The Hidden Dangers of Mud Jacking Concrete: Why Quick Fixes Can Lead to Bigger Problems
- Cole Davis
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
At Stone Peak Landscape, we recently encountered a troubling situation on a project that perfectly illustrates why quick fixes in landscaping and construction often do more harm than good.
While working on a recent project that involved some concrete demolition, we uncovered a surprising — and concerning — discovery. Beneath the broken concrete of a sidewalk, we found foam. A closer look revealed that the entire area had been mud jacked or foam jacked by the previous homeowner.
What is Mud Jacking?
Mud jacking (or foam jacking) is a method used to raise and level sunken concrete by pumping a slurry mixture or expanding foam beneath the surface. On paper, it seems like a fast, cost-effective way to deal with settling concrete. The process lifts the slab back into place without needing to remove or replace it entirely. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Unfortunately, the reality is not so simple and quite detrimental...
The Problem with Quick Fixes
In this particular home, the previous owner likely experienced significant soil settling — what looked to be over 8 inches — beneath these concrete surfaces. Rather than addressing the root cause of the problem (unstable soil and poor base preparation), they opted for the faster, cheaper route: mud jacking.
The result?
Heaving Concrete: With air pockets forming underneath the jacked concrete, certain areas began to heave and shift unpredictably.
Improper Grading: The foam jacking disrupted proper grading, causing water runoff to flow toward the home's foundation instead of away from it.
Potential Foundation Damage: As water is pooled against the house, the risk of foundation damage skyrockets — a much more costly and stressful issue to fix than just a simple sidewalk.
Why Mud Jacking is a Band-Aid, Not a Solution
While mud jacking might seem like a quick way to save money upfront, it doesn’t tackle the underlying cause of concrete settling. Bad soil compaction, poor drainage solutions, and inadequate base installation/preparation remain unaddressed and unaccounted for! This means the problem is simply delayed — not solved.
In many cases, the lifted concrete can continue to shift, and new voids can form beneath the surface. Homeowners are left facing the same issue again and again (or worse) within a few years.
The Stone Peak Approach: Fixing Problems at Their Root
At Stone Peak Landscape, we don’t believe in quick fixes — we believe in lasting solutions backed with warranties that protect your investment. Our approach focuses on proper site preparation and open graded base installation. By ensuring your hardscapes are built on solid, well-draining foundations, we prevent future settling, heaving, and water mismanagement.
And because we stand behind our work, every paver patio, sidewalk, and driveway we build comes with a 5-year No Sink or Settle Warranty — so you can have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
Don’t Let a Cheap Fix Cost You More in the Long Run
If you're experiencing sunken concrete, cracks, or water pooling around your home, resist the temptation of a band-aid solution. Let’s tackle the problem at its source.
Book a consultation with Stone Peak Landscape today and discover how proper design, preparation, and craftsmanship create stunning outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.
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