Polyjacking and Mudjacking are both proven methods of lifting and stabilizing concrete and can have their own advantages and disadvantages in each situation. It is best to find an unbiased contractor who offers both methods to come out and evaluate your unique situation. Control, Cost, Number and size of holes, and material weight can be the main thing to consider when deciding between the two.
Concrete Leveling also know as Mudjacking or Polyjacking are methods used to lift and stabilize concrete that has settled from poorly compacted base or due to erosion. The use of hydraulic pressure or expanding foam is used to lift and/or stabilize sunken or hollow concrete.
Mudjacking or Polyjacking works by drilling small precisely place holes into the concrete and then injecting either a stone slurry or a polyurethane foam beneath which then can create pressure to lift and/or stabilize the sunken or hollow concrete.
Mudjacking or Polyjacking can be a permanent fix if done correctly by an experienced contractor. Although if the ground that caused the settlement has not fully compacted then further settling can occur. This further settlement can happen even if new concrete is poured.
Concrete Leveling also known as Mudjacking can cost varied by the volume of material need to complete the job, the number of holes that need to be drilled, accessibility of the worksite, and travel distance to the location. Most jobs can range between $300 to $1500.
Here in Missouri we have an abundant source of limestone. This can be crushed into very fine particles and mixed with Portland cement to create a stone slurry (like a milkshake). We also can use Polyurethane which is an expandable closed cell foam. Other areas of the country that do not have finely crushed limestone may have to use soil mixed with sand. This is where the term “Mudjacking” comes from.
Trees with shallow root systems can grow beneath concrete and cause it to lift or even crack. Sometimes this can be corrected with Concrete Leveling by tilting and lifting the pads around this problem area if correct water runoff can be maintained.
Holes do not always have to be drilled. Sometimes our product can be injected from the side of the concrete if the target area is accessible.
When done correctly by an experienced contractor it can be a permanent fix.