When concrete surfaces like driveways, pavements, walkways, or slabs start sinking, most property owners assume replacement is the only solution. But there’s a faster, cheaper alternative — mudjacking, also known as slabjacking or concrete lifting.

Mudjacking is a construction method where a slurry mixture is pumped beneath a sunken concrete slab to raise it back to its original level. It restores the height, eliminates tripping hazards, and fills empty voids beneath the slab.

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking involves pumping a mixture of soil, cement, and water (called slurry) into strategic holes drilled into the sunken concrete.
As the slurry fills voids beneath the slab, it builds pressure and lifts the concrete back to the intended elevation.

Key facts about the process:

• Small holes (1.5”–2.5”) are drilled through the concrete.

• A hydraulic pump pushes the slurry through a hose into the voids.

• The slab rises gradually as voids fill and the mix hardens.

• It provides temporary leveling—not a permanent structural fix.

Features of Mudjacking

Mudjacking is ideal when the concrete is sunken but still structurally sound. It focuses on restoring elevation rather than repairing damaged concrete.

Characteristics:

• Uses an eco-friendly slurry mix (topsoil + Portland cement + water).

• Lifts settled slabs without total replacement.

• Quick, non-invasive process.

• Best for non-structural slabs.

Where Mudjacking Works Best

Mudjacking is suitable for:

• Uneven walkways and pavements

• Sinking driveways

• Cracked or settled sidewalks

• Sunken patios and porches

• Sagging parking lots

• Concrete areas without structural damage

It is NOT suitable for:

• Severely cracked, crumbling, or structurally compromised slabs

• Structural foundations

• Surfaces with delicate finishes (tiles, decorative coatings)

Advantages of Mudjacking

• Cost-effective: Much cheaper than replacing the entire slab.

• Fast: Most projects finish in a few hours.

• Eco-friendly: Uses natural materials.

• Requires minimal equipment: No heavy machinery needed.

• Restores usability quickly.

Disadvantages of Mudjacking

• Does not fix cracks — it only realigns them.

• Temporary solution: Does not address underlying soil or drainage issues.

• May damage tiled or decorative surfaces.

• Slabs with serious structural issues cannot be repaired with mudjacking.

Mudjacking FAQs

1. What is mudjacking in construction?

Mudjacking is a concrete leveling method where a slurry mix is pumped under a sunken slab to lift it back to the correct height.

2. Where is mudjacking used?

It works for sidewalks, patios, porches, driveways, parking lots, and other non-structural slabs.

3. What are the drawbacks?

It doesn’t repair cracks, may harm tiled surfaces, and is not suitable for heavily damaged or structural concrete.