Concrete Lifting / Mudjacking

Concrete Lifting, also known as mudjacking or slabjacking, is a technique used to raise sunken or uneven concrete slabs back to their original level. This process is commonly used for sidewalks, driveways, patios, and other concrete surfaces that have settled over time due to soil erosion, compaction, or other factors. The goal of concrete lifting is to restore the functionality, safety, and appearance of these surfaces without the need for complete replacement.

The process of concrete lifting involves the following steps:

Drilling Holes: Small holes (usually about 1 to 2 inches in diameter) are drilled into the sunken or uneven concrete slab. These holes serve as access points for the lifting material.
Injecting Lifting Material: A specialized mixture, often called a "slurry" or "grout," is injected through the drilled holes beneath the concrete slab. This mixture typically consists of a combination of water, cement, and other additives. The mixture is pumped at a controlled pressure to fill the voids and gaps under the slab.
Lifting the Concrete: As the slurry is injected, it flows into the voids and begins to expand, exerting pressure against the underside of the concrete slab. This pressure gradually lifts the slab to the desired level. The process is carefully monitored to ensure even and controlled lifting.
Sealing Holes: Once the concrete has been lifted to the desired height, the holes that were drilled are sealed with a material that matches the appearance of the surrounding concrete.
Curing and Stability: The lifted concrete is allowed to cure and harden, typically over the course of a day or so. During this time, the lifting material solidifies and provides stability to the slab.

Concrete lifting offers several advantages over traditional concrete replacement:

Cost-Effective: Mudjacking is generally more affordable than completely replacing the concrete slab, as it requires fewer materials and less labor.
Time-Efficient: The process of concrete lifting is typically quicker than tearing out old concrete and pouring new concrete, allowing the surface to be used sooner.
Minimally Invasive: Drilling small holes is less disruptive to the surrounding area compared to the extensive demolition required for replacement.
Environmental Benefits: Mudjacking reduces waste by reusing existing concrete and requires fewer new materials.
Preservation: Lifting sunken concrete can help prevent further damage to adjacent structures and reduce the risk of accidents due to uneven surfaces.

It's worth noting that while concrete lifting is a practical solution for many situations, there are cases where concrete replacement might be more appropriate, such as when the concrete is severely damaged, cracked, or structurally compromised. Consulting with a professional concrete contractor can help determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Mudjacking and Concrete Lifting in Rockford one of the most common problems with concrete slabs, foundations, and platforms, is that they can sink over time. This can cause the individual concrete slabs to buckle and crack. If you have a series of slabs, one might sink lower than the others, creating a hazardous obstacle for pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, and other users.

Thankfully, A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. has a solution. We can lift your concrete slab back into place by pumping liquid concrete underneath it. This process, called mudjacking or concrete lifting, is a great way to preserve the condition and extend the lifespan of your concrete constructions.

If you live in Rockford, Loves Park and Belvidere and think you’re in need of mudjacking services, give us a call!

You can reach us at: (815) 966-0164

What is Mudjacking / Concrete Lifting?

Over time, the structure that supports concrete slabs and keeps them level can erode. This process causes voids to open underneath the concrete, making them buckle, crack, and sink. Because concrete slabs tend to be very heavy and brittle, lifting them up to restructure the gravel or soil beneath is not an option. Instead, concrete construction companies like A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. use a technique called mudjacking.

First, small holes are drilled into the concrete slab. Then, a special mixture of expanding liquid concrete is pumped into the hole. This liquid concrete, also called slurry, fills the void had caused the concrete to sink. Because it expands when wet, it will lift the concrete slab back into place. Once the concrete is leveled, the holes will be patched up with concrete.

Who Could Benefit From Mudjacking / Concrete Lifting?

Anyone who has concrete slabs on their property. This includes:

Driveways
Garage floors
Barn floors
Patios
Paths

There are also many commercial and municipal uses for mudjacking / concrete lifting. The most common is city sidewalks. Everyone has experienced a sidewalk that is not level. In some areas, it feels like cracked, crooked, and sagging sidewalks are the norm. Of course, that doesn’t apply to Rockford, Loves Park and Belvidere! But when our city planners decide it’s time to renovate the local sidewalks, they frequently choose mudjacking / concrete lifting as an economic and long-term fix.

Other commercial uses for mudjacking / concrete lifting include:

Medians
Curbs
Sidewalks
Terraces
Street gutters
Walkways
Foundations

Is Mudjacking Better Than Pouring Fresh Concrete?

Some contractors falsely believe that mudjacking / concrete lifting is not a durable solution for sagging concrete. The truth is, we’ve used this technique on residential, commercial, and public property with continuous success. The real question is whether the concrete slab in question is worth lifting.

If the surface of the concrete is already showing cracks or is crumbling and beyond repair, then mudjacking is probably not going to be the solution for you. It’s not a universal fix. We’ve always had the best success when dealing with concrete that’s in good condition. Depending on the job, mudjacking can cost up to 50% of the cost of a newly poured slab of concrete. You want it to last. And we’ll make sure of it.

Call A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. Today

The best solution is to give us a call. We will give you an honest assessment of the condition of your concrete. If it’s possible and feasible to mudjack and level your concrete surfaces, then we will suggest that. If it’s not, we can discuss other options too.