FAQs
Concrete Restoration & Mud-Jacking FAQs
How is the concrete slab raised?
We strategically drill holes in the concrete slab and then use low-pressure pumping to fill the void space beneath with limestone grout. This material spreads out, lifting the slab to the desired position. Watch the video on the right for a visual demonstration.
What can be lifted?
Mudjacking is versatile, capable of lifting driveways, sidewalks, attached and detached garage floors, pool decks, patios, and even heavy industrial installations. It can lift any single-level poured concrete slab to the desired height or slope within a tolerance of just one-half inch, excluding precast steps.
How long does it take?
The lifting process is typically completed in just one day, and for smaller jobs, it may take a few hours or less. Within a few days of lifting, the drilled holes are patched with new concrete.
Does mud-jacking save money?
Certainly! If your concrete slab is in decent condition but has cracks or is sunken, we can raise it to the proper position at a fraction of the cost of removal and replacement. We offer a fixed-price quotation for the necessary work.
Is the process disruptive?
With no concrete to break up and haul away, and no need for forming, our process ensures minimal impact on the surrounding lawn and shrubs. The work is contained to the lifted area, leaving the entire surface cleaned to its original condition. The limestone mix used will not stain or damage the surface, and any excess material is effortlessly removed from the work area.
How much can a concrete slab be lifted?
Mud-jacking has the capability to elevate an entire slab or specific sections, ranging from as much as two feet to as little as one-half inch. It effectively raises broken areas to align seamlessly with the rest of the slab.
Why do concrete slabs sink in the first place?
Most concrete problems in Manitoba arise from a weak base, usually due to poor sub-soil compaction or drainage issues. When the base isn’t compact enough or gets washed away, the concrete slab settles, often shifting and cracking. The freeze/thaw cycles in Manitoba also impact slabs on an improper or saturated sub-base.
Will the newly raised slab settle again?
In most cases, no. Since the grout fills all the voids under the slab without shrinking, potential issues may arise only if the sub-soil has not fully settled or if any lingering water drainage problems persist. MuddRuckers offers a three-year warranty against future settlement.
What can I expect when MuddRuckers shows up to do a lift, and how do I prepare?
Typically, MuddRuckers arrives with a large unit for the lift and a half-ton truck towing a compressor. While we prefer to park equipment on the street, there are instances where driveway access is necessary for the lift area. Our team ensures a thorough cleanup of the site before leaving, addressing any mess from the lift. To prepare for our services, we require access to a water source for material mixing, and the lift area should be free of obstructions. For garage slab lifts, a clean and accessible surface area is needed.
What is our 'mud'?
We use a crushed limestone and water mix that remains stable and won’t shrink or expand, even after drying. This material is more effective than the original silt or topsoil used in early mud-jacking methods and beats current chemical and synthetic foam options. It provides an affordable stone-based fill that doesn’t degrade over time. Sourced locally and mixed on-site, it’s a 100% natural material. Instead of curing, it dries to create a sturdy and compacted base that is environmentally neutral. Importantly, it won’t stain or damage existing concrete, nearby structures, or landscaping.