Concrete Restoration & Mud Jacking FAQs
How is the concrete slab raised?
Holes are drilled through the concrete slab at strategic locations. A limestone grout is then pumped through the holes under low pressure. This material fills the void space under the slab and spreads out to lift it to the desired position. Click on the video to the right to see how it's done.
What can be lifted?
Mudjacking will lift driveways, sidewalks, garage floors (attached and detached), pool decks, patios and even heavy industrial installations. Literally any one level poured slab (ie. no precast steps) of concrete can be lifted to whatever height or slope desired within a tolerance of one-half inch.
How long does it take?
The lifting process can usually be fully completed in just one day, or for smaller jobs a few hours or less. Within a few days of the lifting process the drilled holes are patched with new concrete.
Does mudjacking save money?
Yes, if your concrete slab is in relatively good condition but simply cracked or sunken, it can be raised to the proper position at a fraction of the cost of removing and replacing it. We provide a fixed price quotation for the work to be done.
Is the process disruptive?
Because there is no concrete to break up and haul away and no forming is required, there is no damage to surrounding lawn and shrubs. The works is confined to the area being lifted and the entire surface is cleaned to the original condition. The limestone mix will not stain or damage the surface, and excess material is easily removed from the work area.
How much can a concrete slab be lifted?
Mudjacking can raise all or any portion of a slab as much as two feet and as little as one-half inch. Broken areas are raised to match the rest of the slab.
Why do concrete slabs sink in the first place?
Almost all concrete failure in Manitoba occurs because of a poor supporting base due to inadequate sub-soil compaction or water drainage. When the supporting base compacts or is washed away the concrete slab then settles and often also shifts and cracks. Freeze/thaw cycles in Manitoba also affect slabs on an improper or saturated sub-base.
Will the newly raised slab settle again?
Generally not. Because the grout fills all the voids under the slab and does not shrink, there will only be future problems if the sub-soil itself is still not fully settled or if any water drainage problems are not also resolved. Muddruckers warranties against future settlement for two full years.
What can I expect when MuddRuckers shows up to do a lift, and how do I prepare?
Typically Muddruckers shows up with a large unit to complete the lift as well as a half ton truck towing a compressor. Whenever possible the equipment is parked on the street, however, on occasion we are required park in the driveway to allow access to the area being lifted. Before leaving any job site, our staff takes care to clean the site ad remove all of the mess that may have occurred during the lift. In preparation for MuddRuckers, we require access to a water source in order to mix our material. In addition, the area being lifted must be clear of obstructions. If we are lifting your garage slab, we will need to surface area to be clean and accessible.
What is our 'mud'?
We use a crushed limestone and water mix that will not shrink or expand, even after drying. This material is far superior to the original silt or topsoil used in the early 'mud-jacking' techniques, and outperforms current chemical and synthetic foam options. It provides an economical stone-based fill that will not degrade over time. It is a 100% natural material that is locally quarried and mixed on-site. It does not cure but dries to create a rock-solid, and compacted base that is environmentally neutral. It will not stain or damage existing concrete, adjacent structures or landscaping.
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