It’s not a new technique but, surprisingly, it’s not as well known as it probably should be.
Slabjacking, also known as mudjacking, is a process that can help stabilize or even raise a settling foundation, walkway or driveway at about half of the cost of full replacement. Better still, it’s faster, can be done in all types of weather and can be used right away.
It’s not unusual for concrete foundations, walkways and pads to sustain some small amount of settling, especially in the first five years. Water in the soil, fill dirt with too much decaying organic material and extreme weather conditions can all contribute to slight changes in the soil under a slab, causing it to sink or move. Often the result is simply some unsightly cracking.
But when a foundation develops a large void underneath more serious cracking and instability can develop. Walkways or drive ways can become unsafe. As business and homeowners are liable for a trip and fall on their property, it’s vital to get these things repaired before they become an issue.
There are only two ways to deal with this problem. One is to completely remove and replace the old foundation, pad, driveway or walkway. The other is to stabilize it by filling the growing void underneath and, with a little extra pressure, slightly lift and level it.
The process of slabjacking involves drilling a few small holes in the existing concrete above the void, then pumping in a mixture of non-organic soil, fine sand, water, and Portland Cement.
This light weight material fills the void and can actually lift the slab up to even it out. It is strong enough to hold up a 12-story office building.
Once the filling process is complete, the drill holes are patched with a fast setting material that weathers and blends into the concrete. Patches become almost invisible over time. If the walkway or driveway has an aggregate surface, technicians patch with an aggregate patch for better overall blending.
Most slabjacking procedures only take about one day, depending on the size of the job. The treated slabs can be walked on immediately and can be driven on within 24-hours.The work that can be done in any weather.
In comparison, full replacement of a slab involves demolition and hauling away of the old concrete, re-grading and preparing the pour area, pouring the concrete and then a setting period.
It can take up to a week before a new driveway is cured enough to drive on and it can cost nearly twice as much as simply raising the slab.
It’s surprising then that slabjacking isn’t more widely used. Superior Slabjacking Inc. is one of only a small handful of local companies that offer the service in this area. They also emphasize the green aspects of the process.
Shannon Dodge, president and majority owner of Superior Slabjacking Inc. explained, “Slabjacking is a great alternative to removal and replacement of your concrete because it is environmentally sensitive. We are not disposing of waste (old concrete), it is less expensive than tear out and replace and property owners can use the concrete slab almost immediately after slabjacking.”
Patrick Hayes, vice president of sales and marketing for Superior Slabjacking, is also a Certified Green Professional and has been elected to serve on the Building Industry Association of Washington State Board of Directors.
The slabjacking process can be used both indoors and out. Warehouse floors, basements, garage floors and more can be repaired inside. Outdoors, the process can repair sidewalks, patios, driveways, porches, and more. Other uses for the material include filling old empty oil tanks. The company can also fill a space under a stoop or other gaps that may be attractive homes for unwanted animals such as raccoons, skunks or rats.
More information about slabjacking, including an informational video, is available at Superior Slabjacking Inc.’s Web site, www.superiorslabjacking.com. You can also call 1-888-88-RAISE. The service region for the firm reaches from Blaine to Olympia from their two offices located in Stanwood and Blaine.
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