Written by

Sarah Noel

October 18, 2023

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Mudjacking Cost

Mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot, and foam jacking is $5 to $25 per square foot. The average cost of slabjacking to raise a concrete slab is between $500 and $1,800, with most spending $830. Concrete leveling prices depend on the size and condition of the slab and soil conditions.

• Mudjacking is best for concrete slabs, driveways, patios, porches, walkways, pool decks, and steps.

• Foam leveling is best for load-bearing concrete that requires more support, such as foundations, basements, and garage floors.

Concrete settling or sagging is normal, especially when it's old. Some foundation issues can be serious and lead to additional damage if not fixed right away.

Concrete slab leveling is an inexpensive and quick way to fix uneven concrete and add structural support to a foundation:

• Leveling costs 25% to 50% less than concrete replacement.

• Slab leveling is eco-friendly and lasts 5 to 10 years.

• Stabilizes most concrete slabs in 1 day or less.

• The relatively noninvasive procedure doesn't affect the surrounding landscape.

• Foam is stronger than bedrock and provides more than enough support for slabs and foundations.

Mudjacking vs. Foam Cost

Mudjacking requires larger holes drilled and costs $3 to $6 per square foot, while the stronger polyurethane foam runs $5 to $25 per square foot. Each has considerable differences and is better suited for specific areas.

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is a method of lifting a sunken concrete slab by pumping a mud-like mixture under the concrete to make it level again. Mudjacking, also known as "slab jacking" or "concrete leveling," is a quick and cost-effective way to level sinking concrete foundations, sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

The mudjacking process starts by strategically drilling holes 1” to 2” wide and injecting material to fill any voids under the slab, raising the sagging concrete within minutes. Mudjacking is eco-friendly, cures in 24 to 48-hours, and typically costs 25% to 50% less than concrete replacement.

What Is Polyurethane Foam Jacking?

Foam jacking, also known as "polyfoam" or "polyjacking," is a modern version of mudjacking that levels concrete slabs in a less invasive way. High-density polyurethane foam is injected into ⅝” holes that expand to lift and level the sunken concrete. Polyfoam is stronger and longer-lasting than traditional mudjacking.

Concrete leveling foam cures in 30 minutes, is mold and water-resistant, is not subject to erosion, and provides 6,000 to 14,000 lbs. per square foot of support. However, it's more expensive than mudjacking.

Mudjacking Cost Per Square Foot

Mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot, while polyurethane foam jacking or PolyLevel runs $5 to $25 per square foot on average. Larger, thicker structures such as porches are more costly per square foot than simple slabs like sidewalks.

When Do You Need Concrete Leveling?

You need concrete leveling when:

• The slab begins to show cracks, sinking, or structural issues.

• There are signs of soil erosion from water drainage issues, plumbing leaks, or a lack of gutters.

• Windows and doors may no longer open or close correctly, showing uneven foundation issues.

What Concrete Can Be Raised or Leveled?

Both mudjacking and foam leveling can be used to raise any sunken concrete slab as long as it meets these basic requirements:

• The slab is made of concrete – You cannot use slabjacking to repair sunken blacktop, asphalt, or gravel combination paving.

• The slab is not cracked or damaged beyond repair – Badly cracked slabs won’t rise evenly when injected with fill material.

• The subsoil is compacted and stabilized – A poorly compacted subsoil that doesn't drain well never stops sinking until contractors build a proper base underneath it first.

• The home sits on a slab foundation – Foam leveling or mudjacking can't easily solve issues for foundations with steel beams.

When Not To Use Mudjacking?

Mudjacking works for most situations, although the thick mud may not get into every crack, and the subsoil could sink again over time. One solution is to drill more holes, which increases the invasiveness and limits the effectiveness.

Mudjacking may not be the best option for load-bearing parts of the foundation or if your concrete is severely cracked. Consider using stronger polyfoam or an alternative repair option if:

1. The slab is old and damaged beyond the point of repair.

2. Your concrete has cracked into many pieces smaller than two square feet.

3. A tree root is lifting concrete sections.

4. You have sinking slabs pinned to other structures like a house.

5. There are significant gaps between the cracked concrete sections.

6. You see leaning or cracked walls larger than a pencil’s width that indicate a larger foundation problem.

7. The cracks in your exterior walls go up several floors.

8. Doors no longer close properly, indicating shifting.

9. The roof of your basement or garage looks sagged.

If you are unsure, hire a structural engineer to recommend the right type of foundation repair.

Concrete Leveling Cost by project

Concrete leveling typically costs $500 to $1,800, with most homeowners spending $800 on average. The cost to level a concrete floor is 25% to 50% less than concrete slab replacement. Prices depend on the size of the slab, the amount of concrete damage, and underlying soil conditions.

