By definition, mudjacking, also known as cement jacking and cement lifting, is the process of correcting an unlevel slab of concrete by pumping concrete (also known as “mud”) beneath the slab. A lot of questions go along with this process, so here are the answers to a few of the most common:

Does mudjacking work?

Yes! For most jobs, mudjacking is the best option for cement raising. The process is tried and true and has been in use for decades. There are, however, instances where mudjacking may not be the best solution. If the concrete you are raising has large portions that have deteriorated, or if the subsoil is still settling, mudjacking may not be the best option.

How long does mudjacking last?

Mudjacking is not a temporary fix, and in most instances will last 8 to 10 years, but can last the span of the lifetime of the slab. There are factors that will affect how long the repair lasts, including what the underlying problem that caused the sinking was in the first place. If the property is newer, or the slab sunk rapidly, there may be a larger problem at play under your slab. However, if the underlying problem is corrected, such as a leaking pipe or misdirected downspout, the mudjacking process should keep your slab in place for many years to come.

Foam Jacking vs. Mudjacking

Mudjacking uses a mixture, or slurry, of concrete to fill the void beneath the slab. This is also known as a structural fill. Concrete is a recyclable, meaning that when it does come time to remove or replace a slab completely, it can be taken with the rest of the slab to be recycled. While the slurry, or “mud”, does weight more than the foam used in foam jacking, the material has a much higher compressive strength, meaning it can take more weight before straining it. Mudjacking does require larger holes, typically 1” in diameter, but can also fill larger voids.

Foam jacking, or polyurethane (poly) jacking, uses a petroleum based liquid polymer that solidifies into a foam when a chemical reaction occurs. While the holes used for foam jacking are typically ⅝” in diameter, the cost of the equipment and the fill material is more expensive, meaning that it can be nearly double the cost of mudjacking. The foam material is lighter than a cement slurry and can be less of a burden on loose subsoil, but also has less compressive strength.

Sandjacking vs. Mudjacking

Sandjacking may sound similar to mudjacking or slab jacking, but the process is very different. With sandjacking, the concrete slab is first lifted, using jacks, pipes or other materials. Then limestone sand is blown underneath the slab to fill in voids. While most times holes are not drilled in the cement slab being lifted, it does need to be lifted from the side, meaning potential damage to surrounding landscaping. Sandjacking also takes longer to complete, as you first need to raise the slab, then insert sand, and repeat this process until the slab is at the desired height.

Mudjacking vs. New Concrete

Mudjacking is a much less expensive proposition than completely replacing a concrete slab. With slab replacement, you need to factor in the cost and labor of first removing and disposing of the existing slab. Second, the mudjacking process is much shorter, usually able to be completed in a few hours to one day and is able to be used nearly immediately. If your sunken slab is next to another existing slab, the color of a new concrete slab may not match, since time and weather changes the appearance of the surface. This can lead to mismatched walkways or driveways. Now, mudjacking may not be the best solution for every case. If the concrete that is sinking is deteriorated, smashed or crumbling, then a new slab may be needed. However, for most other applications, mudjacking is the economical approach.