7 Reasons Why Mudjacking Is Bad for Your Home

Written By Leah LeitowPublished on 11/10/2020Updated on 04/18/2024

Are you considering mudjacking as a solution for your sinking concrete?

Mudjacking, also known as slabjacking, is an outdated repair method used to lift and stabilize sunken concrete slabs. This process involves drilling holes into the affected concrete and pumping a slurry mixture—typically made of water, soil, sand, and cement—underneath the slab to raise it back to its original level.

In this article, we’ll explore several reasons why you might want to consider alternatives. Below, is a brief overview, and we’ll delve into more detail coming up.

It’s a temporary solution.
Over time, it counteracts the structural support it only seems to give.
It’s harder to lift evenly.
It’s aesthetically unappealing.
It could damage utilities under your concrete.
Bad warranties.
It’s not eco-friendly.

Why Mudjacking Doesn’t Work

Whether you need to repair your driveway, porch, pool deck, or sidewalk, mudjacking is rarely a good option, and here’s why:

1. Temporary Solution

Mudjacking is a temporary solution for lifting settled concrete. While it may initially raise the concrete, the underlying soil is likely to continue settling over time. This means that the concrete may sink again, requiring additional mudjacking or alternative solutions in the future.

2. Counteracts Structural Support Over Time

The slurry used in mudjacking is quite heavy, adding significant weight to your concrete. Over time, this can exacerbate the problem it’s meant to solve by contributing to further settlement rather than preventing it. A lightweight material is preferable as it helps halt soil erosion and maintains level concrete without further sinking it into the ground.

3. Potential for Uneven Lifting

Mudjacking is hard to get right. It might lift your sidewalk, but it also might not do so evenly, and that means tripping hazards.

Since the injected material fills all empty spaces, and the material expands and contracts as it dries, it can be challenging to control the exact areas where the slab and walls are lifted.

4. It’s Not Pretty

Mudjacking is ugly. The mixture splatters everywhere around your concrete and stains its surface, drill holes are about the size of a soda can, and the machinery used is known to make a mess of your yard.

5. Can Damage Underground Utilities

Mudjacking risks damaging underground utilities (water pipes, electrical lines, etc.). The pressure exerted during the injection of the material can cause unintended disruptions or breakages, leading to costly repairs and inconvenience. In particular, it could crack underground drainage pipes which means pools of water (or even waste) in your yard.

6. Warranties Aren’t Worth Much

If mudjacking comes with a warranty, it’s usually limited and doesn’t always cover any future maintenance for settlement, cracks, or anything else. It usually just covers the contractor’s mistakes.

7. Not Eco-Friendly

The materials used in mudjacking are not biodegradable and can have a negative impact on the surrounding soil and ecosystem. Additionally, the process requires the use of heavy machinery and equipment, which can contribute to carbon emissions and noise pollution.

FAQs

Is mudjacking noticeable?

The process requires drilling soda can size holes in the concrete, which are then filled, but marks remain visible.

Does mudjacking require special maintenance?

No special maintenance is required after mudjacking, but it’s important to address any water management issues to ensure the longevity of the repair.

Is mudjacking a long-term solution for concrete lifting?

While mudjacking can temporarily fix the appearance of sunken concrete, it does not always address the underlying issues of soil instability and water erosion. This can result in the need for repeated treatments as the soil continues to settle.

Why Choose PolyRenewal™ Over Mudjacking for Concrete Repair?

While mudjacking has been a common solution for lifting and stabilizing sunken concrete, it may not always be the best choice for your home. At Dry Pro, we offer a superior and eco-friendly alternative: PolyRenewal™. This advanced method has several advantages over traditional mudjacking:

Quick Cure Time: PolyRenewal™ sets and cures within 30 minutes.
Minimal Intrusion: The process requires only penny-sized drill holes.
Precise Lifting: Allows for exact calibration in lifting sunken slabs.
Durable Material: Uses a waterproof, lightweight polyurethane foam.
Soil Stabilization: Effectively stabilizes the underlying soil, preventing future issues.

If you’re dealing with cracked or sinking concrete, don’t wait to address the problem. Contact Dry Pro Foundation and Crawlspace Specialists today for a free inspection. Let us help you protect and enhance the value of your home with our innovative, long-lasting solutions.

Get Your Free Estimate

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

_{*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make any and/or every square inch of your concrete perfectly level.}