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Polyjacking and mudjacking can both be effective solutions for sinking concrete, but they have key differences. Polyjacking, which uses expanding polyurethane foam, is often considered a better option because the foam is significantly lighter than the cementitious material used for mudjacking. This reduced weight puts less pressure on the underlying soil and lowers the risk of future sinking. Polyjacking is suitable for any sinking concrete slab, while mudjacking is typically only recommended for non-structural concrete, such as sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and driveways. The primary drawback of polyjacking is its cost, which can be up to four times higher than mudjacking—as much as $25 per square foot compared to a maximum of about $6 per square foot for mudjacking.

The polyurethane used for polyjacking will expand and cure in 15 to 30 minutes. After that point, your slab will be safe to walk on and even drive on in the case of a sidewalk or concrete driveway. Double-check with your concrete lifting specialist to confirm a curing timeline, as products can differ.

Mudjacking typically takes 24 to 72 hours (one to three days) to dry and cure completely before you can resume normal use. The total drying time can vary depending on the size of the project. Because the slurry mixture contains cement, it needs to harden fully to prevent the concrete slab from shifting under added weight. You should avoid walking on the concrete or placing heavy items like furniture or vehicles on the surface until it has fully set. Your concrete contractor can provide a precise timeline. As a point of comparison, if you opt for polyjacking, the polyurethane foam can dry in minutes, but it's recommended to wait about an hour before use.

Concrete leveling is not typically covered by insurance. In some cases where the shifting concrete is caused by a natural disaster or storm, you may be able to file an insurance claim if your policy specifically covers those circumstances. In most cases, though, you’ll pay out-of-pocket for concrete leveling.