Attached and detached garage floors can be mudjacked saving you thousands of dollars on replacement. Quite often garages floors settle causing the structure to lean, trip hazards to develop, and potential water pooling.
If you own an attached garage more than likely the floor is a slab poured within a foundation wall. These floors are relatively easy to lift. Sometimes voids can be present underneath the concrete. This means that the material that was supporting the slab has settled out and left a hollow space.
When a floor is mudjacked the hollow area will be filled as a result of the lifting process. If your attached garage has settled and a side or corner of the structure is sinking then you may have a failing foundation wall. Mudjacking cannot fix a failing foundation wall and you may need to have foundation piers installed. A certified foundation repair expert should be contacted for further analysis of the situation.
A detached garage floor can also be mudjacked. With detached garage floors you are not only raising the concrete but you are also raising the entire building along with it. Most detached garage floors can be lifted if the concrete is in relatively decent shape. One thing to look for is the presence of cracks in the floor. Cracks in the floor must be at least 6 feet from the exterior walls. If the cracks are too close to the wall the concrete will lift at an awkward angle. Garage floors that are severely pitted or severely cracked should not be lifted. In order to lift both the concrete and the building the concrete must be able to withstand the pressure required for a lift. If the concrete is not strong enough it will crack further.
Prior to having your garage lifted you will need to…
- Clear the garage of all items
- If you have shelving or a workbench more than likely they will be needed to be removed.
- You also need to locate where your electrical lines run into the garage.In some cases the electrical lines will need to be disconnected in order to prevent damaging lines or causing damage to siding where a conduit might enter through.
- You may also need to adjust the overhead door, service doors, and windows after the garage has been lifted.
It is recommended not parking any cars, boats, or campers on a garage floor for at least 24 hours after a lift.
Keep in mind that the longevity of a jacked garage floor really depends on the soil. All concrete over enough time will have some settlement.
- Having adequate backfill along a detached garage will help keep a mudjacked garage in place.
- Having gutters in place and extended downspouts will help too.
- It is recommended sealing all cracks and joints.
Hardware stores sell a variety of crack sealants and caulks that any homeowner can use.
If you would like a free estimate contact Raise-Rite today! 1-877-407-2473