Foam Foundation Repair Cost

Repairing a foundation with foam jacking costs $10,000 to $25,000 and up or from $5 and $25 per square foot, depending on the foam type and amount used. Leveling an uneven slab foundation with mudjacking costs $4,500 to $9,000, although mud pumping is weaker and less stable than foam.

In some cases, the average cost to lift a house and replace the foundation is $20,000 to $100,000.

• Estimates to level a concrete slab foundation vary drastically depending on subsoil conditions, excavation costs, and because it’s difficult to determine the volume of gaps below the surface until after the work begins.

• High-strength polyurethane foam works well for stabilizing a foundation that may include a load-bearing wall.

• However, if the foundation has sunken or shifted where the walls are cracking or bulging, it’s best to hire a structural engineer to inspect the home and recommend the right method of repair.

Mudjacking Driveway Leveling Cost

Mudjacking a small section of a driveway costs $600 to $1,200 on average. The average cost to level an entire driveway is $1,400 to $2,700 for mudjacking, and between $3,000 and $7,000 for lifting with high-density polyurethane foam.

Driveways typically sink when downspouts pour water next to the slab, or if rebar was not used to reinforce the concrete. Also, concrete settles when builders use inadequately filled and uncompacted soil, or if rotting roots were left underground that decompose to make gaps.

Cost of Mudjacking Garage Floor

The average cost of mudjacking 2 to 4 sections of a garage floor is $300 to $900. Raising an entire 2-car garage floor costs $1,100 to $2,200 for mudjacking or between $2,500 and $5,400 for foam injection. Mudjacking a garage floor is cheaper than repouring new concrete or using a self-leveling compound.

Identifying the root cause that made the garage floor sink is vital. If you have a steep slope against the side of the garage where the subsoil has eroded, then you may need steel-jacking or structural foundation repairs with piers instead of mudjacking.

Leveling Basement Floor Cost

The average cost to level an 800-square-foot basement floor is $2,400 to $4,800 with mudjacking, or between $5,000 and $12,000 with foam jacking. Mudjacking a basement floor is advised for gaps of a few inches between the bottom of the walls and floor—where nails and insulation are visible.

In these cases, the concrete raising is performed from inside the basement. Leveling a basement floor or crawl space is not recommended if the walls are showing further structural damage.

Raising Concrete Patio Slabs Cost

The average cost to mudjack a concrete patio is $450 to $900 or $3 to $6 per square foot depending on the extent of the damage. Raising a concrete patio slab costs about half as much a pouring a new concrete slab and only takes a few hours.

Mudjacking Sidewalk Cost

The average cost of mudjacking a 30' long sidewalk is $300 to $800, or about $50 per section. Sidewalk leveling next to trees, bushes, driveways, or patios costs more and takes extra time due to limited access. Empty voids under the walkway more than a couple of inches deep cost extra.

As long as contractors fix the underlying structural problems that caused the slab to sink, mudjacked sidewalks can last for 20 years. Mudjacking is advised against old walkways due to a higher risk of damage.

Leveling Concrete Steps

Mudjacking concrete steps costs $200 to $400 or about $300 to $800 for foam jacking a 20 to 40 square foot stoop. Mudjacking is typically half the price of completely replacing the steps.

Leveling concrete steps may require drilling through the surrounding slab and sidewalk areas. Otherwise, hydraulic levers raise the steps from the sides, and the slurry or foam is pumped in directly underneath.

Lifting Pool Decks

Mudjacking a 400-square-foot pool deck costs $1,200 to $2,400 on average or between $2,800 to $6,000 when using concrete leveling foam. Poly foam is excellent for pool decks since it’s the best erosion and water-resistant material.

Warning: Contractors should know that excessive fill materials in the wrong places could damage underground piping systems leading to the pool.

Slab Jacking Cost Factors

Slab jacking costs depend on the size of the concrete slab, the method of slabjacking, excavation requirements, soil conditions, the extent of concrete damage, and the quality and amount of fill materials needed.

Any water drainage issues, lack of gutters, large trees, or plumbing leaks that caused the concrete to sink must be mitigated before mudjacking to ensure long term results.

Mudjacking Estimates

• The amount of polyurethane foam or mudjacking concrete mix required to level your slab is often greatly underestimated until the work begins.

• Using per-square-foot estimates of a concrete surface area doesn’t factor in the material depth. If burrowing animals dug tunnels under the concrete, there could be an extra 30 feet of holes in the ground which require filling.

