Category Archives: Mudjacking

Concrete Leveling 101

Concrete leveling refers to correcting uneven or sinking concrete slabs. This is done through a variety of methods that alter the foundation that is beneath the concrete surface. It is less expensive to level concrete than to remove and replace the slab. Concrete leveling can be used in residential, commercial, and municipal applications. Homes, warehouses, roads, shopping centers, airports, and more can all be helped with concrete leveling.

What Causes Concrete to Settle

There are several reasons that a concrete slab can settle. If the soil isn’t properly compacted during construction, it can compress or settle once the weight of the structure is placed on it. This could happen relatively soon or gradually over years. Another cause is soil that is either too wet or too dry. Oversaturated soil can swell and heave, putting tremendous pressure on the concrete. Soil that is too dry can shrink and crack, no longer providing strength and stability to the concrete above. If the area around the concrete doesn’t drain properly, the soil beneath the slab can erode, washing the support out from under the concrete. 

Other causes that can damage concrete are tree roots that push against concrete slabs and seismic activity. Both of these can cause slabs to crack, move, or otherwise be damaged.

Methods of Concrete Leveling

Just as there are several causes of concrete settling, there are different ways to stabilize and lift the slab. Although the methods are different in cost, application, effectiveness, and time, the result is a level concrete slab. These methods all fall under the category of “slabjacking”. The premise is to lift the concrete by pumping a mixture through holes in the slab, lifting the concrete from below. 

The initial injection fills the voids beneath the slab. Once the voids are filled, the remaining injection lifts the concrete. The holes are then patched and the project is done. All slabjacking methods take less time, cause less disruption, and cost less money than tearing up and replacing the concrete. Slabjacking is not an option if the concrete is too damaged. If there are too many cracks, you may be forced to tear up the old slab and replace it.

There are three types of slabjacking.

Stone Slurry Grout Leveling

This type of slurry is made from pulverized limestone, water, and Portland cement. This slurry is thick and pumped through holes that are around 1″ in diameter. The slurry is pumped below the slab, filling the voids below the concrete. Once the void is full, the slurry begins exerting pressure on the slab, lifting the concrete into place.  An expert operator can precisely lift the concrete to the desired height without cracking the slab. When the concrete is level, the hoses are detached and the holes are filled.

The stone slurry grout has a compressive strength of 240 psi. If Portland cement is added, the compressive strength jumps to an amazing 6000 psi. Once the slurry dries, it forms a near-solid stone foundation. This method has the highest compressive strength of all the methods described here. Stone slurry grout takes more clean-up afterward and uses bigger holes than polyurethane foam. The slab that is being lifted usually has to be within 200 feet of the truck that is pumping the slurry.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking uses a mixture of soil, sand, water, and cement that is injected through holes drilled in the slab. Other materials may be added to the slurry, including clay, limestone, fly ash, masonry cement, and pea gravel. The holes are typically larger than the ones used for stone slurry grout and polyjacking, coming in around 1 to 2″ in diameter. Like stone slurry grout leveling, the mudjacking slurry is injected through the holes beneath the slab. A portable pump is usually used, allowing better access to the slab than stone slurry grout leveling. When the void is filled, the remaining slurry builds under the concrete, lifting the slab. Once the concrete is level, the holes are filled and the project is complete.

The weight of the mudjacking and stone slurry grout can compromise soil that is already weak, causing more problems down the road. It also involves more clean-up than polyjacking and uses the biggest holes of the methods described here. This is also the slowest process of the three.

Polyjacking

Expanding Structural Foam Leveling, or as we call it, polyjacking uses an expanding polyurethane foam in its injection process. The polymer is a combination of two different materials, that, when combined cause the mixture to expand. The holes needed for the injection are around 5/8″, the smallest of all the methods. The expanding foam first compresses any weak soil it encounters, consolidating the sub-soil and causing it to become denser. The foam then fills any voids beneath the concrete. Lastly, once the void is filled, the foam will lift the slab to the height needed for it to be level and stable. 

The foam moves throughout the underside of the slab, expanding in all directions, filling the area below the concrete. The foam is also hydrophobic when cured, preventing heaving from occurring in freezing temperatures and avert erosion. The clean-up process is simpler than mudjacking or stone slurry grout leveling, uses smaller holes, and uses smaller equipment that can reach places trucks may not be able to access.

