Polyjacking and mudjacking are common repair techniques used to fix uneven concrete slabs such as driveways, patios, garages, or any other areas of your home. Both techniques are used to lift and level sinking concrete surfaces. However, each one has its pros and cons. This blog highlights the difference between polyjacking and mudjacking and aims to help you select the most efficient solution to address sinking concrete issues in your property.
What is Mudjacking?
Mudjacking is a concrete leveling technique used for sinking slabs. It uses a dense mixture of soil, clay, limestone, soil, and cement to lift and stabilize sunken concrete surfaces.
How Mudjacking Works?
Mudjacking involves drilling holes in concrete slabs and pumping the mud slurry through the drilled holes using a specialized hydraulic pump. The mixture is pumped under the slab until the slab returns to its original level. Once the slab is leveled, the drilled holes are sealed with the slurry.
Mudjacking Pros and Cons
Although mudjacking is a common concrete leveling method, it may not be suitable for every leveling job. Understanding its advantages and disadvantages allows you to make the right choice for your home. Here are some of the pros and cons of mudjacking:
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Good for jobs covering larger surface areas
- Suitable for surfaces that hold heavy loads, like driveways
Cons:
- Requires larger holes to pump in the slurry
- Pumping the slurry at high speed and pressure may lead to void formation
- The slurry requires a longer cure time, from 24 to 48 hours
- Not suitable for areas prone to water intrusion
- Erosion can shift the slurry
What is Polyjacking?
Polyjacking is a concrete leveling method that uses high-strength polyurethane foam to stabilize sunken concrete surfaces. This method is best suited for smaller slabs and areas that require immediate repair.
How Polyjacking Works?
Polyjacking involves injecting polyurethane foam under a sinking concrete surface. This requires drilling small holes in strategic locations on the concrete. After the holes are drilled, the polyurethane foam is pumped beneath the surface through the holes. The foam expands and hardens, filling in any voids and lifting the concrete slab, bringing it back to its original position.
Polyjacking Pros and Cons
Polyjacking is known for its superior strength and durability. Unlike mudjacking, this method has fewer limitations. Here are some common pros and cons of polyjacking:
Pros:
- Requires smaller drill holes
- Lightweight and highly durable
- Offers high-load bearing capacity
- Fills in voids even when injected at high speed
- Done with minimal disruption
Cons:
- May raise the concrete slab higher than before if too much foam is used.
- The foam may harden before filling all the voids when injected slowly.
Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking: Which Is Better?
Polyjacking is the most common choice for concrete leveling because of its number of benefits. Here are some key differences between polyjacking and mudjacking:
- Curing time: Unlike mudjacking, polyjacking cures quickly, allowing you to use the concrete surface immediately after the repair.
- Drill holes: Mudjacking requires a larger size hole to pump the slurry underneath the surface, whereas polyjacking foam can be easily injected through small holes and ports.
- Erosion resistance: The mud slurry used in mudjacking is prone to erode over time. However, the foam used in polyurethane is hydrophobic and does not wash away.
- Soil stability: Polyurethane foam is lightweight, so it stabilizes the concrete slab without adding extra pressure on the soil underneath. On the other hand, the mud slurry is heavier and may cause the soil to sink deeper over time.
- Ease of installation: Polyjacking installation is comparatively easier and less disruptive and poses fewer chances of damaging the slab during installation.
- Cost: When it comes to cost, mudjacking is comparatively less costly. It may be a better option if you are under budget restrictions.
Overall, polyjacking tends to be a more beneficial option for fixing sinking concrete slabs. Its durability, longevity, ease of installation, and other benefits outweigh mudjacking in most cases. If the concrete surfaces in your home are sinking, SafeBasements is here to fix the issue with reliable polyjacking solutions. We offer tailored concrete leveling services and address your home’s needs with our efficient repair techniques. Give us a call to schedule a free inspection and consultation.
