Mudjacking: A Go-To Method For Repairing Slab Foundations (Guide)

Over time, concrete slabs can settle due to the changes of the soil underneath. Soil shifts or washes away, expands and contracts, causing cracked foundations, broken sidewalks, or uneven driveways. When you need a slab foundation repair, there are several ways to do it. One of the ways to repair slab foundation is by mudjacking—one of the ways we repair foundations here at Perma Pier. 

Let’s take a deeper look at what mudjacking is, the benefits, and how to discern if mudjacking is right for your foundation repair project.

Check out this video for a thorough review of our mudjacking process:

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is a process to lift a sunken concrete slab by pumping a special grout of portland cement and sandy loam through the concrete. This effectively pushes the slab up from below, closing the cracks and gaps. This process is sometimes called pressure grouting and is a less expensive and invasive process to the integrity and structure, rather than pouring a new slab foundation to a standing structure. 

Mudjacking is an effective solution to fill voids and provide adequate support for the structure. This technique can be done with large or small structures, as well as from mild to severely out of elevation. The process begins by marking the floor every six to eight feet, where two inch holes will be drilled into the floor by placing a drill box over the marking. 

Once the holes are drilled the cement and sand mixture and combined with water and then pumped into the drilled holes. This pushes the mixture under the structure, carefully lifting the slab back into place. Throughout the process we measure and level throughout the slab to ensure it’s properly in place and level once finished. We then fill the drilled holes with concrete, and clean the workspace. 

Benefits of Mudjacking

Mudjacking is a popular way to repair slab foundations. And although it’s not always the right choice, it has a variety of benefits and situations where it should be done. 

Here are a few benefits of mudjacking:

• It’s affordable—mudjacking is often more affordable than replacing an entire concrete slab.
• It takes less time—the technique takes less time to complete than others. Depending on the size of the project and damage to existing concrete, mudjacking can be completed within one day.
• It fixes the problem—when you opt to replace your entire slab, it doesn’t address the underlying issue: the soil. When mudjacking is used, it fills the pockets of soil voids, resulting in a more stable, secure solution.
• It’s non-invasive—mudjacking will not disturb your existing landscaping. It’s a non-invasive solution that doesn’t require digging, large machinery, or loud noise.
• It’s eco-friendly—Last, mudjacking is an eco-friendly alternative to replacing the slab entirely. Not only is the mixture made up of natural material, but it reduces the amount of material needed. You aren’t digging up an old slab, needing to dispose of the old concrete, and putting an entirely new one in.

Is mudjacking right for you? This technique can be an excellent way for you to truly fix the underlying problem in an affordable, eco-friendly, non-invasive way. However, in order to know if it’s the best solution, contacting a highly-experienced foundation repair company is your best option. 

Foundation Repair Solutions from Perma Pier

When you’re in need of foundation repair, you need solutions that work the first time. At Perma Pier Foundation Repair of Texas, we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of service in the industry, creating lifelong customers. Our extensive experience spans several decades, with over 30,000 successfully completed foundation repair projects for residential and commercial properties.

Get in Touch

Through our science-backed approach and thorough evaluation, we’ll prepare a customized repair plan to ensure the health and integrity of your foundation where it needs to be. With our experienced staff, quality products, and solid work integrity, we’ll do our best to provide you with a more than satisfying end result. If you’re in need of foundation repair, schedule a no-cost evaluation plan today—we look forward to serving you!