Slab Jacking 101: How It Works and When to Use It

Slab jacking, sometimes known as mud jacking or concrete lifting, is one of the most effective methods for restoring uneven concrete surfaces. Whether you’re dealing with a sinking driveway, uneven patio, or cracked walkway, slab jacking can lift and stabilize your concrete at a fraction of the cost of replacement. At American Concrete Repair, located at 300 W Broadway St, Dickinson, ND 58601, we specialize in slab jacking and a wide range of concrete repair solutions designed to meet the unique needs of homes and businesses across North Dakota. If you’re interested in seeing how slab jacking could benefit your property, give us a call at 701-690-6359 or visit americanconcreterepair.com.

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What Is Slab Jacking?

Slab jacking is a concrete repair technique that lifts sunken concrete slabs back to their original position. Over time, concrete slabs can settle due to soil erosion, poor compaction, or groundwater changes. Rather than tearing out and replacing the affected concrete, slab jacking uses a unique material injected beneath the surface to raise it back to an even, level position.

At American Concrete Repair, our experienced concrete repair contractors use slab jacking to restore sidewalks, driveways, patios, and even larger areas like parking lots. The process is not only efficient but also cost-effective, helping you avoid the expense and inconvenience of a complete replacement.

How Does Slab Jacking Work?

The process of slab jacking is straightforward but highly specialized. Here’s how it works:

Drilling Holes: The first step in slab jacking is to drill small holes into the concrete slab that needs to be lifted. These holes allow for the injection of a lifting material below the slab. The holes are typically about the size of a dime and strategically placed for even lifting.
Injecting the Material: Once the holes are drilled, a lifting material, usually a cement-based slurry or polyurethane foam, is injected under the slab. At American Concrete Repair, we use high-quality, eco-friendly materials that provide long-lasting results. As the material fills the space beneath the slab, it begins to expand, gently lifting the concrete back to its original position.
Patching and Cleaning: After the slab is leveled, the holes are patched, & the surface is cleaned. This final step ensures the slab looks as good as new and blends seamlessly with the surrounding area.

When Should You Consider Slab Jacking?

Slab jacking is ideal for various types of concrete repair needs, especially when dealing with sinking or uneven surfaces. Here are a few situations where slab jacking is the preferred solution:

Driveway Leveling: A sunken driveway can cause pooling water, increase the risk of vehicle damage, and detract from your property’s curb appeal. Slab jacking can lift your driveway back to a smooth, level surface.
Concrete Sidewalk and Walkway Repair: Uneven sidewalks pose a tripping hazard and can lead to costly injuries. Slab jacking can quickly fix these issues, ensuring the safety of your family, visitors, and customers.
Patio and Pool Deck Lifting: Outdoor spaces are particularly susceptible to shifting soils and settling, which can create dangerous and unsightly uneven surfaces. Slab jacking allows for the safe, level restoration of patios and pool decks.
Industrial and Commercial Concrete Repair: For businesses, slab jacking offers a fast, effective solution that minimizes downtime. It’s precious for parking lots, walkways, and steps that see heavy foot traffic.

Why Choose Slab Jacking Over Replacement?

Replacing concrete is a costly, time-consuming process that requires demolition, removal, and repouring of new concrete. By contrast, slab jacking is faster, more affordable, and often equally effective. Here’s why slab jacking is a preferred method:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Replacing concrete can be expensive, especially for larger areas like driveways or parking lots. Slab jacking typically costs a fraction of a complete replacement, making it a budget-friendly solution for homeowners and businesses.

2. Minimal Downtime

One of the main advantages of slab jacking is that it can usually be completed quickly, allowing you to use the repaired area almost immediately. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on high-traffic areas like sidewalks and entryways.

3. Environmental Impact

Slab jacking is an eco-friendly alternative to replacement because it doesn’t involve disposing of old concrete. By injecting lifting material beneath the existing slab, you’re extending the life of your concrete and reducing waste.

4. Long-lasting Results

The materials used in slab jacking are highly durable and resistant to weather changes, making this repair method ideal for North Dakota’s harsh climate. Our team at American Concrete Repair uses only the best products, ensuring your concrete stays level and secure for years to come.

Slab Jacking vs. Poly Leveling: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard of poly leveling, which is another technique for lifting sunken concrete. While both slab jacking and poly leveling are effective, they differ in a few ways:

Material Used: Traditional slab jacking uses a cement-based slurry, while poly leveling uses an expanding polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is lightweight and cures quickly, but it can be more expensive than traditional slurry.
Precision: Poly leveling is exact and ideal for smaller areas, but traditional slab jacking is often more cost-effective for extensive commercial or industrial repairs.
Environmental Considerations: Both methods are environmentally safe, but poly leveling’s foam is exceptionally inert and moisture-resistant, making it a good option for areas prone to soil erosion.

At American Concrete Repair, we offer both slab jacking and poly leveling and can usually help you choose a good option for your specific needs. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 701-690-6359 or visit americanconcreterepair.com.

American Concrete Repair’s Comprehensive Services

While slab jacking is one of our most popular services, American Concrete Repair provides a complete range of concrete repair and leveling solutions tailored to the needs of Dickinson, ND, residents, & businesses. Here’s a look at our services:

Residential Concrete Repair and Leveling

Concrete Driveway Leveling: Prevent damage and improve curb appeal with our reliable driveway leveling solutions.
Concrete Sidewalk Repair: Ensure safe, stable sidewalks around your home by correcting any uneven surfaces.
Patio and Porch Leveling: Enjoy your outdoor spaces without the worry of trip hazards or uneven surfaces.

Commercial Concrete Repair

Parking Lot Repair: We offer fast, effective repairs for commercial parking lots, minimizing disruptions to your business.
Industrial Concrete Step Repair: Ensure safety for employees and visitors with our durable step repair services.
Commercial Slab Jacking: A reliable solution for large commercial spaces, slab jacking is ideal for warehouses, office buildings, and high-traffic areas.

Specialty Services

In addition to slab jacking, we provide specialized services, including:

Concrete Pool Deck Lifting: Safeguard your pool deck from damage caused by sinking slabs.
Self-Leveling Concrete Garage Floors: Achieve a smooth, even finish in your garage with our self-leveling solutions.
Concrete Walkway Repair: Keep walkways safe and accessible with our professional repair services.

Why Choose American Concrete Repair?

At American Concrete Repair, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality results, excellent customer service, and solutions that stand the test of time. Here’s why customers choose us as their concrete repair contractors:

Experienced Technicians: Our team brings years of experience to every project, ensuring that repairs are done right the first time.
Customer-Centric Approach: From initial consultation to project completion, we prioritize our customers, providing clear communication and flexible scheduling.
Top-Notch Materials: We use only the best materials for slab jacking and all our other services, ensuring lasting durability.

Contact American Concrete Repair Today

For homeowners and business owners in Dickinson, ND, slab jacking offers an efficient, affordable solution to uneven concrete. With American Concrete Repair, you can count on professional service, expert advice, and repairs that restore the look & function of your concrete surfaces. Reach out to us at 300 W Broadway St, Dickinson, ND 58601, call 701-690-6359, or visit americanconcreterepair.com to learn more about how we can help you with your concrete repair needs.

Don’t let sunken concrete be a safety risk or an eyesore. Contact American Concrete Repair today and experience the best in slab jacking and concrete repair services in Dickinson and beyond!

American Concrete Repair

300 W Broadway St, Dickinson, ND 58601

701-690-6359

americanconcreterepair.com

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