Mudjacking vs. Polyurethane Injections: Which is Best?

Written By Holly Richards-PurpuraPublished on 03/14/2022Updated on 05/17/2024

Damaged concrete surfaces affect your property’s appearance and can be deadly tripping hazards. That’s why fixing the problem is extremely important as soon as you notice it.

Here, we’ll explore two prominent methods: mudjacking and concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and explain how the Ohio Basement Authority’s team of experts can assist you.

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Understanding Concrete Issues

Before jumping into repair options, it might help to first understand what’s going on with your concrete.

Concrete is used for many areas around your home, from the sidewalk and driveway to your porch steps and back patio or pool deck, as well as garage floors and the foundation.

Common Problem Signs

Concrete is a strong material, but it can show signs of damage in many ways, including:

What Causes Concrete Damage?

These symptoms can happen for several reasons, but the root of most of these problems is related to soil and water.

Unstable silt or clay soil from becoming wet and soft, dry and shrinking, or eroding and washing away from under the concrete leaves the slabs without proper support. When the soil leaves voids between the slabs, the slabs can easily sink into the ground, leaving you without level concrete. This results in uneven, sunken slabs that present safety hazards.

As you can see, these problems need to be addressed to protect your home’s safety and appearance. So, how can they be fixed?

Mudjacking: An Outdated Method

Previously, mudjacking, also known as slabjacking, was a common technique for elevating sunken concrete slabs as an alternative to the costly and labor-intensive process of removing and repouring the affected areas.

The Mudjacking Installation Process

Here’s a look at how contractors typically approach mudjacking projects:

Drill soda can-sized holes into concrete slabs
Create a slurry or grout mixture of cement, mud, water, and other materials
Pump this material under the concrete
Wait several days for the mixture to harden

The Downsides of Mudjacking

Mudjacking, though seemingly direct, comes with significant drawbacks. It involves drilling large, invasive holes into the concrete and often carries a high cost.

The process can result in uneven filling beneath the concrete, typically forming a cone shape that may fail to effectively lift the slab. Additionally, the lengthy curing time restricts access to the area, and the heavy slurry mixture exacerbates instability in the soil below.

Despite temporary stabilization, the underlying soil issues remain unaddressed, leading to potential future subsidence. Essentially, mudjacking offers a short-term solution that doesn’t solve the core problem, making it an outdated method for concrete repair.

Polyurethane Foam Injections

As technology has evolved over time, so have concrete lifting and repair methods. To stay up-to-date and provide a simple, long-lasting concrete lifting solution, our team at Ohio Basement Authority uses a state-of-the-art repair method to restore your concrete slabs. Our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injection system uses the basic framework of mudjacking but takes it to a new level.

The PolyRenewal™ Polyurethane Injection Process

Here are the steps we will take to install polyurethane foam under your damaged concrete:

Drill penny-sized holes into the affected concrete
Place injection ports in the holes
Mix the two-part foam
Inject polyurethane foam under the concrete
The foam expands to fill voids and allows for precise lift
Cover and smooth over drilled holes
Seal and repair cracks as needed

The Benefits of Polyurethane Injections

Depending on the size of the affected area, this installation can be completed within a day. The polyurethane foam takes about 15 minutes to cure, so you can return to using your concrete the same day as the installation.

The foam also is lightweight, but extremely durable. It is waterproof and will not wash out from under the concrete, and it pulls double duty in helping strengthen the problematic soil underneath. The polyurethane foam material is eco-friendly and cost-effective, and it will protect your concrete for years to come.

Ohio Basement Authority Can Help You Repair Sunken Concrete

Concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections is the most effective concrete repair solution on the market. Our professional team has years of experience in diagnosing and repairing problematic concrete, and we can help lift, stabilize, and protect your concrete in no time.

If you notice areas of cracking and sinking concrete around your property, contact the expert team at Ohio Basement Authority to schedule a free inspection and no-obligation estimate.

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FAQs

What is the best way to level concrete?

There are many concrete leveling options, but PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injection stands out as the best method. Compared to traditional procedures like mudjacking and repouring, polyurethane foam is less invasive, longer lasting, quicker to cure, and environmentally friendly. Contact your local concrete leveling experts at Ohio Basement Authority to schedule a free concrete inspection and learn more about this innovative repair.

Can I do concrete leveling myself?

While mudjacking and self-leveling concrete can be installed on your own, we do not recommend DIY concrete leveling or repair. It can be easy to not properly mix or install the materials, and the necessary tools for installation can be expensive. When you work with a concrete leveling professional like Ohio Basement Authority, you’ll receive a free inspection and repair estimate, and you’ll benefit from our years of experience in diagnosing and repairing sunken concrete.

What causes concrete floors to crack and sink?

Common causes of concrete floor damage include soil instability, foundation settlement, saturation, freeze/thaw cycles, improper installation, and ground movement. Ohio Basement Authority’s experts will thoroughly assess your home during a free inspection to determine the source of the issue and recommend appropriate repairs.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for over 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Ohio Basement Authority does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.