Contact the professionals at Polyjacking.com to learn more about the benefits and advantages of leveling your concrete with our method. 

 

 

Polyjacking > Mudjacking

Concrete surfaces such as basement floors, driveways, patios, and more are all impacted by soil movement and weather that can cause damage and weakness. The slabs can also sink if the surrounding soil no longer supports it. These problems won’t repair themselves, the longer you wait to fix the problem, the bigger the issue and damage will be.

If your foundation sinks, it can cause damage throughout your business or home. Walls and floors can crack or lean, floors can slope or warp, and doors and windows may not stay open or closed. The worst-case scenario is that the foundation collapses and brings your structure down with it. If the soil that supports the foundation or concrete becomes oversaturated, too dry, or isn’t compressed correctly, it will no longer give the slab the stability that it needs.

Luckily, there are solutions to keep your concrete and foundation stable and level.

Polyjacking and Mudjacking Solutions

Sinking concrete usually occurs because a void has formed under the slab. Unless the void is filled and the soil stabilized, the concrete will continue to sink. If left unaddressed, the repair may have to be done with underpinning, greatly raising the time, money, and effort needed to fix the problem.

When it comes to the task of filling in voids, mudjacking and polyjacking both are up for the job. Mudjacking uses a mud slurry to fill the void and lift the concrete, whereas polyjacking utilizes a polyurethane foam to fill the void. In both methods, holes are drilled into the concrete above the void and then the slurry or foam is injected, filling the cavities below the concrete. The slab will be lifted to a level plane and the drilled holes will be filled. Mudjacking uses bigger holes than polyjacking (3-4″ compared to 3/4 to 1″).

Both forms of concrete lifting can be used for a variety of concrete surfaces including foundations, sidewalks, warehouse floors, tennis courts, and swimming pools.

Pros and Cons of Both Concrete Lifting Solutions

Though both methods are similar at face value, there are some pretty big differences between mudjacking and polyjacking.

Mudjacking Pros

• Comparatively inexpensive
• Time-tested
• Naturally occurring materials

Mudjacking Cons

• Doesn’t fill the void completely
• Short-term results that have to be repeated every couple of years
• Slurry material is 30-50x heavier than polyurethane
• Slurry material is prone to erosion
• Large holes must be made in the concrete
• The slurry can take days to set and harden

Polyjacking Pros

• Long-lasting results
• Lightweight materials
• Polyurethane foam density fills the voids
• Soil mixes with the foam to bond securely and gains strength
• Small injection hole
• Doesn’t wash away
• Able to adjust leveling to within 1/100″
• Polyurethane foam sets within 15 minutes

Polyjacking Cons

• Costs more than mudjacking
• Not as well known

Polyjacking.com Swears by Polyurethane Injections

We want to offer the best repair methods to our clients. We have been using polyjacking for so long that we coined the name! In the past, only commercial properties and municipal projects used polyjacking, but we have learned over the years that it is a great solution for residential repairs, too.  We’re dedicated to providing the residential and commercial owners an affordable and lasting repair for sinking and damaged concrete slabs and foundations.

We know that you don’t have the time to have your place torn up with heavy equipment and then having to wait for the slab to be ready to be used. Polyjacking uses only one truck for the foam and the slab is ready to use within 15 minutes of completing the injection. We won’t tear up your landscaping or disrupt your business while getting your slab repaired. You can rest easy knowing that your concrete will be stable when it comes to sinking, heaving, or cracking.

Contact the concrete lifting experts at Polyjacking.com to learn more about how our polyurethane foam can lift your concrete and provide you with a stable and strong surface, protecting your property, equipment, and people.

 

Why is Polyjacking a Better Option Than Traditional Mudjacking?

Polyjacking vs. Traditional Mudjacking

When compared with traditional mudjacking, polyjacking is the new kid on the block. It is quickly making a name for itself, though. Mudjacking costs less but is looked at as more of a temporary fix, whereas polyjacking is considered a permanent repair.

Mudjacking Method

The method of traditional mudjacking involves drilling holes in your driveway or other surface and pumping a slurry mix underneath. The slurry is commonly made up of cement, mud, sand, and crushed limestone, which is mixed with water. The slurry flows under the concrete and the slab is raised until it is once again even with the rest of the driveway or patio. Once pumping is done, the holes are patched over.

