A Cost Effective Solution for A Sinking Slab

A Cost Effective Solution for A Sinking Slab

Soils consist of solid particles and the spaces between these particles. However, void spaces in soil can cause big problems for buildings and concrete slabs. Concentrated loads, such as buildings or slabs can literally squeeze air and water from soils. When this happens, the soil sinks and the buildings or slabs follow closely behind.

Most of the problems with concrete slabs around your home are due to soils that have either eroded away due to water or were never properly compacted when the slab was installed. The third possibility, for very old slabs, is that all the local and underlying landscape has shifted over a very long time, such as on steep hillsides and near local creeks and tributaries. One inexpensive, but effective solution is called “mudjacking”, or concrete lifting.

 Mudjacking / Concrete Lifting

 Lifting a slab using this method can often be accomplished in just a few hours. After drilling strategically placed holes into the slab, a portable pump is used with flexible hoses to pump a special mixture underneath that slab, filling the gaps.

There are numerous benefits to concrete lifting:

  • Nothing needs to be moved off the slab, as the pump can lift the weight of the slab and anything you have placed on it.
  • There is little or no disruption to landscaping.
  • It can be done in virtually any weather. The material injected beneath the slab provides a strong base.

Driveways, patios, basement floors, warehouse floors, and concrete slabs of any kind can be repaired using the mudjacking method. It is a fairly widely used method, and goes by many names in different regions. This method fills the void beneath your slab with non-expansive material for a permanent repair, looking as good as it’s original installation in many cases.