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.
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.
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.
Polyjacking can be a permanent solution to sunken concrete if you also address the underlying issue—like poor drainage—at the same time. The polyurethane material itself can last as long as or even outlast the concrete you’re lifting it with. Your sunken concrete issue will likely return if you don’t couple polyjacking with proper drainage to prevent future soil movement and sinking.
A sinking foundation can be lifted, most often by installing piers to re-level and support the weight of the house. Depending on the cause and extent of the sinking, other methods to lift a foundation include underpinning and mudjacking. Consult a foundation repair pro to determine the best way to lift your sinking foundation.
The Rhinelander, WI homeowners’ guide to concrete leveling services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Learn about concrete leveling and how it can fix uneven surfaces, from sunken sidewalks to uneven driveways, and boost your home’s safety and curb appeal.
