Is Mudjacking Worth It? Mudjacking Pros and Cons

If you are looking for mudjacking, that means you likely have a sinking concrete slab. In addition to being unsightly, uneven concrete slabs on patios, driveways, pool decks, floors, and walkways pose a safety risk that may lead to accidents and even legal action.

The conventional method of repairing uneven concrete slabs was to remove them and replace them with freshly poured concrete. This required a lot of time and money. In addition, there was a waiting period while the new slab dried and hardened. To top it all off, it was nearly impossible to match the color of the new slab to the remaining concrete. Put another way, removing the uneven concrete and replacing it with a new slab wasn't a covert fix.

Raising the slab, initially by mud jacking and then by injecting polyurethane foam, therefore became the best choice. fill the holes and raise the slab; both methods entail drilling holes in the slab and then injecting a substance.

What is mudjacking?

Mud jacking is the method of leveling settled concrete with a mixture of water, sand, and soil leveling solution. This process involves drilling holes in the slab about two inches in diameter and then pumping this leveling mixture through the holes to raise the sunken concrete.

Causes of Sinking Concrete Slabs and Insights for Mudjacking Solutions

Numerous factors, such as expanding tree roots, expansive soil, and drainage issues, can cause concrete slabs to sink.

Soil expansion

Soil that expands as it becomes wet and contracts when it dries out is known as expansive soil. The soil moves as a result of this cyclical expansion and contraction. This has the potential to gradually cause any concrete slab resting on loose soil to become unstable.

Water pooling

Overflowing water might seep beneath the slab and remove the soil supporting it due to drainage issues. As voids appear, the slab begins to sink.

Tree roots

You can see how wide-reaching tree roots may collapse a sidewalk or other concrete surface. They can physically press on the slab as well as absorb moisture from the soil, which causes the soil to shrink and eventually causes voids to form beneath the slab.

In addressing sinking concrete slabs, mudjacking offers an effective solution.

How does mudjacking work?

Mudjacking is the process of drilling many holes into the slab, ranging in diameter from 1.5" to 2.5". These holes are then used to inject a cement slurry—typically a mixture of cement, sand, and water—beneath the slab.

It fills in any spaces, and as the pressure increases, it raises the slab back to its initial position. The repair is finished after filling the holes to the same grade as before. The concrete slab can be used again after it has properly dried, which normally takes 24 hours.

Pros and cons of mudjacking

There are the following pros and cons of mudjacking, given below:

Pros of mud jacking your concrete surfaces

The cost of mudjacking is lower than that of completely removing a concrete surface and installing new concrete.
It takes less time to jack up the mud than to replace and tear out the concrete. It is possible to finish most tasks in one full day or half a day.
Because mudjacking involves restoration and reuse rather than deconstruction, needless waste creation, and starting afresh, it is a more environmentally friendly option.
The mudjacking procedure is significantly less noisy and invasive than a complete replacement. A complete replacement would mean more equipment that is heavier, louder, and more messy on your property.

Not to mention that you may not have access to certain areas of your property for a while and that you must avoid the construction zones.

Cons of mud jacking your concrete surfaces

Although this technique may eliminate tripping risks and put fractures closer together, the cracks will still be visible on your concrete surfaces.
On your surface, mudjacking leaves behind 2-inch round repair holes. The circles will remain, despite the repair team's best efforts to make everything appear lovely.
There's a chance that something you might not have a perfect match for or that your unique tile or aesthetic top treatment will break if it covers your concrete surface.

Is mudjacking worth it?

Most experts say that mudjacking is not a good option. The process of mudjacking can damage your concrete and it doesn't last long. Furthermore, it is a very messy procedure as it is not waterproof and will cause the slab to sink again.

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of mudjacking, you can determine whether it is worthwhile to use this technique to fix the sunken concrete on your property.

Mudjacking is just one approach to achieving the purpose of concrete leveling, which is to get your settled concrete back to a safe and level position regardless of the restoration method you use.

Who provides mudjacking near me?

If you have sunken concrete slabs and are looking for an expert, you need to call Sidewalk Repair NYC for more assistance. We provide optimal sidewalk services like concrete, driveway, and patio resurfacing and repair.