Take a look at your sidewalks and driveway. Do they look as beautiful as they once did or have they sunk or raised over time? In many cases, sidewalks and driveways will buckle and cause raised edges that become a trip hazard. If this is taking place on your driveway, it can make it harder to shovel and a bumpy and uneven ride for anyone driving on the slab. Mudjacking is an easy solution that will make your sidewalks and driveway safer and more attractive.
What is Mudjacking?
Mudjacking is the process of injecting concrete beneath a slab (like the sidewalk or driveway) to raise that portion and make it even with the rest of the slab. It is also used to fill voids beneath cement that can be a major safety hazard. The basic process does involve a little mess, but it will be cleaned up before we leave the job site and your cement slabs will be good as new by the time we’re done. This method of repair can be used on all kinds of concrete slabs.
Is Mudjacking Right for My Property?
Most likely! In most cases, mudjacking is the most common option for concrete slab raising and leveling. It’s a tried and tested method that will help you make your sidewalk, driveway, patio, garage, or other surfaces safe and attractive again. The biggest reason you may not be interested in mudjacking is that it does take time to set and it will depend on the weather when it can be done (i.e. not in the rain). If you have a job that needs to be done immediately, this may not be the option for you. However, if this is a regular repair, then mudjacking is most likely the best option for your concrete leveling project!
Are There Any Other Options?
There are lots of other options, depending on your situation. If the concrete is cracked, there may be deeper issues. This is especially true in the case of a slab foundation. It’s very important to get this checked out by a professional, like those at KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, because your home’s structural integrity is depending on the stability of that foundation slab.
In cases like this, we may recommend another method to support, stabilize, and level out your foundation. This could include pier systems including slab piers, push piers, or helical piers. Whichever method is chosen will be based on your specific problem and the root cause of that problem. Each case is different, so it’s difficult to say what the exact solution will be without an estimate. Luckily, we offer free estimates that you can take advantage of right now!
How Can I Tell If I Need Mudjacking?
Have you noticed signs of unstable concrete on your property? Sunken concrete in your sidewalks or driveway. Mudjacking can help to stabilize these weak or uneven surfaces to get the concrete level and back to normal. Here are some of the common reasons that mudjacking may be required.
Wet or Dehydrated Soil
Concrete settling occurs when the foundation below the concrete shifts because it can no longer support the weight of the concrete. This typically occurs when the soil expands due to moisture. It can also happen when the soil is dehydrated. Both of these situations can lead to concrete sinking. When this happens, cavities below the slabs cause it to crack or shift.’
Mudjacking, in this circumstance, fills these voids. Holes are drilled into the concrete to access the cavities in the soil, and then the holes are filled by concrete repair contractors with a compound such as a limestone aggregate. They use this material to level the foundation and eliminate faults in the pavement.
Washing Away of Soil
It’s no secret that Kansas City gets its share of serious weather. Significant rainfall, and plumbing leaks, can cause the soil to wash away. When this happens, the ground beneath the concrete shifts, leading to sunken concrete. This lack of support relocates the pavement, causing it to move out of place. The result is a tripping hazard due to unleveled slabs.
An option to consider is completely lifting the slab, smoothing the surface, and re-adding the soil. However, this can be quite costly. Mudjacking offers a very affordable and practical solution.
Instead of lifting and replacing the slabs, it enables you to fill the voids beneath while maintaining the integrity of the existing concrete. In many instances, it is not the concrete that is the issue but rather the foundation.’
Soil That Was Improperly Compacted
Its foundation must be smooth to achieve the ideal surface for patios, pathways, or driveways. The soil must be evenly distributed. Only then, will concrete slabs settle accurately? Poorly compacted soil that is not at its correct grade level will lead to breaks. Over time, the loose soil will form voids in the earth, causing slabs of concrete to crack and shift.’
Concrete repair in Kansas City, particularly mudjacking, can correct the holes caused by loose soil. Adding a suitable compound, like Polypier from Earth Contact Products, to these voids will help to fill the dirt by re-establishing strength in the foundation. With concrete leveling, the appearance of your pathway can be restored.’
For Concrete Repair Kansas City, Contact KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair
Has the concrete slab around your home shifted? If you’ve been searching for ‘driveway repair near me,’ KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair can assist. We offer concrete leveling, which can help to improve the appearance of your walkway or driveway
Give KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair a call! We are happy to schedule a free estimate for you and check out your property. We will give you expert advice on what your options are and what you can expect from the process if you choose to use our services. We are experienced professionals bringing Professional Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair to homes in Wyandotte County Kansas including Kansas City, Leavenworth, Atchison, Lawrence, Lansing, and Tonganoxie!
