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Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

Most states and municipalities don’t require concrete mudjacking companies to carry a specific license, but they usually need to have a general contractor’s license, and they should be fully insured. The only exception is if the mudjacking company provides foundation repairs as well, or if it offers mudjacking for home foundations. In that case, they will typically need a foundation repair contractor’s license. You can check state requirements and then use Angi’s license lookup tool to confirm that a company is properly licensed to provide mudjacking services in your area.

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.

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.