• Reputable mudjacking companies use an electronic elevation survey, or a Ground Penetrating Radar Scanning (GPR) system to inspect the subsoil and measure the cavity size before estimating and drilling. GPR provides a more accurate estimate and helps professionals avoid in-floor obstacles such as plumbing and wiring.

Mudjacking Fill Material Types

Mudjacking fill can contain cement, limestone, clay, or sand-based grout. The materials used dictate the weight-bearing capacity and longevity. Low-quality slurry that’s mostly mud and sand doesn't last as long. Ask your contractor for a high-quality fill that maintains the concrete elevation longer.

Various types of mudjacking mixes available are:

• Sand-based grout mixed with Portland cement

• A blend of clay and sand

• Concrete mix, including clays like bentonite

• Compounds of cement, water, and fill dirt

• Pulverized limestone slurry

• One part fly ash, two parts sand, one part Portland cement, and expander additive to prevent shrinkage while curing

Concrete lifting foam comes in various types, each with different prices and weight-bearing capacities. Contractors use a high-density polyurethane foam that’s much stronger than the spray foam used for insulating homes.

Mudjacking vs. Foam Considerations

1. Mudjacking fill contains water, which can cause the concrete slab to shift while curing. Once the mudjacking fill is fully dry, it contracts slightly, making it less stable than polyurethane lifting foam.

2. Heavy mudjacking fill material adds a burden to a poorly compacted subgrade, which can cause the slab to sink again. However, polyjacked slabs rarely sink again.

3. The large injection holes drilled for mudjacking can weaken the structural strength of the concrete, making it more prone to cracking in the future.

Other Foundation Repair Options

Significant foundation repairs cost between $2,000 and $20,000, depending on the extent of the damage and type of fix. Not every concrete repair requires leveling. Here are additional methods to consider.

• A serious sinking home foundation requires hydraulic jacks or concrete piers at $4,500 to $20,000, plus labor and excavation fees.

• Basement waterproofing costs $4,500 to $15,000. Fixing water drainage problems is necessary to prevent an eroding subsoil that causes a foundation to sink.

• For small repairs, self-leveling concrete or DIY concrete leveling foam kits cost $200 to $500 on average.

• Pouring a new concrete slab costs $5 and $10 per square foot, which includes old slab demolition, and is recommended for major issues where damage is beyond repair.

After any method of repair, ask contractors to apply a weatherproof concrete sealant to prevent further sinking and cracking as the slab goes through freezing and thawing cycles.

Mudjacking FAQs

How Much Does Sandjacking Cost?

Sand pumping costs $3 to $7 per square foot or between $550 to $1,000 to level a 12' x 12' concrete driveway slab. Sandjacking costs about 50% less than installing a new slab. Sandjacking is a variation of mudjacking that uses dry limestone sand to lift concrete slabs.

• Sandjacking is typically noninvasive and doesn't require drilling holes through the slab if the fill can be pumped in from under the sides.

• Sandjacking is recommended in areas where the soil is often wet. The fill compacts more and allows for better drainage.

• Sandjacking has no curing time and is ready to use right away.

How Much Does PolyLevel Cost?

PolyLevel costs about $15 per square foot or around 30% to 40% more than standard mudjacking. PolyLevel is a patented, high-density polyurethane foam used for heavy-duty concrete stabilization projects like home foundation and driveway work. This polyfoam cures in as few as 30 minutes.

Do You Need Permits for Concrete Leveling?

In some places, only licensed contractors may do residential concrete work that costs more than $200. Building permit requirements depend on local homeowner laws and the size of your project. Most concrete projects at or above grade level don't need permits.

How Long Does Mudjacking Last?

Mudjacking lasts 5 to 10 years on average, depending on the subsoil base below. PolyLevel foam doesn’t break down like mud fill and lasts much longer. Still, both mudjacking and polyjacking can sink without a stabilized subsoil.

How Much Weight Can Mudjacking Lift?

Mudjacking can lift between 6,000 and 14,000 pounds per square foot, depending on the type of foam used. These polyurethane foams are stronger than bedrock and provide more than enough support for most homes and slabs.

Does Mudjacking Really Work?

Mudjacking is used successfully to level foundations with a relatively noninvasive procedure. Mudjacking only requires several 1” to 2” holes to be drilled into the foundation without damaging the surrounding landscape.

How Long Does Mudjacking Take To Dry?

The average concrete leveling project is completed in one day or less. Mudjacking a small concrete pad takes around 5 hours, and leveling a sunken basement takes about 30 hours. Mudjacking takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days to cure, depending on the project's size.

Is Mudjacking Covered By Insurance?

