Mudjacking | Frequently Asked Questions

What is mudjacking? 

Mudjacking, sometimes known as “concrete leveling,” is the process of evening out concrete surfaces by flattening the ground it sits on. 

What types of concrete surfaces do you work on? 

We provide mudjacking services for all common problem areas, like sidewalks, driveways, garage floors, slab patios, and concrete steps. 

What locations do you serve? 

We proudly provide mudjacking services to customers in Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo, Sun Prairie, Madison, Beaver Dam, Lodi, and surrounding areas. 

How does mudjacking work?

Mudjacking means leveling out the ground underneath a concrete surface so the concrete lays flat. We start the process by determining where exactly the concrete needs to be leveled. We then drill small holes in the concrete and insert a mud mixture below it until the concrete becomes level. Then, we refill the holes and you can use the area again within hours. 

Why would I need mudjacking? 

Ensuring the concrete in and around your home is level is more important than you might think. Uneven sidewalks, driveways, and porches can collect water which can seep into your home’s foundation. It can also be a tripping hazard and it just doesn’t look good! Mudjacking is a very helpful process for keeping your home safe and dry. 

How much does mudjacking cost? 

Prices for mudjacking services can range from a couple hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. The price depends entirely on the size and scope of the job. Give us a call to schedule your free estimate. 

Is it bad to put off mudjacking? 

When it comes to the health of your home’s foundation, you don’t want to wait to make crucial fixes. When the concrete around your home experiences movement, it can put tremendous pressure on your home’s foundation, possibly leading to cracks that can allow water into your basement. Wisconsin rain, snow, and ice all cause soil movement that can make these problems worse over time. Mudjacking may not be a fun home improvement, but it is absolutely necessary to keep your home healthy and stable. 

Why does concrete move? 

Concrete moves because the soil under it is moving. Changes in the weather, creeping tree roots, and plumbing leaks can all cause soil to shift, moving the concrete on top of it. The issue can also start with the construction of the sidewalk, driveway, etc. if the soil was not properly compacted. 

Should I just get my concrete replaced? 

Replacing concrete can actually be much more expensive than fixing it, and this largely has to do with the amount of labor involved. Tearing out, removing, and replacing concrete can take up to 8 hours even for a small project. Then you need to wait for the new concrete to dry before walking on that surface. Mudjacking is a much faster process and allows you to walk or drive on the surface within hours. 

How long does mudjacking last? 

Another reason mudjacking is worth the investment is that it lasts. Most mudjacking repairs last 8 to 10 years, some even longer than that. Fixing the issue that caused the soil movement in the first place, whether its a leaky pipe or invasive tree root, will also make the mudjacking repair last longer. 

What is polyjacking? Is it different than mudjacking? 

Polyjacking is a concrete leveling strategy that is nearly the same as mudjacking, but uses a different filler material. With polyjacking, holes are drilled in the concrete near the problem area and the soil underneath is filled with foam material until the concrete levels out. Mudjacking levels concrete using a mud mixture. 

Polyjacking is a cleaner and easier process but is more costly than mudjacking. No matter what material you go with, though, it will likely be cheaper than replacing your concrete. 

Is mudjacking always better than replacing concrete? 

While mudjacking is a great solution to most concrete movement issues, it can’t solve everything. If the concrete has deteriorated substantially or the soil underneath it moves frequently, mudjacking may not be a solution. Wondering if mudjacking is right for you? Give us a call today for a free estimate.