Does my Driveway need Mudjacking?

It’s that time of year and homeowners all over Kansas City are asking themselves this very question. They’re asking because they see a variety of issues with their driveway:

• Uneven concrete slabs.
• Driveway slabs are cracking. (Some are cracking pretty badly.)
• Where the driveway and the garage meet has a 2-3” drop

You may be one of these homeowners. If you’ve had your driveway mud jacked before, you’re now frustrated. You spent a lot of money to fix a problem that has resurfaced. Your first reaction is to blame the company who did the “shoddy” work. Your blame would be misplaced.

Mudjacking may not be a permanent fix

The process of mud jacking with cement, water and dirt may not be a permanent fix for your uneven driveway or sidewalk. The weather conditions have been dry over the past few years. The water in the soil and in the mud jacking process is evaporating and now the compound that once held up the concrete is now sinking with the driveway! It’s not the mud jacking companies fault the weather has been dry! The process is inherently flawed or at best, at risk for repeat problems.

What is the Difference between Mud jacking and Foam Jacking?

Foam jacking or poly jacking uses a high-tech 2-part polyurethane foam leveling process. Mud jacking uses a mixture of dirt, water and cement. Polyurethane Foam is injected into much smaller holes- 5/8” and mud jacking holes are 2-3”. It is necessary to drill more holes in the mud jacking process as this mixture cannot flow easily into voids under concrete. Foam jacking expands 7 feet in either direction, lifting the concrete slab into place, so fewer holes are necessary. Foam jacking can be used in tight spaces between buildings. Mud jacking uses heavy equipment and can leave a mess and marks in your grass and landscaping. The foam is set within 30 minutes and you can use your driveway. Mud jacking is set in 4-6 hours. Polyurethane foam jacking does not retain moisture. It is impervious to water and will not erode with snow and rain. Polyurethane foam weighs 3-8 pounds per cubic foot whereas typical mud jacking can weigh 100-120 pounds per foot.

Should I Replace my Driveway?

That’s a good question. The only way to know the answer is to have a professional evaluate it. Replacing your driveway will be 50-70% more costly than fixing it. The owners of Concrete Raising Systems have a background in General Contracting. They can tell you, without bias, that your driveway can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. Their two-year guarantee ensures the advice given will be in your best interest.

You noticed the cracking cement and the uneven slabs in your driveway. In fact, you noticed them last year. The longer you wait to address this problem, the more expensive the driveway repair will be. It never costs you anything to call Concrete Raising Systems to get a quote to have your driveway repaired (or your sidewalk, porch, patio, pool deck, garage or basement floor). The more you know, the better informed you will be. When you have solid information, you can make the best decision for you about mud jacking your driveway.