
Mud jacking (also known as Grout Injection) is a foundation and slab repair technique that can work just like the name suggests: Mud can be used to jack up or support a foundation that has settled. If the idea of relying on mud to stabilize a damaged foundation doesn't inspire confidence, read on for more details.
The first thing to know is that the "mud" isn't mud at all, but usually a mixture of water, soil, sand and Portland cement. Sometimes a urethane based resin, or expanding foam is also used. Pumped as a thick "slurry", this mixture eventually cures to become a solid mass with a lot more strength and stability than mud. Its properties make it become harder than mud, but not as heavy as concrete.
Mud jacking is used in two main ways to repair damaged foundations. If a foundation footing and/or perimeter wall has settled, a foundation repair specialist can bring settled sections back to level by installing push piers or helical piers. After using the piers to help lift the masonry back to level, mud jacking is done to fill the void, or empty space beneath the footing.
Mud jacking can also be used to force a settled concrete slab back up into its original position. With this repair, holes are drilled in the slab so that mud can be pumped into the void beneath it. Pumping continues until the slab is pushed up into its proper place. This same technique is usually used outdoors where access is easy and a messier installation is tolerated. If the problem is indoors, and a long term warranty is required, a slab pier can be used to do the heavy lifting, and the mud jacking fills the void. With this method the slab is supported by load bearing soils much deeper in the ground. This is especially common in finished rooms and commercial buildings where a permanent solution is required.
In all cases, mud jacking demands a contractor with excellent knowledge of local soil conditions as well as specialized equipment and the know-how to use it effectively. Contact us today for a free foundation inspection.