You already know *a little* about mud jacking but are mainly concerned with timelines right now. How long does it take to do mud jacking? How long will people actually be at your house working on raising your sunken concrete surfaces??
At Anchor Foundation Repair, we understand that after cost, one of the top questions homeowners have about mud jacking projects (or any projects, really) is how long they are going to take. We can answer this question since mud jacking is a primary repair service we provide – I mean, who would know better than us?
In this article, we will quickly describe mud jacking and cover timelines for small, medium, and extensive mud jacking projects for residential homes. We will also add in prescribed wait times for resuming the use of your newly raised concrete surfaces.
A Speedy Summary of the Mud Jacking Process
Mud jacking is a concrete leveling technique used to raise and stabilize sunken concrete surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pool decks. Our standard process involves three main steps:
- Drilling Holes: Small, strategically placed holes (typically 2 inches in diameter) are drilled into the affected concrete surface. In some cases, jacks are used to assist with the raising process if the underside of the surface can be accessed from the side by digging.
- Pumping Slurry: A slurry mixture—composed of Portland cement, topsoil, and water—is pumped through the holes beneath the concrete. This mixture fills voids, lifts the slab back to its original position, and securely holds it in place once cured.
- Finishing Touches: After achieving the desired elevation, the drilled holes are patched with new concrete, and the surface is cleaned, restoring functionality to the area.
This concrete lifting repair method is cost-effective and relatively quick to accomplish. Mud jacking’s favorable speed and pricing make it a practical solution for addressing uneven and problematic concrete surfaces around homes and businesses that need to use the concrete areas daily.
How Long Does Mud Jacking Take? (By Project Size)
The duration of a mud jacking project can vary based on the size and complexity of the repair. While we can’t tell you exactly how long your project will take without seeing your property, here are some general guidelines categorized by project size:
Small Projects
- Description: Involves lifting and leveling minor sections of concrete, such as several sidewalk squares or a small patio area.
- Estimated Duration: Typically completed in a few hours to half a day.
Medium Projects
- Description: Includes repairing larger areas like multiple driveway sections, extensive sidewalk repairs, or a moderately sized patio.
- Estimated Duration: Generally takes a half to a full day to complete.
Extensive Projects
- Description: Encompasses large-scale repairs such as leveling an entire driveway, large parking lot sections, or multiple interconnected concrete surfaces.
- Estimated Duration: May require one to two days, depending on the project’s complexity and site conditions.
These timeframes are approximate and can vary based on factors like the extent of the damage, accessibility, and weather conditions. For a precise estimate tailored to your specific situation, it’s advisable to consult directly with us at Anchor Foundation Repair.
Wait Times To Use the Concrete Surface Again After Mud Jacking
After mud jacking repairs, the time required before using your concrete surface depends on the type of load:
- Pedestrian Use: You can usually walk on the repaired surface immediately after the process is completed. *Hot Tip* Be sure not to walk on the new concrete patches covering the injection sites.
- Driving Surfaces: You should be able to drive across or pass over a repaired surface without stopping after an hour or two.
- Vehicle Parking and Stationary Storage: It’s advisable to wait 2 to 3 days before parking or driving large vehicles on the surface to ensure the repair material has adequately cured.
Allowing the prescribed curing periods helps maintain the integrity and longevity of your mud jacking repairs.
How Long Does Mud Jacking Last?
Now that you know how long mud jacking takes and how long you have to wait to use your mud-jacked surface again, the last *how long* question is, “How long will these repairs last?”
Well, that’s a good one and difficult to answer. We can only think of a couple of rare instances where someone with a very poor drainage situation has requested a re-raise. But mostly, no one ever calls us back saying their concrete surface has sunken again . . . does that help??
At Anchor Foundation Repair, we want the best for the homeowners we help, and we know that you have a lot of questions. We’ve got answers for most of them. After 40+ years in business, we don’t mind sharing everything we know about concrete leveling, foundation repair, and under-slab tunneling. If a little info is what helps you most, then that’s what we’re gonna do.
Are you ready for Anchor to give you a pricing estimate for *YOUR* sunken concrete project? Reach out to us online to get your FREE mud jacking quote now.