Mudjacking Vs Polyurethane Foam For Concrete Lifting In Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania

Sunken, settled, and uneven concrete slabs happen all the time across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. For property owners seeking a less expensive alternative to costly re-grading or concrete replacement, mudjacking and polyurethane foam are two common concrete leveling methods.

Is one concrete leveling method better than the other? Let’s compare mudjacking vs. using polyurethane foam for concrete lifting, and if you’re looking for a concrete leveling solution, contact Stabil Solutions today.

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What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking, also known as mud lifting or slab jacking, is an alternative solution to concrete replacement. Mudjacking uses heavy material made of sand, clay, and water to lift concrete from below the surface. The process injects the material below the surface of sunken concrete slabs, fills in voids, and provides more even support for uneven surfaces. The procedure can also be used to fill large holes underneath the concrete. Mudjacking preserves the integrity of the slab and helps prevent cracks and structural problems by supporting the slab.

Mudjacking is the traditional way to level concrete and has been used for decades to level concrete surfaces. It is time-tested and many contractors are familiar with it, and it is a relatively inexpensive procedure. The slurry used for mudjacking is also made from naturally occurring materials, though they are rough, heavy, and can be less reliable.

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What Is Polyurethane Foam Concrete Lifting?

Polyurethane foam is a newer alternative to mudjacking for concrete leveling. This solution is injected into the spaces underneath sunken concrete slabs with very small holes. The polyurethane expands in the areas below the slab and fills in voids, providing support for sinking or uneven surfaces.

As opposed to mudjacking, polyurethane foam is a more practical, efficient, and reliable way to raise concrete slabs. The polyurethane foam injection process allows for minimal disruption to surrounding property because it requires smaller injection holes, and it also takes much less time to cure than the mudjacking slurry. Polyurethane foam concrete lifting is a favorite for property owners because it is less invasive and provides an ideal solution for leveling uneven surfaces.

Why Choose Polyurethane Foam Over Mudjacking For Concrete Leveling?

Erosion Resistance

Unlike mudjacking, polyurethane foam injection creates a barrier between the slab and the ground below it that prevents erosion or soil runoff from affecting the concrete. The foam itself is erosion resistant as well and keeps its shape over time without shrinking. On the other hand, mudjacking grout is susceptible to being washed away over time, causing your concrete slab to sink or crack.

Controlled Consistency

Polyurethane foam is more consistent and reliable than mudjacking. Polyurethane foam is applied with a controlled hole injection process, ensuring that the pressure behind the lifting is uniform and consistent. The polyurethane material itself is also more efficient than traditional mudjacking grout because it self-levels under concrete, filling in any space without affecting surrounding areas. This means it can lift even very large areas.

Less Disruption

With mudjacking, there are typically two rows of holes that are drilled into the existing concrete surface. These holes must be monitored regularly to determine whether they have begun eroding and need more material injected. With polyurethane foam injection, only a single small hole in the slab is needed, providing for a cleaner finished look.

Higher Load-Carrying Capacity

Polyurethane foam has a higher load-carrying capacity as well as greater density compared to traditional materials used in mudjacking, so it is less likely to cause damage and sink over time.

No Mixing Or Messy Cleanup

With mudjacking, you must wait for the grout to dry before you can resurface any areas that have been lifted. This means you have to deal with a messier, unsightly work area while the mudjacking material is drying and wait longer to use your concrete slab. With polyurethane foam concrete lifting, there's no waiting or clean-up because the injection holes are so small that they disappear into the surrounding material.

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How Long Does Concrete Leveling Last?

Concrete leveling, whether you choose mudjacking or polyurethane leveling, is typically cheaper than concrete replacement. This may make you feel wary about whether it's a permanent fix or if you'll just need to relevel the concrete again in a few years.

Polyurethane lifting is actually more durable than normal soil, while mudjacking is replacing the soil with more soil. By choosing foam, you reduce the risk of having to do more work in a few years. In most cases, homeowners report that their mudjacking repair lasts around 2-5 years, but polyurethane can last much longer if properly maintained. The longevity of any concrete lifting repair can vary based on several different factors:

  • The amount and type of stress on the concrete

  • How long it's been since the concrete has been poured

  • Soil type and structure

  • Weather conditions (freezing and thawing)

The only way to ensure that your leveling is done right and lasts for a long time is to choose a quality company that guarantees its work, such as Sabil Solutions.

Contact Our Team For Concrete Lifting Solutions

Looking for long-lasting concrete leveling solutions utilizing high-tech polyurethane foam? Our team has the training and expertise to get the job done right and we offer a 3-year warranty on concrete lifting services. Contact us today in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania to get started.

Call Today!