How do I hire a slab-jacking pro?
When looking for a professional to lift and level your concrete, make sure you complete the following steps:
Verify their license and insurance: Pros may need a specialty contractor license and should have general liability insurance. Requirements vary by region, so it’s smart to check your local rules.
Get several estimates: A good estimate details the scope of work, materials (like polyurethane foam), and total cost. Getting at least three quotes for your slab jacking project helps you compare.
Read their reviews: Look for comments on good communication and lasting results. Red flags include concrete re-settling, messy sites, or hidden fees.
Look at their portfolios: Check their before-and-after photos for level surfaces and clean work, especially on projects similar to yours.
Find out if they have warranties: Many pros guarantee their work against re-settling. Ask what the warranty covers and what might void it.
Ask important questions: What material do you recommend and why? How will you protect the surrounding area during the work?
What factors affect the cost of hiring a slab jacker?
There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:
The size of the concrete slab: Raising a small section of a sidewalk will generally cost less than lifting an entire patio or garage floor.
The amount the slab has sunk: A slab that has only dropped an inch requires less material and time to lift than one that has sunk several inches and has large voids underneath.
The type of material used for lifting: Traditional mudjacking, which uses a slurry of natural materials, is often more affordable than poly-jacking, which uses an expanding polyurethane foam.
The accessibility of the project area: The cost may increase if the slab is in a hard-to-reach location that requires special equipment or extra labor to access.
The complexity of the repair: A simple, single-slab lift is more straightforward than a project involving multiple slabs, significant cracking, or working around landscaping and other obstacles.
What type of maintenance is required after jacking a slab?
A slab that has been jacked typically needs very little direct maintenance, as the repair is permanent. The main goal is preventing future settling by managing water around the area. This means keeping gutters clean, ensuring proper drainage away from the slab, and sealing any new cracks as they appear. An experienced pro should be able to offer maintenance tips after completing the job.
What can concrete contractors do?
Concrete contractors can build foundations, structures, driveways, concrete storm drains, raise or level concrete patios and much more. They can handle every step of the process, starting with framing the mold that the concrete is poured into. They then cut, assemble and tie together the rebar, giving the concrete its tensile strength. Finally, they pour the concrete in, mixing and conditioning it to ensure it cures properly. They will also take steps to ensure that no air pockets are trapped within it.
If you have a project that requires the help of a concrete contractor, reach out to one today to get a price estimate.
How long does slab jacking last?
Slab jacking can be a long-term fix, often lasting five to 20 years or longer. The repair's lifespan depends on the stability of the soil underneath and the methods used for jacking. Polyurethane foam tends to provide a more durable fix. If the underlying ground issues that caused the sinking are resolved, the repair may even last for the life of the concrete slab itself. Your slab-jacking pro can typically provide lifespan estimates for different repair methods.
When should I hire a slab jacker?
You may want to hire a slab-jacking pro if you're experiencing the following issues in or around your home:
Sunken or uneven concrete: Sections of a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or garage floor have settled lower than surrounding areas.
Tripping hazards: Raised edges or uneven slabs can create safety risks that slab jacking can help correct.
Pooling water: Concrete that slopes incorrectly may cause water to collect near your home or on walkways.
Gaps under the slab: Soil erosion or settling can leave empty spaces beneath the concrete that need to be filled and stabilized.
Slab jacking works best when the concrete is intact but simply needs to be lifted and leveled. An experienced pro can typically help assess your situation and determine if jacking is necessary.
What are the steps involved in jacking a slab?
Professionals typically follow a series of steps to raise the concrete and stabilize the ground below:
Inspect the concrete: The professional evaluates the condition of the slab and identifies the areas that have settled or need lifting.
Drill small access holes: Small holes are drilled into the concrete so lifting material can be injected beneath the slab.
Inject lifting material: A grout mixture or specialized foam is pumped under the concrete to fill empty spaces and gradually raise the slab.
Lift and level the surface: As the material expands or fills the void, the concrete is carefully lifted back toward its original level.
Patch the holes: Once the slab is level, the pro seals the holes with cement or patching material.
Final inspection: They'll usually end by checking the surface to confirm the slab is stable, level, and ready for normal use.
How long does it take to jack a slab?
Typically, it will take a professional a few hours to a full day to complete a slab-jacking project. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:
Size of the slab: The total square footage of the concrete that needs to be lifted directly affects the job's duration.
Severity of sinking: A slab that has sunk several inches will require more time and material to lift than one that is only slightly uneven.
Site accessibility: Pros may need more time if the work area is difficult to access with their truck and equipment.
Underlying soil issues: Voids or unstable soil beneath the slab can complicate the process and extend the timeline.
Curing time: The material used for lifting, whether it's a cement slurry or polyurethane foam, will need some time to cure and harden properly.
Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.
