Mudjacking and slabjacking
The original way to lift concrete: drill, pump slurry underneath, and bring the slab back up without tearing it out.
Mudjacking, also called slabjacking, has been used to raise concrete for decades. The contractor drills holes through the slab, usually an inch or more across, and pumps in a thick slurry. Mixes vary by company; they're often made from cement with sand, soil or limestone screenings. The slurry fills the void first, and as pressure builds it lifts the slab.
Why choose mudjacking?
- Cost. It is often the lower-cost lifting method, especially on large, simple slabs like a long driveway or a run of sidewalk.
- Solid fill. The slurry hardens into a dense layer under the concrete.
- Long track record. Many older Mankato-area driveways and walks have already been mudjacked once.
What are the trade-offs?
- Holes are larger, so the patches are easier to see
- The material is heavy, which adds load to soil that already settled
- It usually needs longer to set before you drive on it
- Slurry can wash out over time if water keeps running underneath
Mudjacking compared with foam
| Mudjacking | Foam lifting | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement-based slurry | Two-part polyurethane |
| Typical hole | About 1 to 2 inches | About 3/8 to 5/8 inch |
| Added weight | Heavy | Light |
| Back in use | Often the next day | Often within an hour |
| Relative price | Usually lower | Usually higher |
Can a slab be mudjacked again?
Often, yes. A slab that was mudjacked years ago and has dropped again can usually be lifted again, either with more slurry or with foam. Ask the contractor why it dropped the second time, because a repeat usually points to water.
What affects the cost?
- The volume of slurry needed
- How many slabs, and how big
- Access for the pump truck and hoses
- Patching, joint sealing and crack repair afterward
Pricing comes from the contractor after an on-site look, because the size of the void and the reason the slab dropped drive the cost. We don't quote prices, and a phone estimate is only a rough guess until someone has measured the concrete.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is mudjacking the same as slabjacking?
Yes. Both names describe pumping a slurry under a sunken slab to fill the void and lift it.
How long does a mudjacking job take?
A typical residential slab often takes a few hours. Drying time before you drive on it depends on the mix, so ask the contractor.
Related services
- Polyurethane foam lifting
- Driveway and garage floor lifting
- Sidewalks, steps and patios
- Joint sealing and crack repair
More background: Mankato concrete lifting guide.
Slab dropped, tipped or pulling away from the house?
Call and a Mankato-area lifting contractor will come look and give you a quote.