Concrete lifting, also known as mudjacking or slab jacking, easily lifts sunken concrete to eliminate tripping hazards and cosmetic eye sores. It’s a fast repair that doesn’t require the mess of demolition or new concrete pouring and costs less than replacement.
Initial material injections fill any under-slab voids and start lifting the concrete within minutes. Then the access holes are patched and your surface is ready to use! If you need assistance, call the experts at Level Ground Excavation.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking, or slab mudjacking, is a concrete repair method that involves drilling holes into the slab and then pumping a slurry mixture under the surface to lift the sunken area. This cement slurry consists of water and a mix of sand, clay, or topsoil and portland cement. It is a low-pressure solution that can raise the slab without much damage to surrounding areas or structures. This type of lifting does not require excavation and is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the concrete slab.
First, the repair crew will drill 2-inch holes into the concrete slab to be lifted. This is done by hand or using a small mudjacking machine. The holes should be spaced in a regular pattern or distance from each other so that the concrete will be lifted evenly. The holes should also be placed away from any cracks or joints in the concrete. The slurry that is pumped under the slab needs to cover these gaps so that the concrete will be raised to the proper level.
The holes drilled in the concrete will then be filled with a slurry mixture consisting of water and a mix of sand, mud, clay-limestone dust, and Portland cement. The slurry mixture is pumped under the concrete to fill in any voids that are causing it to sink or settle. The slurry can be used to raise the slab back to its original position or to level it.
One downside to mudjacking is that the hole created by the 2-inch holes compromises the integrity of the concrete. In addition, the slurry used for this type of lifting is not waterproof and can be washed out under the concrete if it becomes saturated. This method is also only a temporary solution as it only lasts for a couple of years, while concrete lifting foam will last indefinitely.
While mudjacking is an inexpensive option for lifting and stabilizing concrete, it will not fix problems caused by underground water leaks or structural issues with the home or building that the slab is under. This method is only intended to raise and stabilize existing concrete slabs that have become sunken, tilted, or sloped unevenly over time.
Slab Jacking Pump
Unlike other concrete repair methods that require digging and replacing slabs, the slab jacking pump is a quick and easy solution for leveling sunken concrete surfaces. It is a great option for sidewalks, driveways, and patios, especially those that are frequently used by pedestrians or vehicles. Leveling these areas not only helps to avoid tripping hazards but also allows the area to be used more quickly and effectively.
During the slab-jacking process, an air compressor forces a special slab-jacking material through a hose to a series of holes that are drilled into the sunken surface. The first hole is positioned at the point where it is desirable to raise the most amount of pavement. The holes are then arranged in a pattern that allows the most amount of slab to be lifted with each pumping cycle.
As the pumping cycle continues, the slurry mixture fills any void space under the slab. Once the voids are filled, pressure builds and slowly lifts the sunken concrete slab. This is done until the desired elevation is achieved. The holes are then patched and the job is complete.
The slab jacking pump method is very effective for repairing sunken and uneven concrete surfaces. However, it is important to address the underlying cause of the sinking before using this method. Uneven and sinking concrete can be caused by several factors, including soil compaction, erosion, pooling water, or underground pipes that are leaking. If the underlying problem is not addressed, the sunken concrete will eventually return to its original position.
In addition to the obvious safety benefits of leveling sunken slabs, this type of repair is a cost-effective alternative to excavation and replacement. It can be completed in much less time than the traditional tear-up-and-replace approach, and it is easier on the environment as well. Unlike demolition, it does not turn your yard into a construction site and it does not disrupt underground utilities. It is a great choice for homeowners who need to fix tripping hazards or simply want to use their outdoor spaces more effectively.
Polyurethane Foam Injections
Polyurethane foam injections are a cutting-edge concrete repair technology that offers significant advantages over more traditional lifting methods. This method uses a specialized concrete raising formula that injects a mixture of polyurethane and an expanding agent into the concrete to raise and stabilize it. The process is less intrusive than other repair techniques, and it can be used for many types of concrete installations, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, outdoor basketball courts, swimming pools, and more.
The injection equipment is connected to a computer-controlled system that precisely guides the injected material into the damaged slab. The two parts of the polymer combine underground, expanding to fill all voids beneath the sunken concrete and raise it back to its original position. The injected material also compresses and strengthens the soil, preventing further sinkage in the future.
One of the biggest advantages of this technique is that it requires fewer holes than other concrete lifting methods. This is because the polyurethane mix is much thinner than mud, meaning it travels more easily between the slab and subsurface. Additionally, the foam cures in about 15 minutes, which reduces downtime and allows the surface to be used again immediately after the procedure.
Another benefit of polyurethane is that it can be injected into very small cracks and crevices in the concrete. This makes it a great choice for fixing uneven concrete surfaces and prevents the formation of new cracks, which could lead to further damage and sinking. Additionally, the injected material is impervious to water, which eliminates the risk of further damage caused by moisture infiltration.
Because of the flexibility of injected polyurethane, it is also able to adapt to its surroundings. This helps to ensure that the injected material is evenly distributed and does not create a raised spot that is unnatural or jarring to walk on. Additionally, the material is completely inert and does not leach into the surrounding environment, making it a safe alternative to other concrete-raising options that may use unsafe chemicals or require invasive excavation.
Finally, polyurethane injections are much less expensive than other concrete repair solutions. The cost of repairing uneven concrete with this technology is usually less than half of the cost of pouring new concrete, and it eliminates the expenses associated with demolition, removal, and landscaping.
Slab Leveling
Slab leveling (also known as concrete lifting) is a less invasive, more affordable method of repairing sunken and uneven concrete slabs. The contractor drills a series of holes underneath the affected slab and then pumps a grout mixture or foam into them, which lifts the concrete back to its original level. This process can be completed in a matter of hours and does not require any excavation or dirt removal.
There are many reasons for sinking concrete, including poorly compacted fill dirt, erosion, shrinking soils, and even underground water pipes that leak. These issues can cause the slab to sink, crack, and fracture under its weight. However, the most common reason is that the concrete was poured on a substandard foundation.
Mudjacking and slab jacking are two common methods for raising sunken concrete, but they have their drawbacks. The main issue is that the cement mix used in both methods can damage or impair the soil underneath, so this technique should be considered a temporary fix. Furthermore, mudjacking can add unnecessary weight to the damaged concrete, which can lead to further settlement in the future.
A third option for fixing a sunken concrete slab is using helical piers or slab brackets. This is a permanent solution, but it requires a lot of drilling and can be extremely disruptive. Plus, if your concrete slab is covered with a finished floor, you’ll need to tear it out and replace it.
A fourth option is slab leveling, which uses polyurethane instead of mud or cement. The process works the same, except that it injects a more eco-friendly material that fills and stabilizes the soil rather than adding extra weight to the concrete. The advantage of this method is that it can be performed in wet weather and does not require any excavating or heavy machinery. In addition, the polyurethane material is much lighter than mud or cement and does not require as many injections. In addition, it is faster than the other two methods. For these reasons, slab leveling is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a permanent, hassle-free solution to their sunken concrete.
