Mudjacking Services | Corpus Christi
Mudjacking – Slabjacking – Pressure Grouting
Concrete leveling, slab leveling, mudjacking – also known as “pressure grouting” or “slabjacking” — is the process in which a mixture of grout and/or concrete, or “mud,” is injected from atop the foundation via a small hole drilled through the foundation to the void underneath. The physics of hydraulic pressure takes over and lifts the foundation up to a prescribed distance, eliminating the deflection.
While there will be the need to access the interior of your building or home to drill, fill, and subsequently patch a small hole, mudjacking is still one of the faster and least invasive types of foundation repair when interior lift is needed. This method eliminates the need to break through large sections of the slab to access the underside of your foundation.
The Mudjacking Method of Concrete Slab Repair
- Drilling small holes through the compromised concrete surface
- Pumping grout (water and concrete mixture) into holes
- Ensuring that existing voids are filled, the grout dries and provides a hydraulic lift to the slab so it becomes level
Mudjacking is a relatively swift and noninvasive way to bring uniformity back to your concrete slabs. If your home or property is suffering from uneven patios or walkways, then contact us about fixing your problems. One of our foundation repair consultants can assess your property and, if needed, offer you a long lasting and affordable solution.
Contact us about your concrete slab repair options
Streem Foundation Repair stands on decades of successful experience in all forms of concrete remediation. We can guide and help you make an informed decision. Contact us today for a no-obligation evaluation.
Why Should I Fix My Concrete?
Uneven concrete slabs (such as sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, patios, and floors) are more than just eyesores. They’re also safety hazards, which can cause injuries and even lawsuits. It was common in the old days to fix concrete slabs by digging them up and replacing them with one that has been freshly poured, which was a process that was both expensive and time-consuming. That doesn’t include the time you had to wait for a new slab to dry and harden.
It was also impossible to match the color of anew slab to the concrete that’s already there, which hardly made it an “invisible repair.” So, raising the slab became a better option (which can be done through a process known as “mud jacking”). It involves drilling holes into the concrete and injecting a mixture inside the material to lift the slab.
Why Do Concrete Slabs Become Uneven?
Concrete slabs can sink for a variety of reasons. The surrounding soil can swell when it gets wet, and it can sink when it dries out. This back-and-forth process is a seasonal thing that can cause the soil to move. This can destabilize the concrete slab over time. Drainage problems could allow too much water to get under the slab, which can cause the soil to wash away. This can cause voids to form as the slab starts to sink.
You can probably see how expansive tree roots can destabilize a concrete foundation as much as a sidewalk. Not only can they push up against the slab, but they can also soak up moisture from the soil. This can cause shrinking and will eventually lead to the formation of voids under the slab.
More About The Mud Jacking Process
Mud jacking can be an effective way to fix a settled concrete slab without doing a complete replacement. A pump is used to inject mud under the slab through holes that are drilled near the concrete surface. The mud is a mixture of Portland cement, topsoil, and water. It’s pumped through hoses and into the drilled holes. The mixture lifts the slab by filling the voids and vacant spaces located underneath, which hardens to provide solid support.
Mud jacking is able to fix to a concrete surface that has gone through some type of settlement. It neither fixes the structural problem, nor does it improve the durability of the surface. It can, however, be a good solution for the following reasons:
- The concrete surface has settled but is still structurally sound. It just needs to be lifted up to its intended position.
- A full replacement isn’t immediately necessary because of the lack of funds or time, but the surface needs to be temporarily fixed until it’s time for a complete replacement.
Mud jacking is less expensive than replacing the entire concrete slab. Because it uses a slurry mix of water, soil, and cement, it’s more environmentally friendly. The process can generally be completed in a few hours.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair.