Do you not have enough of a budget but need to get your driveway fixed as soon as possible? Are you thinking about how long mud jacking last? Are you wondering about the possible options that you can opt for without having to spend too much? Well, Mud Jacking is one such process that can help put your worries at ease. Also known as concrete leveling or slab jacking, mud jacking is all about involving a process that is used to repair uneven sidewalks, the slope outside the house, driveways, patios, and multiple other surfaces as well.
Mud Jacking has been around for several decades now and it has been a concrete repair technique since the earliest 20th century. While it was known as a process that was particularly famous for highways and bridges, over time it has been refined and improved to meet the standards of today’s technology.
If you’re considering mud jacking as a technique that can help fix your driveway or you want to learn more about this technique, make sure to give this article a detailed read till the very end.
What is the Process of Mud Jacking?
Before we dive into the details about how long mud jacking last, it is important for you properly understand what the process is all about. The process of mud jacking involves making small holes into the place that has sunken, for example, a driveway or the patio and then filling the void underneath the driveway or the patio.
The professionals who take care of this part, usually carry out the process by mixing up some sand, oil, water, and cement and then they pour this mixture into the place that has gone down. Once the mixture pours down, the professionals wait until the slab of the driveway comes back to its former position and they don’t have to worry about it sinking again.
Later on, when the surface has been leveled properly, the professionals use fresh cement or similar materials to ensure that the surface has been smoothened out properly.
Initially, this might sound like a very complicated process to you but as the professionals have the right tools and years of experience, they will be able to get done with this job within a very less amount of time.
Is Mud Jacking a Popular Choice?
When it comes to getting mud jacking done, you will be glad to know that it is a popular choice among most people and many of them consider getting it done. There are several advantages that mud jacking offers and we have listed them below for you so you can make an easier choice if you should be opting for it or not.
- Affordability
Whenever we talk about getting repair work done, one of the key factors that come to mind is whether the process will be cost-effective or not. The good part about mud jacking is that compared to replacing the entire slab, mud jacking simply helps you fix a certain part without having to spend a fortune. It saves you money by using the existing concrete.
- Time Effective
If there is an event coming up at home and you want to fix things as soon as possible, mud jacking will be completed within no time. In many cases, if you end up hiring the right professionals to get the work done, everything will be done within a few hours.
- Durability
Getting your driveway or patio fixed using existing material doesn’t mean that it won’t be durable enough or last for a long time. When the use of high-quality materials is involved, mud jacking can be counted as a long-term solution that will stabilize the soil and the slab.
- Efficiency
Mud jacking might involve drilling small holes into the slab, creating a mixture to add to the slab, or using professional equipment but it is surely an efficient process. The drilling part will be done within no time so if you’re worried about distributing the elderly, children, or neighbors that won’t be the issue here.
How Long Does Mud Jacking Last?
When performed correctly keeping all the checks and requirements in mind, mud jacking can last for a good amount of time when years. It is a strong and long-lasting solution but just like any other repair work out there, several factors have to be considered if you want to find out how long mud jacking last.
What was the problem?
If you can figure out what the problem was in the first place, you won’t be having trouble, later on, see why things aren’t working out. What was the issue that led to the concrete misplacement?
For example, if the misplacement happened due to soil or erosion issues then you will be able to retain mud jacking for a long period. However, if the soil has excessive moisture then you might face trouble with the mud jacking, and if the need arises again the same process will have to be repeated as well.
Concrete’s Condition
The condition of the concrete before the mud-jacking process will tell you a lot about what the situation will be like later on. For example, if the concrete was strong and sturdy with no issues like cracks then the mud jacking will last for a good amount of time. On the other hand, if the concrete is in bad shape cracked, and unfixable like how it was before, then the mud jacking will not be as effective and you will not be able to retain it as well.
Kind of Material used
The quality of materials used for mud jacking also matters a lot because if the quality of the materials is not up to par then the foundation will fall apart within no time. When professionals are working on the slab they must pay the right amount of attention to mixing, and follow the best practices according to industry standards. Additionally, they should also ensure that the base is solid and proper.
Maintenance
It is important to note that proper maintenance and care is vital because it will directly impact the longevity of the work that has been done. Make sure to take into account regular inspections, address minor cracks and issues, and avoid putting heavy loads on the concrete. If you continuously put heavy load on the concrete then you won’t be able to retain it for a long period and will end up either replacing the entire concrete or will have to get mud jacking done again.
Weather Conditions
Did you know that climate and weather conditions can directly hurt the mud-jacking repairs that have been done? Snow and ice can hurt the concrete which may cause it to crack or shift easily.
Moreover, when there is heavy rainfall all the time along with improper drainage all of these issues combined can end up compromising the state of the driveway or patio that has been worked on. Also, even if does rain a lot where you live, make sure that there are proper drainage lines that have been laid as those lines will help protect your concrete driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the cost of Mud Jacking compared to concrete replacement?
Compared to concrete replacement, mud jacking is much more cost-effective as well as time efficient. This process allows you to use the existing concrete slab without having to invest in a new one.
Q2: How long does it take to get Mud Jacking done?
Depending on the kind of work that needs to be done along with how efficient the professionals are, mud jacking should take more than a few hours at most. Then again, the time duration also depends on how big the covered area is and the intensity of the damage that has occurred.
Q3: Is Mud Jacking done on all types of concrete or some specific ones?
Mud jacking can be done all on types of concrete no matter where it is. It is commonly done on driveways, sidewalks, patios, as well as garage floors. You can always call in the professionals and ask them to inspect your place before the actual work begins.
Conclusion
If you were confused about getting Mud Jacking done and had some important queries in mind we are hopeful that your queries and questions must have been cleared by now. Mud Jacking is a crucial process that is best known to professionals, which is why we recommend hiring a professional only instead of trying DIY. If you have some concerns about the process and whether you’re concrete will be able to survive mud jacking or not, you can always ask experts for advice on how long mud jacking last and what would be the best way to get it done.
