Key takeaways:

• Mudjacking is a process of injecting a slurry mixture beneath a sunken concrete slab, using materials such as topsoil, Portland cement, and water.
• Polyjacking is a method of repairing concrete that uses polyurethane to raise and level sunken concrete.
• Mudjacking is preferable for bigger repair operations than smaller ones, while poly jacking is ideal for smaller jobs.
• The cost of mudjacking typically ranges from $1,500 to $6,000; the cost of poly jacking typically ranges from $900 to $7,500.

If you’ve ever seen a sunken house, you know it’s not a pretty sight. Not only is it an eyesore, but a sunken foundation can also lead to serious structural problems. Fortunately, two methods can lift and level a sunken foundation: mudjacking and poly jacking. But what’s the difference between the two?

This blog post by Asphalt Maintenance & Paving Solutions will explain exactly what mudjacking is and how it differs from poly jacking. After reading this, you’ll be an expert on the topic!

Mudjacking: An Overview

Mudjacking, also known as slab jacking, is a process of injecting a slurry mixture beneath a sunken concrete slab.

Materials:

The “mud” in “mud jacking” is not mud but rather another substance that resembles mud but is less sticky. The slurry is the name of the liquid-like fluid in the construction sector. The slurry is made up of a flowing mixture of topsoil, Portland cement, and water to form a fluid that can be pushed via a hose. Slurry not only lifts the concrete surface from below but also fills in all the gaps and spaces in the earth under the surface. When it dries, the slurry hardens for sturdy support.

After being fully dried and cured in 24 to 48 hours, the slurry has a texture and strength comparable to sandstone. It can disintegrate when “cut” with a sharp spade focused at one spot and fall apart. Still, it can also resist high loads passing over it and won’t crumble under weight-distributed vertical compression. Every contractor does not mix slurry in the same way. The parts will all have unique consistencies and intensities thanks to different ratios.

Installation:

A contractor will drill 2-inch holes into the sunken concrete surface in key areas and then put a nozzle into the holes. The liquid-like slurry is injected into the holes in the earth beneath the concrete, progressively lifting the surface from beneath. The crew will constantly check for correct slab elevation and then patch the hole with concrete when finished.

Features:

• The mud-jacking material is heavy and sturdy on its horizontal surface so it can handle big items like vehicles and trucks traveling across it.
• Mud jacking material is permeable to moisture and can erode, but its weight, compression, and capacity to fill even tiny gaps prevent water from reaching under the repair surface.
• Mud jacking is preferable for bigger repair operations than smaller ones since it requires more mobilization labor to start the project. It may take a little longer and more labor to start, but most ordinary chores can be completed in half to a full day.

Cost:

Material costs are another reason why mud jacking is preferable for bigger repair tasks than smaller ones. The slurry is inexpensive since it is formed from cement mix, soil, and water. Larger operations will need a large amount of material for the “jacking” process; that is why less material price is beneficial.

A typical mud jacking job with one or two concrete panels that need to be repaired would cost roughly $1,500. A typical mud-jacking repair costs around $2,500, while a complete repair that encompasses the entire driveway can cost up to $6,000.

Polyjacking: Overview

Polyjacking, also known as polyfoam injection, poly leveling, or polyurethane concrete raising, is a method of repairing concrete that uses polyurethane to raise and level sunken concrete.

Materials:

The “poly” in poly jacking is an abbreviation for polyurethane foam.

Polyurethane foam is commonly found in daily items such as beds, furniture, roofing materials, and signage. It is a solid foam, not a squishy foam like a mattress. Polyurethane gives a rigid feeling when fully cured in 30 minutes, more like the styrofoam wrapping that comes in boxes containing electronics to keep them cushioned throughout shipping.

Polyurethane can resist high loads traveling over it and will not disintegrate when compressed vertically by weight distribution. Polyjacking is commonly utilized in highway and large roadway maintenance due to its long-term strength and ease of application.

Manufacturers create poly formulations that are constant from container to container. Once cured, this material is considered safe for use in this ground application. However, it does contain harmful chemicals and is considered flammable.

Features:

• Polyurethane is impervious to water and will endure forever. However, it does not cover every tiny gap beneath a concrete slab; thus, any water moving underneath this repair could still cause erosion in the soil. The foam will not degrade, but the dirt will.
• Polyjacking is extremely strong and cures rapidly. It is ideal for delicate applications where accuracy and control are required.
• This approach is ideal for smaller jobs since it requires little preparation time and can be completed by only a few people. They may be in and out in a matter of hours, leaving little to no mess or cleaning.
• Another significant advantage for homeowners is that the holes required for this method are substantially less than those required for mud jacking.

Cost:

Polyurethane is more expensive than the basic concrete/soil combination of mud jacking since it is a particular chemical blend of chemicals. Because of the substantial disparity in material costs, when projects get very large, the expenses might exceed comparable mud-jacking tasks. Polyjacking may save money on labor but increases material costs.

A smaller poly jacking project would start at roughly $900, a medium-sized repair would be around $2,500, and a larger project would cost around $7,500.

Ending Note:

So, there you have it—a quick overview of the differences between mudjacking and poly jacking. Both are viable options for taking everything out and starting over if you want to restore and reuse your concrete surfaces. In any case, you will save money over a complete replacement.

If you’re ready to elevate and level your driveway, patio, or pool deck in Hudson, give Asphalt Maintenance & Paving Solutions a call. We can help with all your concrete needs!

Get a free estimate today!