However, this estimate can widely vary depending on factors like the size and complexity of the project.
If you have a lot of concrete on your property, it could take days for the job to be complete.
14. How much does mudjacking cost?
As noted above, the cost of mudjacking will vary depending on the project.
The factors most likely to influence the cost include:
The size of the project
The condition of the concrete slab
The location of the property
The average mudjacking project costs anywhere from $600 to $1,700 per project.
Before you invest in a project, we recommend considering the lifespan of the mudjacking job and what you need it for.
Do you use this area often?
Is it a safety risk?
What is the likelihood of you needing to repeat the job in the future?
Do you need it to look perfect or is a patchwork job okay?
Weighing the decision against your answers to these questions is important.
You may decide that it isn’t worth it to repair your concrete this way.
Or perhaps it is and you’ll forge ahead, but only you know what you plan to do with your land.
15. Can you DIY?
Unless you have some experience with concrete leveling, DIY mudjacking is generally a no-go.
This is a job for a professional.
Most people who try to do this on their own with cement, sand, soil, and a jacking pump will end up cracking the slab or breaking it beyond repair.
Plus, the only reason you may want to do it yourself is to save money, but it can end up costing you in the long run, so that’s worthwhile to keep in mind.
16. How can you find a reliable mudjacking contractor?
If you’re ready to move forward with mudjacking after reading this blog, you may wonder how you can find a reliable mudjacking contractor.
As noted above, it’s not performed nearly as often as it once was.
We recommend following these steps to find a professional in your area:
Ask for recommendations from friends and family members who may have had mudjacking done on their property
Read online reviews and ratings to ensure a company is trustworthy
Look for contractors who are licensed and insured
Request quotes from multiple contractors
Compare the quotes you receive for the best services and prices
Ask for references and check them before hiring a contractor
17. Should I consider polyjacking instead?
Polyjacking can be a better option than mudjacking, which is why it’s more commonly used today.
Here are some reasons why property owners prefer polyjacking.
The concrete can be used just 15 minutes after the foam is injected under the slab
It doesn’t require heavy excavation, trenching, or digging
The foam only weighs about 2.5 to 4 pounds per cubic foot, which means it won’t contribute to further settlement
The foam used in this process is both inert (won’t move or leech into chemicals) and non-toxic
The foam is hydrophobic which means it won’t dissolve even if water drains under the slab
Final Thoughts
What is mudjacking?
Mudjacking is both an inexpensive and efficient solution to help concrete surfaces settle properly.
If your driveway, patio, or sidewalk has cracked as it has settled, then you can use mudjacking to help lift sunken concrete slabs back to their original position.
This circumvents the need for extensive excavation or replacement.
Follow the tips above to find a reliable mudjacking contractor to get the job done right so your land looks better than ever.
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Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants or financial advisors and the information in this article is for informational purposes only. This article is based on our own research and experience and we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but it may contain errors. Please be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Prior to starting Gokce Capital, Erika received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a graduate degree in Urban Policy from Columbia University. She worked as both an architectural designer and engineer in New York before joining the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Erika currently lives in the New York Metropolitan area with her spouse, daughter and cat. She is originally from Chicago and still considers herself a midwesterner at heart.
Erika also loves to read, write and travel (fun fact, she has visited all 50 states and more than 30 countries!). Her new book, Land Investing Mistakes: 11 True Stories You Need To Know Before Buying Land, is now available on Amazon.