"Our project was to lift and balance a garage floor and long driveway using foam. Marc, Ben and Andrew showed up on time, did a thorough job, explaining the process every inch of the way. They did what was contracted for plus a bit. The cleanup was everything I could have asked for. We were told exactly what possible problems to watch for and what to do about them. A very good experience and a good warranty."
Concrete Mudjacking questions, answered by experts
Yes, expanding foam (also known as polyurethane foam) can lift concrete. This approach, called polyjacking, involves injecting the foam rather than concrete slurry to fill voids and raise the concrete slab back into place. It’s often faster and requires smaller drill holes than traditional mudjacking, though it may come at a higher cost. Some contractors also prefer polyjacking over mudjacking for more damaged and delicate slabs.
There is no real alternative to underpinning, although mudjacking and polyjacking are other repair methods that can add support from underneath your foundation. Rather than placing supportive piers under your structure, these involve pumping a material under your slab to lift a sunken section back into its original position. Polyjacking, in particular, is sometimes a suitable solution for stabilization issues under slab foundations, but underpinning is often accepted as the best and most permanent solution.
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.
On average, a mudjacking repair lasts between five and 10 years, though it can sometimes last for well beyond a decade under ideal conditions. Its longevity depends heavily on several factors, including the condition of the underlying soil, environmental conditions like freeze/thaw cycles and erosion, and whether the root cause of the sinking, such as drainage issues, is resolved. Because it doesn't always fix the underlying problem of loose soil, mudjacking is often considered a temporary solution. Proper maintenance and evaluation can help extend its lifespan.
Concrete leveling is absolutely worth it if you have sunken concrete slabs and want to restore them to level, especially if the slab is part of your home foundation. Concrete leveling is less than half the price of replacing concrete sidewalks, patios, walkways, and pool decks, and it’s about a quarter of the cost of replacing a foundation. If you also treat the underlying problem, it can be a worthwhile and permanent solution.
The Red Lake, MN homeowners’ guide to concrete mudjacking services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
DIY mudjacking is an advanced task, but learning how to raise a concrete slab is great to know for many scenarios. Let's take a look at how to DIY mudjack.
Sunken concrete can be a structural issue, but a professional can easily repair it. Ask these concrete injection leveling and mudjacking questions before you hire.
