Mudjack vs Replace

[Irving]

Cool, post them up when you're done. Thinking it might make decent scrap for welding.

[FoxtArt]

Code for deck posts is min 6x6 and no ground contact - either use cast in post bases that are set at least an inch above the concrete surface, or use the plastic spacers. Don't sink deck posts into concrete, they rot even faster than if you just bury them. Using cast in bases let's the posts last as long as the deck itself... A long $&#@ time. Note that for some illogical reason, most lumber yards have stopped stocking all forms of structural 6x6. At least on this side of the state. What you do see is "6x6" agricultural timbers for landscaping. Those are all actually 6 by 6" and will not fit into any post supports or other hardware, and are not structural rated. Wtf l?mber yards don't stock the posts that code requires is beyond me. If you set cast-in post supports into 18" concrete footers, they will be good for life..15k weight rated and immune to uplift. Must be frame supported, don't use for free standing (fence posts) though.

[whitewalrus]

Mudjacking will only work well if the ground is done settling. If you think it will continue, go with ripping it out, prepping, and pouring a new one.

[brutal]

I had my front porch mudjacked (some poly BS) and it failed after a few years. Had it ripped out and poured anew and it's been great since.

I had my garage floor mudjacked and it's been very stable. Had some voids under it from improper builder prep and water infiltration due to lack of (prior) homeowner maintenance. Seams are all sealed up with Sikaflex now.

Depends on the underlying issues and potential for recurrence I suppose.

[Wulf202]

The first question should be why did it happen?

Resolve that then tear it out and repour it.

[BushMasterBoy]

The problem is the soil expands and liquefies when wet. So when it rains it this semi-arid desert, the poured concrete slides around in a wet clay. The soil is so powdery, I once drove off the side of the driveway and sank up to the axle. So your base foundation needs some drainage. Most of the decks in this area are simply poured on un-compacted soil. I know, because I have seen the same problems with the neighbors houses. Also I took a sledge hammer to my deck and there was no foundation of gravel and it was completely absent of any rebar reinforcement.My rear deck simply listed and floated away from the house. It made the sliding door rail jam. Cabinets have pulled away from the wall. Floor tiles have cracked. I can go on ad nauseum about the bad engineering practices around here. The only reason this house has not collapsed is the fact that the foundation footers are on a shale bedrock.