Polyjacking: The Best Alternative To Mudjacking For Homeowners And Property Managers

If you’re dealing with unlevel concrete slabs on your property, you’re not alone. Homeowners and property managers frequently encounter this issue, which can pose safety risks and impact property aesthetics. While mudjacking has been a traditional method for leveling uneven concrete surfaces, there’s a more modern and effective alternative you should consider— polyjacking.

Why Do Concrete Slabs Become Unlevel?

Before exploring potential solutions, it’s crucial to understand why concrete slabs become uneven over time. Common causes include the following:

• Soil erosion: This can occur due to water runoff or heavy rainfall, leading to a loss of support beneath the slab.
• Expansive soil: Soil that contains a lot of clay expands when it soaks up moisture and shrinks when it dries out. This creates movement under the slab and can, over time, cause it to become uneven.
• Improper installation: Soil must be properly prepared before a slab is poured. Inadequately compacted soil may settle unevenly under the weight of the concrete.
• Temperature fluctuations: This can cause the concrete itself to expand and contract, which might lead to cracking and misalignment.

The above can cause the ground beneath a concrete sidewalk, driveway, or patio to shift or settle, ultimately impacting the slab’s stability and appearance.

What Is Mudjacking, And How Is It Performed?

Mudjacking is a traditional technique used to address uneven concrete slabs. The process involves drilling holes into the concrete surface and injecting a specially formulated cement slurry underneath to lift and level the slab.

While mudjacking works, it has several drawbacks:

• It’s a temporary solution: The slurry used in mudjacking can erode over time, necessitating repeated treatments.
• The slurry used is heavy: The slurry used in mudjacking is quite heavy, which can further burden already compromised soil, potentially leading to additional settling.
• It’s messy: Mudjacking can be messy, as it involves pumping a slurry mixture under the slab, which might seep out or require additional cleanup.
• It’s imprecise: Achieving precise leveling can be challenging, and the results may not be as accurate as other methods like polyurethane foam injection (i.e., polyjacking).

In addition to the above, mudjacking requires drilling at least quarter-sized holes into the concrete, which can be unsightly and may weaken the slab if not done correctly.

Enter Polyjacking – The Effective Alternative

Polyjacking, also known as foam jacking or polyurethane foam injection, offers a more advanced solution for leveling concrete. Here’s why it’s a superior alternative:

• The foam is lightweight: Polyjacking uses high-density polyurethane foam instead of a cement slurry. This foam is lighter, more durable, and can be injected with precision.
• Dime-sized holes: Unlike the tennis ball-sized holes used in mudjacking, polyjacking requires only small, dime-sized injection points, preserving the appearance of your concrete surfaces. This minimal invasiveness ensures the aesthetic impact on your property is negligible.
• Most jobs take only a few hours: One of the standout benefits of polyjacking is its speed. Most projects can be completed in just a few hours, minimizing downtime for homeowners and businesses alike. This quick turnaround means less disruption to everyday activities.
• Foam is resistant to erosion: The foam used in polyjacking is resistant to erosion, providing a stable and long-lasting solution. This resistance means you won’t have to worry about future settlement issues, offering peace of mind and potentially saving on future repair costs.
• Cost-effective and versatile: While polyjacking might initially appear more expensive than mudjacking, its efficient application and long-term savings make it a cost-effective choice. It’s versatile enough for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, ensuring that all properties can benefit from this advanced technology.

How Is Polyjacking Done?

Polyjacking can be broken down into the following key steps:

• Site Assessment: Professionals thoroughly evaluate the area to determine the extent of settlement and identify the precise points where the foam will be injected.
• Drilling Small Holes: Dime-sized holes are drilled strategically into the sunken concrete. These holes are less intrusive compared to those required for mudjacking.
• Injecting Polyurethane Foam: A specialized two-component polyurethane foam is injected through the holes. The foam expands as it flows beneath the slab, filling voids and lifting the concrete to the desired level.
• Monitoring the Lift: Technicians carefully monitor the lifting process to ensure the slab is returned to a level position without over-correcting.
• Sealing the Holes: Once the slab is lifted, the injection holes are filled and sealed, maintaining the surface’s aesthetic integrity.
• Final Inspection: A final inspection is conducted to verify the stability and level of the surface and ensure the job meets quality standards.

For more information, see Can I Do Concrete Leveling Myself?