Polyjacking Method

Polyjacking is similar to the mudjacking application: holes are drilled into the slab that needs to be repaired but instead of a slurry mix, polyurethane foam is injected. The foam expands, filling the voids and raising the concrete to its required height. The holes that were drilled are patched over and you’re good to go in a fairly short amount of time.

Now you may be thinking to yourself that mudjacking is the least expensive option so that is probably the best way to go. However, there are a few more points you may want to consider before you make your decision.

Benefits of Polyjacking

As we learned above, both methods involve drilling insertion holes into your concrete. Polyjacking uses holes that are around 5/8″, or the size of a penny, whereas mudjacking holes can range from one to two inches, a sizeable difference. The foam expands between four to fifteen feet from the injection point. Due to the thickness necessary in the mudjacking slurry, it can only spread about a foot or two. So, not only are the polyjacking holes smaller, less of them are needed for the same coverage, fifty to seventy-five percent less, in fact!

We mentioned that mudjacking slurry is thicker than foam and it is also considerably heavier. A cubic foot of slurry weighs a hundred to a hundred and fifty pounds, which is a considerable amount since the same volume of polyjacking foam weighs around three to four pounds. If the underlying soil is already unstable, the weight from the slurry can cause more problems than it solves, as heavier mud can worsen existing problems.

Polyjacking foam expands under the concrete, filling any voids and stabilizing the soil underneath the slab. Due to the thickness of the slurry, it cannot accomplish the same thing. Although numerous holes are drilled to try and get a good spread of mud, completely filled voids are rarely achieved. Additionally, water can wash out the mudjacking slurry, leaving you with the same problem, or possibly a worse repair in the future. Polyjacking foam won’t wash out and is considered a permanent repair, not a temporary fix.

Get a free online quote today so we can help you with all of your concrete slab repairs.

Out With the Old (Mudjacking) & In With the New (Polyjacking)

What is mudjacking? Mudjacking is a concrete repair method used to lift and level sunken concrete. Since the 1900s, many businesses and homes have benefitted from mudjacking. It has been used to stabilize basement floors, driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, and more. Mudjacking has been used for decades, so there are no surprises when you use this method. You know exactly what you are getting, for better or for worse.

In some cases, mudjacking can be a temporary solution due to its inability to resist moisture. As a result, the slurry may break down, wash away, and weaken. Because of these drawbacks, polyjacking has gained popularity over the years. If you have sunken concrete, we recommend polyjacking so you can save money and time in Missouri, Kansas, and the surrounding area.

Benefits of Polyjacking vs Mudjacking

So what makes polyjacking better than mudjacking? There are numerous reasons for using polyjacking over mudjacking.

Material and Drill Holes

Aside from not being moisture resistant, mudjacking uses a heavy cement-based mixture that weighs nearly 100 lbs per cubic foot. Many large holes are drilled through the slab so the material can pass through the slab, fill in the voids, and lift the slab back in place.

With polyjacking, polyurethane is used to lift and level sunken concrete to its desired height. Polyurethane weighs about 2 lbs, requiring fewer and smaller drill holes for the injection process. Within a few seconds, a chemical reaction occurs and polyurethane turns into foam. The foam expands and fills in voids under the slab.

Curing Process

Mudjacking can take 1-2 days to complete as opposed to polyurethane foam which cures within 15 minutes.

Long Term vs Short Term Repair

Since polyurethane foam is lightweight, it won’t burden loose or weak soil under the slab. This prevents future settling, making it a long-term repair solution. On the other hand, mudjacking is a short-term repair method because it uses thick material that overburdens loose soils.

Patched Holes

Since mudjacking requires many large holes, more patchwork is needed. Mudjacking patched holes are more noticeable and less attractive than polyjacking’s patched holes.

Both mudjacking and polyjacking achieve the same results when lifting and leveling sunken concrete, but polyjacking has become a preferred method over traditional mudjacking. At Polyjacking.com, we offer polyjacking to permanently restore your settling sidewalk, driveway, patio, pool deck, and more. Contact us today for more information or an estimate.

