Get matched with top concrete mudjacking pros in Lincoln, IL

Pros often use mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection to level a sunken concrete patio. Both methods lift the slab by filling voids beneath it. After properly compacting the soil beneath it to prevent future settling, the concrete may need to be removed and re-poured for severe sinking.

Mudjacking typically takes 24 to 72 hours (one to three days) to dry and cure completely before you can resume normal use. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the project. Because the slurry mixture contains cement, it must fully harden to ensure that added weight from walking, furniture, or vehicles won't shift the concrete slab. A professional contractor can advise you on when the surface is safe to use. For comparison, if you use polyjacking instead, the polyurethane foam can dry in just a few minutes, but it's best to wait about an hour before use.

The timeframe is generally a few hours, allowing for immediate use post-hydration, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding activities.

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.