Cracks are scary. And it is always terrifying to witness them occurring in the house. I mean, imagine your home dipping into the earth! The critical situation, right?
Issues like “cracks” occur for various reasons; it can be soil erosion, improper drainage, pipes leak, or wrong water diversion system throughout the house. Any of these problems may lead to disastrous results if not resolved. If all this hampers the foundation, the house may even collapse.
What is Slab Jacking?
Source: slabjackingmn.com
If the house level of the concrete slab gets disturbed, slab jacking is the idea to bring it back to its original position. It doesn’t not involve any damage to the slab. Basements, patios, driveways, etc, are more prone to such problems and raising a hollow portion in any of these areas with the help of slab jacking.
When and Why Should I Go for Slab Jacking?
Slab jacking is the possible solution when the problem is not in the whole slab on which the house rests, and it is only about a sunken part. It may not help in every situation occurring in the foundation. Materials filled in the process can not help fix the whole sunken house.
Here’s Why Slab Jacking is the Best Possible Solution for Smaller Sunken Parts of Concrete Slab.
- It is the least that can be done to repair the derailed concrete slab.
- There is no large equipment or crane required for this method.
- It is the solution with less destruction. No new construction or damage happens in this process.
- No hammers, just some construction buzz.
- No replacement of slab, only jacking and filling.
- The process is really quick and less disruptive
- Environmental friendly
- Comes with high strength.
- A highly durable solution
How can I Get it Done?
Source: Cormix.com
There are a lot of Foundation repair companies out there, and Pinnacle Foundation Repair is one of them. All these come up with experienced engineers and workers to execute the process.
Here are the Steps for How Slab Jacking is Done.
- It begins with drilling the slab, holes of about an inch or half of an inch are made in the slab.
- Once the holes are made, a mixture of stiff and stable materials like sand, gravel and ash is filled into the holes with the help of pressure pumps. Sometimes polyurethane foam is used as an alternative material.
- In the end, the drilled holes are plugged.
What Should be Preferred Mud or Polyurathane in Filling the Drilled Holes?
For me, polyurethane is a better option as it has more benefits than mud. As it does not require any pressure pump, and it comes in a form of hence does not get eroded easily.
On the other hand, mud is filled with the help of pressure and is less resistant to erosion. But it is the less expensive option.
The Cost of Slab Jacking
Slab jacking is, anyways a less expensive option to repair the concrete slab. To save the foundation from further degradation, I found it a commendable solution.
Reconstructing the slab or foundation involves a lot of demolition and money. And slab jacking is a less destructive process which also saves on the cost.
What all Causes Cracks?
Concrete slabs or foundation may lose their level due to soil erosion, water seepage near the foundation, improper waterproofing, plumbing problems such as leakage, the incorrect flow of water, and incorrectly placed drain dropouts, etc. Sometimes construction at the adjacent site may also hamper the soil surrounding the foundation.
To avoid all these situations, it is necessary to check on the soil conditions of the foundation of the house and the surrounding soil of the house. Also, while designing and constructing the house, it is always recommended to check on the house’s water flow and plumbing services; no downspouts should drain around the house. All water disposal should be at a distance from the house. Improper disposal of rainwater or any water pipe from the house may lead to soil erosion. And all this may reduce the soil density around the house. All these situations will eventually hamper the foundation.
Slab jacking is the process that helps to repair any portion of sunken concrete slab quickly in a less expansive way. But since it sounds easy and handy doesn’t mean it doesn’t require expertise. Whenever needed, always look for professionals like Pinnacle Foundation Repair.
FAQ’s
1. What is a jack slab?
The process of refilling the eroded material from the undersurface to level the slab again is slab jacking.
1. What is filled in the slab jacking process?
A mixture of sand, gravel, and ash with the help of pressure pumps is filled. Also, polyurethane foam is a newer filling material these days.
1. Which is better, mud or foam?
Foam filling is a less chaotic and durable solution than mud filling. Also, It can be done quicker but it is more expensive than mud filling.
