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.
A slurry of cement, sand, and water is injected beneath the concrete to lift and stabilize it.
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 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.
The Battle Mountain, NV homeowners’ guide to concrete mudjacking services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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