Most insurance policies exclude coverage for mudjacking, foundation cracking, or a house sinking. Homeowner’s insurance typically covers foundation damage due to natural disasters or other issues such as plumbing. For new homes under warranty, the builder may be responsible for mudjacking expenses.

Do It Yourself Mudjacking & Concrete Leveling Foam

DIY concrete leveling projects are possible for concrete slabs 4 square feet or less. Anything larger requires an experienced contractor with mudjacking equipment.

Concrete slabs of all sizes are extremely heavy. Without adequate weight-bearing equipment and careful preparation, you risk breaking the slab.

Concrete Leveling Foam Kit

Concrete leveling foam kits cost $50 to $700 and are suitable for small concrete crack-filling repairs. This method is only a cosmetic solution and doesn’t raise or level the concrete. Foam kits are epoxy or polyurethane mixes that are applied with a caulking gun to hide the appearance of cracks.

Some DIY enthusiasts try to level concrete with spray polyurethane foam insulation kits; however, polyfoam insulation doesn't have the strength to bear the weight of concrete, people, or cars.

Self-Leveling Concrete Cost

Self-leveling concrete costs $1 to $5 per square foot if you install it yourself, which is about half the price of mudjacking. Only pour self-leveling cement on slabs that have sunken an inch or less, and avoid using it on basement floors.

Using a self-leveling compound requires experience since it’s challenging to repair if the installation goes wrong. Be sure to fix the erosion or foundation problems that initially caused your concrete to sink before installing.

How To Raise & Level A Concrete Slab

1. For small concrete slabs of 4 square feet or less that aren’t cracked, minor raising and leveling is possible using a system of fulcrum blocks. You can hoist the slab up with industrial sized clamps attached to a 4x4 beam while supporting the concrete with two car jacks underneath it.

2. After propping up the concrete, fill the ground underneath with 1 to 2-inch size gravel or Foamular 250 insulation sheathing, a high-density foam board designed to bear the weight of smaller residential slabs.

3. When using gravel, fill the hole at least one inch above ground level since the weight of the slab will likely compact it. Spraying water into the gravel makes it settle down farther if the slab is too high. Use fill dirt, pea gravel, or sod to seal the edges around the slab.

Mud Jacking Equipment Rental

Most areas don't have mudjacking pump rentals available for the general public because local laws require a contractor’s license. New foam and mudjacking equipment costs $4,000 to $10,000. The mud slurry fill, power drills, and extension hoses are sold separately.

Polyjacking equipment generally has an extra heating component to warm the fill up to 90°F before sending it through the high-pressure pump that combines the poly-spray with a special hardening agent right inside the nozzle.

Hiring A Concrete Contractor

Mudjacking is an equipment-intensive project that requires a specialized professional. Be sure your mudjacking contractor has up-to-date licensing, insurance, and surety bonds before signing a contract. Insurance is necessary to protect you accidental property damage or injuries that may occur.

Questions To Ask

1. How long have you been leveling concrete? Do you have any references?

2. Do you have proper insurance, bonding, and licensing?

3. What permits are needed?

4. Will you provide a free estimate broken out by all expenses?

5. What is the underlying problem? What steps will you take to prevent it from recurring?

6. How many pounds of fill material is this bid for? How many pounds of foam or slurry will be used before you start charging extra?

7. What's the weight-bearing capacity of the polyurethane foam or fill material in this estimate? (Stronger material costs more.)

8. Will you provide a written contract and a warranty?

9. What are the conditions for my warranty to stay valid?

10. Do you require a deposit? When and how do I make payments?

11. How long will it take, and will your crew clean-up afterward?

12. Will you close the seams of cracked concrete after raising the slab?

Hiring Tips

Avoid hiring any contractors who don't offer written contracts. When you come to an agreement, never pay the full amount upfront. Only deposits or partial payments are necessary once you hire them.

• Get at least 3 estimates. The contract should list the costs of both labor and materials, and clearly state which extra charges may apply if more than a certain amount of filler is used.

• Check their online reviews and experience. The best mudjacking companies have at least 5 years of experience with great reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Contact the references that the contractor provides and ask about their experience.

• Ask about scheduling options. Experienced contractors stay busy and may have limited availability. Other contractors may be new or not highly recommended by others.

• Question the needs vs. the extras. Be mindful of contractors trying to talk you into more work than you actually need.

• Don't let contractors overcharge by purposely overestimating the amount of fill. They may not refund the balance if they use less filler. Polyurethane pumps have a gauge that tracks the amount of foam pumped. Check the gauge before they start and after they finish, and compare with the pricing in the contract.

• Ask for a warranty. Most companies offer at least a 1-year service warranty for exterior polyurethane and mudjacking jobs.