Some homeowners know if the driveway has a lot of cracks or if the driveway has pulled away from the garage. This is an indication there is a problem. You may be aware of the term “mud jacking.” Or you may have seen large, heavy cement trucks in your neighborhood. You may have spoken with other neighbors about the procedure for mud jacking. Mud jacking is a process that utilizes a mixture of water, dirt, and cement that is pumped into large holes drilled into the concrete to level the cement slabs in a driveway that are cracking or falling away from the garage. This process of mud jacking has been around since the early 1900s. Wikipedia barely mentions the outdated method of utilizing a “mud-like” substance. However, it does provide a lot of information on the most modern methodology, using ‘foam’ as the expanding concrete levelling choice.
Where can you use Lifting Concrete with Foam?
One of the major benefits of foam lifting is the smaller, lighter equipment used in this process. These characteristics make lifting a concrete sidewalk between buildings, such as an apartment, condominium complex or school, much easier for foam lifting companies. The hose and nozzle used to inject the 2-part polymer process can reach these hard places. Traditional mud jacking requires heavy equipment. This equipment is driven to the concrete, which needs repair. As careful as the workers may be, it is sometimes unavoidable that this process can destroy grass or landscaping.
Use foam to repair a sunken Garage and Basement Floor
Concrete slabs exposed to the elements, such as rain and snow, may seem to be more susceptible to sinking. A sunken garage or basement floor can have a void beneath it and be repaired with foam lifting. A basement or garage floor with a void under it will sound hollow when you walk on it or tap it with a bat or broom handle.
Is there any damage to the concrete during the lifting process with foam?
Small holes that need repair in foam lifting must be drilled into the concrete. However, compared to traditional mud jacking, the number of holes used in foam lifting is less, and the hole size is smaller. Compare the traditional mud jacking hole size of 2-3” with a foam lifting hole size of 3/8-5/8.”
How much does foam jacking cost?
Lifting sunken concrete with foam will be less expensive than replacing your concrete. On average, it will cost 40% less to repair concrete with foam lifting than to replace sunken concrete. A homeowner may find similar quotes when comparing foam lifting to traditional mud jacking costs. However, a striking advantage foam has over traditional mud jacking is that the foam is impervious to water, weather and compacting soil. The polyurethane foam takes approximately 30 minutes to cure and stay in place. Due to the nature of the mud jacking material- cement, water, and dirt- compaction due to a dry climate and lack of rain may cause the soil to sink again. Thus, the repaired concrete will need to be lifted and repaired again.
Is Foam or Mudjacking Better?
Based on our experience, Foam is a better material for lifting concrete back into place than traditional mudjacking. Thirty per cent of our work involves repairing and lifting concrete back into place when mudjacking failed to keep it there. Why? For the same reason, concrete sinks in the first place, which is why traditional mudjacking may fail. The water evaporates in the process, leaving gaps in the ground below.
Can concrete can be lifted or replaced?
Know if your concrete can be lifted or is beyond repair by having the sunken concrete evaluated by a professional. (You can also read more about the signs of a sinking basement, pool deck, or steps) Call Ken at Concrete Raising Systems. Ken and Jason have been in the foam lifting business since 2013. The Concrete Raising Systems owners come from the home building profession and can also assess if an underlying problem may need to be addressed before the concrete is repaired. Ken and Jason’s customers have found them to be honest and ethical. You will, too.
This article was originally published in April 2016 and has been updated.
I did not know that slab jacking with foam was a newer version of mud jacking which used to be used to level out cement slabs. Also, the fact that foam jacking is so much less expensive than replacing the sidewalks is very impressive. I think that this would be a great option for anyone who does not want to pay more money in the long run to replace their sidewalks or driveways.