Will I save money by mudjacking instead of replacing the concrete?
Absolutely! Mudjacking typically costs half, if not a third, as much as replacing your concrete.
Why has my concrete sunken or no longer level?
Over time, the natural processes of soil settling, erosion, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause your concrete to shift and settle. If you’re in an area like Chesterton, IN, where these natural occurrences are common, you may notice sunken or uneven concrete. The good news is that mudjacking can restore your concrete to its original level.
Is there a “void” in my concrete? What does that mean?
A “void” refers to an empty space beneath your concrete, usually caused by water eroding the soil. This can lead to buckling, cracking, or settling of the concrete above.
Could rodents be a reason why my concrete cracks and buckles?
They certainly could be. Some rodents, like groundhogs and chipmunks dig tunnels that may create voids under your concrete, and cause your concrete to buckle, crack, or settle.
Should I just replace my concrete instead of mudjacking it?
Tearing out and replacing concrete is often a costly process, typically far more expensive than mudjacking. Mudjacking is not only cost-effective but also much quicker. After mudjacking, you can walk on the area immediately—no waiting for concrete to dry. Plus, it’s a cleaner alternative to installing new concrete.
How long does mudjacking take?
Depending on the mudjacking service, you can expect mudjacking to take anywhere from 1 hour to most of the day. However, once completed, you can immediately use the fixed concrete.
Do I have to be home while you mudjack?
If you need exterior slab repairs, then no, you don’t need to be home. We can efficiently fix sidewalks, patios, etc., while you’re away. However, for slabs in your garage or other interior areas, your presence is necessary.
What exactly is the mudjacking process?
If you’re wondering how we fix uneven concrete, check out the mudjacking process page. Here’s the quick summary though:
Why should I choose concrete leveling instead of just replacing my concrete?
If your concrete isn’t severely cracked, concrete leveling can cost about half to one-third less than replacing it. You’ll also save time and avoid the hassle of extended concrete drying times. The process usually takes just a few hours, allowing you to walk or drive on the surface within hours instead of days.
Will there be a lot of noise? What about dust and debris?
Mudjacking pumps generate noise levels similar to a lawnmower. While the process involves drilling small holes, which may produce some dust and a bit of mess. But we clean it up!
Will mudjacking cause damage to my yard or sprinklers?
In most cases, mudjacking won’t damage your yard or sprinklers. However, in wet or soft yard conditions or while sprinklers are active, minor ruts may be created by the pump.
Could mudjacking cause concrete cracks?
There’s a slight possibility that your concrete may crack during the mudjacking process, especially if the concrete has small, unseen cracks at the base. However, these cracks are typically not caused by mudjacking itself. Employing experienced, professional mudjackers who use the correct process greatly reduces the likelihood of cracking.
How many holes can I expect?
The number of holes required depends on the size and extent of concrete leveling needed. The patched holes may not perfectly match your existing concrete, especially if it’s older. Newer concrete may exhibit a better color match, while older concrete will naturally darken over time to match the patched areas.
How will the holes look afterwards?
The holes are quite small, about the size of a quarter. And when we patch them, we do our best to match your existing concrete. So once we’re done, you’ll barely notice that we ever drilled.
Is it eco-friendly?
Yes we use all natural materials. Plus by repairing your concrete, there’s no unnecessary waste created by tearing our old concrete.
What happens if I don’t mudjack?
The outcome varies depending on the specific area in question. If you have a walkway or patio slab that slopes toward your home, you risk potential water damage as it flows toward your home’s foundation. For areas away from your home’s exterior, there’s the risk of tripping and falling, which can lead to additional costs for you and your guests. So when in doubt, consider slab jacking as a solution!
How can I prevent concrete from sinking or cracking?
To maintain level concrete, it’s crucial to ensure that the soil underneath is thoroughly compacted. Additionally, make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the house. Properly maintain your home’s drainage systems to prevent water from accumulating under the concrete, and promptly seal any holes or cracks in concrete slabs.
Is it possible to lower concrete slabs?
Mudjacking is primarily used to raise adjoining concrete slabs to achieve level ground. If you require concrete to be lowered, we can utilize a concrete grinding process to even out the surfaces.
Can you level my sidewalk if tree roots have caused it to lift or buckle?
In most cases, we can address tree root-related issues with your concrete. Using the mudjacking process or concrete grinding, we can level the affected area. However, when tree roots are responsible for the movement, lowering the concrete may not be feasible.
How long will these services last?
When you choose mudjacking or concrete leveling service, the results are long-lasting. Our grout product, a mixture of crushed rock, does not deteriorate or settle. While in some cases, soil erosion or shifting may occur, the concrete can be easily adjusted using the same access holes.
What maintenance is required after a mudjacking or leveling service?
Occasionally, minor maintenance may be necessary to uphold the integrity of your mudjacked or leveled area. Depending on the project, you might need to apply caulk to joints or make drainage updates, but these are simple tasks. We can provide guidance on what kind of maintenance to expect during your free estimate. Additionally, if we drill into colored concrete, we make every effort to patch the hole with a matching color, which requires no extra work on your part.
If I need mudjacking, does that mean my home has structural issues?
Generally, no. Mudjacking or concrete leveling is a proactive measure that can help prevent potential issues with your home’s foundation in the future.
What about DIY mudjacking?
While some individuals, like my father-in-law, have successfully completed their own DIY mudjacking projects, it’s not a straightforward task. My father-in-law, a retired farmer and skilled handyman, used specialized tools such as a tractor and large car jacks for his DIY concrete-raising project. Most of us lack the necessary tools and time for DIY concrete lifting. If you initially considered raising a concrete slab yourself but have decided against it, we encourage you to contact us. We are the top mudjacking contractor in Indiana, and we stand by our mudjacking services.
Do I need a building permit?
No, a building permit is not required for a mudjacking or leveling project.
What do I do next?
Call or email us today to get your FREE, no-pressure mudjacking cost estimate.
