Slab jacking, also known as slab lifting or mud jacking, can be used to fix a sinking piece of concrete. Small holes are drilled through the concrete that extend into the dirt below the concrete. Sand, cement or mixtures of dirt can be then be pumped in through the hole, helping to lift concrete up that has sunk due to the filler dirt below the concrete settling. If you are considering this process, you may want to learn more about the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are a couple of the pros and cons of slab jacking.
Cons of Slab Jacking
- Slab Jacking Will Not Extend the Life of Your Concrete Surface
One of the downsides to slab jacking is that it will not extend the life of your concrete surface. Concrete surfaces typically last about 30 years, depending on the amount of traffic and the mixture of the concrete. If your concrete is nearing the end of its lifespan and has begin to sink, it may not be worth investing in a repair technique, as you will have to replace the concrete soon anyways. As such, you have to consider the life of the concrete surface, as slab jacking won't extend it.
- Slab Jacking Cannot Fix Cracks or Crumbling
The other disadvantage to slab jacking is that it only fixes sinking concrete surfaces. It cannot repair cracks in concrete or crumbling. If your concrete surface is cracked or crumbled, these repairs will need to be made and need to fully cure before jacking can be done.
Pros of Slab Jacking
- Slab Jacking is Cheaper Than Replacing Part of the Slab
The biggest advantage to slab jacking is the cost. Slab jacking a sunk portion of concrete generally costs 1/3 of the cost of replacing the sunken portion. As such, if you are looking for the cheapest way to fix your sinking slab, slab jacking is the best option for you.
- Slab Jacking is Not as Messy as Replacing Part of the Slab
The other benefit to slab jacking is that it is not as messy or loud as replacing a portion of the slab. If the slab needs to be replaced, you have to have it jack hammered out, hauled away and then repaired. This can be a tedious, loud and dusty process. Slab jacking is noise-free once the holes are drilled in the concrete surface and not as dusty.
If you have a sunk piece of concrete, a concrete professional, like one from T. Luckey Sons, Inc., can help you determine the best way to repair it. In some cases, this may be jackhammering the concrete out and laying a new patch. In other cases, it may be slab jacking.
