Over time the ground beneath concrete will settle do to soil compaction, also the freezing and thawing of winter time shifts a concrete slab.  The uneven sinking of sidewalks, patios, and driveways create trip hazards.  These conditions can be repaired through the process of concrete raising and leveling also known as mud jacking.  Mud jacking is the process of pumping slurry under concrete slabs.  The grout spreads out, fills any voids and gently lifts the sunken slab to the desired height and close to its original grade.

            A pattern of holes are drilled into the sunken concrete. The position of the holes must be carefully planned to get a desired effect since not all slabs sink evenly. The slurry used will take a path of least resistance. Placing a hole on the lower side will raise that side first and the opposite corner will normally drop as if being rocked into position. Before drilling holes care should be taken to locate any hazards that might exist.  The placement of drain lines, heating ducts if the slab is in a heated area.  Electric conduits are the biggest hazard so care must be taken to avoid electrocution.

The next step is to mix your slurry; it can be made using different materials. Sand/sifted soil and Portland cement, ground agricultural limestone, or just Portland cement can be used. The slurry is mixed with water in a mortar mixer until the desired consistency is achieved.  Too much water will make it runny and the pressure needed to raise the concrete cannot be reached.  To thick and it will be hard to pass through the pump.

            Once the slurry is mixed it is then poured into a pump and transported to where the holes have been drilled.  A hose attached to the pump is inserted into the first hole.  The pump generates hundreds of pounds of pressure pushing the slurry under the concrete filling any voids.  After the void fills the slab will start to rise. When doing large areas several holes must be filled in progression to avoid buckling that may crack the concrete. Because of the pressure generated the hose could be forced out of the hole, almost always this will produce a splattering of mud covering the operator and any object in close vicinity of the work area. Taking care not to overfill at to fast a pace will prevent such a mess and the possibility of injury.

            After all the slabs have been raised the final steps are cleanup and filling the holes. Cleanup is simple, a shovel to pick up the excess material and a garden hose to wash down the surface.  While spraying off the concrete avoid spattering any buildings or run off onto a drive that may be asphalt. Remnants of the slurry can leave white stains on the surfaces but, any that runs off onto grassy areas will not harm the vegetation. Mix small amount of cement or mortar mix to use as filler.  Carefully fill the holes with the mixture leaving just enough excess to allow for shrinkage. Once the filler has had sufficient time to set up use a sponge and water to lightly smooth the surface.

            Mud jacking is cost effective averaging one third to one halve the cost of replacing concrete plus Its faster and cleaner. Replacing concrete can leave the surrounding area tore up from its removal. Heavy equipment can tear up a lawn leaving the task of reseeding. Most repairs done by mud jacking are done in one day. Almost always it will appear as if no one had even been their.

Contact us at

419-335-9810

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419-266-4154

Or

e-mail me at

info@wurnsconcrete.com

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