Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking

If you have noticed sinking, uneven, or cracked concrete on your property, you have probably looked into methods to repair or replace your concrete. This is a common occurrence for property owners, and thousands of homeowners and business owners choose to polyjack or mudjack their concrete every year. Both of these methods can level your existing concrete for a fraction of the cost of concrete replacement, but which method is the best investment?

What causes concrete to sink?

A very common reason soil does not remain stable beneath concrete is due to poor soil compaction at the time of installation. If a builder does not compact the soil before concrete placement, the soil will be loose and easily wash away from beneath the slab.

Erosion is another key factor that will cause concrete to sink. Water can seep into the joints of your concrete and slowly erode the soil. As the soil washes away, the concrete will begin to sink and likely crack. Oftentimes this can be avoided with proper drainage from your house. Check your downspouts and be sure that water is being directed well away from your front porch, sidewalks, driveways, or patio slabs.

Mudjacking

The term mudjacking comes from using a grout mixture, called “mud”, to inject beneath a slab and raise it into place. This method of concrete leveling has been around for many years because it is a quick and cheap process. However mudjacking is less effective than polyjacking for several reasons.

• The grout mixture used in mudjacking can erode over time as water comes in contact with it, sending you back to square one.
• This size of holes used to inject the mixture are 2-3” in diameter and much more invasive to existing concrete.
• The weight of the material injected can shift the soil beneath it over time causing more concrete shifting.

Mudjacking may be slightly cheaper than polyjacking up front, but it’s lack of durability poses homeowners with ongoing problems every 1-2 years. Polyurethane material used in the “polyjacking” process is a smarter investment in your home.

• The foam used in not harmful to the environment and will not erode with contact to water.
• The size of holes used to inject the material are only 3/8 of an inch.
• The foam is a sturdy but light material that will not add excessive weight beneath your slab and shift soil.

We believe polyjacking is the best solution for lifting sinking concrete. Contact us today if you would like to hear more about the benefits of polyjacking over mudjacking.