Mudjacking, also known as slab jacking or concrete leveling, is a cost-effective method used to repair sunken or uneven concrete surfaces.
Whether it’s a sidewalk, driveway, patio, or foundation, mud jacking offers a practical solution for restoring the stability and functionality of concrete structures.
However, before undertaking such a project, it is essential to consider the cost implications involved.
What is the cost of mudjacking? Mudjacking typically costs between $3 and $8 per square foot. The overall expense for a complete mudjacking project varies from $1,600 to $7,000, depending on the extent of repairs required.
The cost of mud jacking can vary depending on various factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the geographical location, and the extent of the damage to the concrete.
What is Mudjacking and How Much Does It Cost per Square Foot?
The cost of mud jacking ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot. In order to lift concrete surfaces, such as in driveways, patios, and porches, mud jacking is used.
To level a slab and prevent sinking or breaking caused by hollow spaces beneath it, water, cement, and soil are pumped through a hole to level it.
Costs of Mudjacking vs. the Cost of Replacing a Concrete Slab
You can expect to spend a little over $2,000 on mud jacking repair based on this information. You may be wondering what the cost of replacing a concrete slab is.
Let’s begin by examining the costs associated with removing your old concrete. HomeAdvisor.com estimates that that will cost $982 on average. It can, however, cost as much as $2,837 just to remove the waste.
Here is how much a new concrete slab cost. The cost of a 200-square-foot slab could exceed $2,000. The cost of a replacement slab can reach $5,000 or more on the high end.
When you compare the cost of removing the concrete slab and replacing it with the cost of mud jacking, it becomes clear that mud jacking is a more affordable option. A mud jacking project costs about the same as removing an existing slab.
How Much Does Mudjacking Cost by Flooring Type?
There are some surfaces that require added support, which may require a different material or leveling method when mud jacking the garage floor versus mud jacking the foundation slab.
Foundation Jacking Cost
Foam jacking can cost between $10,000 and $25,000 for a 1,500-square-foot concrete foundation, whereas mud jacking can cost $4,500 to $9,000 per square foot.
Leveling Concrete Subfloor
Depending on the method and condition of the concrete subfloor, leveling a 200-square-foot subfloor for tiling costs between $360 and $5,000.
In order to look good and prevent cracks, hardwood or tiles need a very level surface. Self-leveling should be sufficient if the uneven area is small.
Concrete Patio Leveling Cost
It costs between $360 and $5,000 to level a 200-square-foot concrete patio. The cost of mud jacking a concrete patio varies according to the severity of the sagging and the design of the patio.
Garage Floor Leveling Cost
It costs approximately $1,100 to $2,200 to mud jack a 2-car garage. Alternatively, you can mud jack your garage for around $300 if only one section needs repair.
Sidewalk Jacking Cost
Mudjacking and foam jacking cost approximately $300-600 per 100 square feet and $800-1,800 per 100 square feet, respectively.
Driveway Leveling Cost
Foam-jacking a 200-square-foot concrete driveway costs between $1,400 and $3,000 and mudjacking it costs about 600 to $1,200. The cost of mudjacking or foam jacking a 450 square foot driveway ranges from $1,400 to $2,700.
How Much Does Mudjacking Cost by Method?
You can calculate the total cost of mudjacking by taking into consideration factors like the mix of the slurry, the slab size, the location, and the method you’re using. A list of different mudjacking methods and techniques can be found here.
Self-Leveling Cost
The cost of concrete self-leveling varies from $1 to $5 per square foot. Unlike mudjacking, self-leveling can only be used on slabs that are less than an inch sunk.
Generally, it is safe for simple surfaces (non-bearing) rather than basements or foundation slabs.
Sandjacking Cost
The slurry is pumped from the concrete slab’s sides without drilling the slab by mixing limestone sand with water. When the soil is wet, sandjacking is typically used. Sandjacking costs between $3 and $7 per square foot.
Polyurethane Jacking Cost
Foam jacking, also known as polyurethane, is lightweight and lasts longer than mudjacking after 30 minutes of curing.
Additionally, it is a great way to repair load-bearing surfaces like foundations, basements, or garage floors. The price of polyurethane or polyjacking varies from $5 to $25 per square foot.
Slabjacking Cost
Slabjacking uses a high-density foam material that sets in less than an hour after being injected through a 3/8-inch hole.
This is great for lifting areas with high traffic, such as driveways or highways. In addition to adding stability, it is permanent. Each square foot of slabjacking costs between $3 and $17.
Can I DIY Mudjacking?
For small areas without a structure, such as patios, DIY mudjacking is possible. You will have to rent tools and pay for the concrete, as well as any tools you purchase for DIY mudjacking.
For larger slabs or critical locations like foundations or basement floors, professionals will need to use the right equipment and materials to prevent further cracks.
There are, however, some concrete slabs that cannot be leveled or lifted. For more information on whether mudjacking is a good idea, consult a local professional.
DIY Vs. Hire a Concrete Lifting Pro
In deciding whether you can perform a concrete-lifting project on your own, the size of the area to be lifted is the most important factor. Concrete experience allows a DIYer to construct a slab no larger than four square feet.
Nevertheless, larger slabs require mudjacking equipment from house-leveling contractors near you. Weight-bearing equipment is required to prevent concrete slabs from cracking due to their high density.
How Long Does A Mudjacking Job Last?
Depending on the subsoil below, mudjacking can last anywhere from five to ten years. However, both mudjacking and polyjacking can fail without stable soil, despite foam jacks generally lasting longer and not breaking.
What Are Mudjacking Pros And Cons?
Many concrete pros offer mudjacking, which is a fast, effective and affordable alternative to pouring a new slab to fix sinking concrete. If the soil shifts beneath the concrete slab, mudjacking can cause the concrete to fall again in some cases.
Factors that Can Affect Mudjacking Costs
The cost of mudjacking repairs is usually just a few dollars per square foot. Concrete slab replacement, on the other hand, can cost close to $50 per square foot, due to delivery and disposal fees, equipment expenses, and labor expenses.
There are, however, some variables that can affect the costs of mudjacking. Large, settled slabs may have larger voids or air pockets in the soil beneath, so the size of the area to be repaired is important.
These empty spaces will need to be filled with more cement slurry, which will increase the cost of material.
Concrete repair jobs that are larger, of course, take longer to complete. The labor charges would therefore increase accordingly. Mudjacking expenses may also be influenced by location.
In confined areas or difficult to access slabs, concrete costs may be higher; however, these factors also affect new concrete costs.
Final Words
It’s important to schedule a consultation with a concrete contractor to determine the exact cost of your concrete repair job.