Mudjacking vs. Foam – Best Practices for Concrete Leveling

There are a few slab jack methods to choose from when it comes to concrete leveling. Whether it’s mudjacking or foam injections, both are designed to lift and stabilize the slab. However, there are subtle differences. It’s essential to know the differences, so you can decide the best option for your concrete leveling project.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking is the oldest concrete lifting and leveling process. The installation process uses grout to lift the concrete back to its original state. The grout is comprised of heavy sand-based material. First, a large 2-3″ hole is drilled through the slab, then the grout is pumped under the concrete to raise it back in place.

Unlike polyurethane foam injections or polyjacking, mudjacking has several drawbacks such as:

• Uses heavy grout material, causing foundation damage and settlement over time
• Requires numerous large drilled holes to lift the concrete
• The material may deteriorate, erode, or crack, creating instability
• Takes 24 hours to completely cure
• Messy material and worksite
• Does not stabilize the underlying soils due to the thickness of the grout material

Polyurethane Foam Injections

Polyurethane foam injections are a newer concrete leveling method used to lift settling and sinking concrete. In the past, it was mainly used for public work applications for highways and streets. Now, it involves residential and commercial projects, as well.

Unlike mudjacking, foam injections use dense material that weighs 2 lbs per cubic foot. A 5/8 diameter hole is drilled through the concrete, then polyurethane is injected under the slab and into the ground.

As the foam is injected, it expands and fills in voids and gaps. Also, the foam lifts the concrete back to its original position, preventing future settlement.

The polyurethane foam is water-resistant, so it won’t wash away and the foam seals the bottom of the slab, preventing water damage from impacting the concrete.

Mudjacking vs. Foam – Benefits of Foam Injections

Although foam injection is a newer concrete leveling process, it offers many benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Fewer and smaller drilled holes than other methods
• Dense, lightweight foam
• Cures within 15 minutes
• Moisture-resistant
• Strengthens weak soils
• Fills voids and holes
• Long-term repair
• Eco-friendly material
• More accurate than other methods (within 10/1000th of an inch)

These are a few advantages of polyurethane foam injections used to lift your settling concrete slab. At Polyjacking.com, we can help you determine the best concrete leveling and lifting method for your slab.

Both methods, polyjacking and mudjacking, are designed to strengthen and stabilize your concrete surface for many years to come. Contact Polyjacking.com for more information about foam vs. mudjacking.

Mudjacking and Polyjacking

What is the Difference Between Mudjacking and Polyjacking?

Concrete repair is a cost-effective alternative over concrete replacement because of the development of mudjacking and polyjacking. Trying to find the best concrete repair solution can be a difficult decision. That is why our experts can help you decide the best concrete option for all of your concrete repair needs.

Mudjacking vs Polyjacking

Most people know the term ‘mudjacking’, but not ‘polyjacking’. These two concrete repair methods are similar, yet different. They both are used to repair sinking or uneven concrete surfaces caused by poor soil conditions under the slab. Our concrete repair services can fix driveways, porches, concrete slabs, garages, basement floors, foundation slabs, sidewalks, and concrete steps.

However, polyjacking offers more benefits over mudjacking. Mudjacking requires heavy equipment and numerous mudjacking trucks for installation. The process involves drilling large holes (2-3″) into the concrete surface, but the results may not be permanent. The curing time could take hours to days. Unlike polyjacking, mudjacking can only be used in above freezing temperatures and the cement mixture that is used can be susceptible to shrinking.

On the other hand, polyjacking doesn’t need heavy poly equipment and only one truck is needed for the project. Small, 5/8″ holes are drilled into the concrete and the outcome lasts longer than mudjacking. Another advantage of using polyjacking is the simple installation process that uses high-density polyurethane foam instead of sand grout to raise the slab to the desired height. The use of polyurethane under the slab allows it to expand and cover all areas without shrinking.

Benefits of Polyjacking in Kansas City & St. Louis, MO

Polyjacking uses polyurethane which is a lightweight, high-density foam material. Because of this characteristic, it doesn’t create additional stress on the weak soil. The material fills all voids and lifts the concrete slab without losing density. Polyjacking also offers the following benefits:

• Long-lasting concrete repair solution
• 5/8″ small injection holes are drilled into the concrete
• Installed in any type of climate
• Cures within 15 minutes
• Moisture seal barrier
• Contours to the size and shape of voids
• Polyurethane precisely lifts the slab to within 10/1000th of an inch

If you want to save time and money, polyjacking is the best alternative to concrete replacement and mudjacking. Polyjacking.com will enhance the overall appearance of your concrete surface for many years to come.