Mudjacking

You might consider mudjacking—or slabjacking—if you have cracked, uneven, or sinking concrete structures on your property. This process involves pumping sand, soil, cement, and water below concrete slabs to restore them to their original position.

Unfortunately, mudjacking is an outdated concrete lifting method with many drawbacks:

Why Mudjacking Doesn’t Work

You might need to raise your driveway, porch, pool deck, sidewalk, or another concrete structure if it starts to sink or has an uneven surface. Mudjacking isn’t a good concrete lifting option for these reasons:

It’s Temporary

Mudjacking is a quick fix that doesn’t address the root cause of your damaged concrete—the underlying soil. While this method might raise concrete initially, additional settlement could cause it to sink again.

Mudjacking Further Contributes to Settlement

The mixture used in mudjacking adds significant weight to your concrete structures, which might cause the soil underneath to settle. A lightweight material works better to stop soil erosion and keep your concrete level.

It Doesn’t Lift Your Concrete Properly

With mudjacking, lifting your concrete evenly is problematic, resulting in uneven surfaces that cause trips and falls. The mixture fills empty spaces under concrete slabs before expanding and contracting, which is hard to control.

It’s Messy

Mudjacking materials splatter around your concrete and stain its surface. Further, the required machinery and drilling make a mess of your yard.

Underground Utility Damage

Mudjacking might harm your water drainage pipes, electrical lines, and other underground utilities, which are expensive to fix.

Limited Warranties

Warranties for mudjacking usually cover the contractor’s mistakes rather than settlement, cracks, or other issues. Better coverage is essential for true peace of mind.

Mudjacking Is Not Eco-Friendly

The mudjacking material isn’t biodegradable and damages your soil and the surrounding ecosystem. Installing this mixture also requires heavy machinery, which leads to carbon emissions and noise pollution.

Mudjacking FAQs

Is mudjacking a long-term concrete repair solution?

No. Mudjacking temporarily lifts concrete but doesn’t tackle the underlying soil problem, meaning your slabs will sink again. By contrast, PolyRenewal™ deals with the symptoms and source of damaged concrete, offering longer-lasting protection.

Is PolyRenewal™ faster than mudjacking?

PolyRenewal™ doesn’t require heavy machinery or extensive digging. It’s easier to install and cure in just 15 minutes, meaning you can enjoy your concrete structures again shortly after application. On the other hand, mudjacking is a slow process, taking up to 72 hours to dry.

Why do some homeowners prefer mudjacking?

Traditionally, mudjacking was popular because there were few alternatives. In recent years, advanced concrete repair methods like PolyRenewal™ are more effective at lifting concrete and stabilizing soil.

Why Choose PolyRenewal™ Over Mudjacking?

Historically, mudjacking has been a popular concrete repair solution for homeowners across Western Washington. However, more advanced methods like PolyRenewal™ are better suited to your needs.

These polyurethane foam injections offer several advantages over mudjacking:

PolyRenewal™ is available from Matvey Foundation Repair, your local specialist in Seattle, for concrete lifting and repair. Our range of custom-engineered products can create a safer and more attractive home environment.