When it comes to home repair, sometimes it’s tempting to take on the project yourself. Whether you’re aiming to save money on labor costs or are just looking for that satisfaction that comes with taking care of business on your own, there are many home repair projects that are DIY-friendly.
However, one such project that is not so DIY-friendly is mudjacking. Take it from any concrete contractor: lifting concrete on your own is generally a bad idea unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Mudjacking isn’t as simple as drilling a few holes and pumping in some slurry. There are several factors to consider, and it takes a professional to determine the underlying cause and whether or not mudjacking is even necessary. A proper diagnosis of foundation issues requires skilled training and expertise, and improper repair work can result in higher costs than if the job had been left to a professional in the first place.
For example, you may find a few cracks in your basement floor, causing you to think repairs are necessary. These cracks are often not indicative of foundation issues and can simply be sealed up. The size, location, and severity of the crack are all factors that only a trained mudjacking professional can properly assess to determine the correct course of action.
Another challenge to DIY mudjacking is calculating the proper amount and consistency of slurry, which varies depending on the circumstances of the job. A slurry that is too thin or thick may appear to do the trick but could very well compromise the structural integrity of the slab.
Expertise isn’t the only requirement when it comes to concrete repair. Mudjacking requires specific equipment—slurry pumps, saws, drills, and hammers—which the majority of homeowners aren’t going to have just lying around. Moreover, safe use of this equipment requires knowledge that only a trained mudjacking expert will have.
While DIY home repair can be fun and fulfilling, there are some areas where it’s just best to leave it to the pros. Foundation repair is one of those areas. So before you put on the safety glasses and grab the jackhammer, consider contacting AAA Concrete Raising for more expert advice.
