What is Mudjacking?
Mudjacking, also known as slab jacking or concrete lifting, involves pumping a mixture of soil, grout, and sand beneath the concrete slab. This method has been around for decades and remains a popular option for certain types of concrete repair.
How Mudjacking Works
- Drilling Holes: Small holes are drilled into the sunken concrete.
- Pumping the Slurry: A thick slurry made of soil, grout, and sand is pumped through the holes and under the slab.
- Lifting the Slab: As the mixture fills the void beneath the concrete, it raises the slab back to its original position.
Mudjacking can be effective for filling voids and preventing future settlement. However, it comes with some limitations.
Pros of Mudjacking
- Cost-effective for minor voids: If you’re dealing with minor settlement or simply need to fill a void, mudjacking is a budget-friendly solution.
- Prevents water and pest intrusion: By filling gaps under the slab, mudjacking helps keep water and rodents out.
Cons of Mudjacking
- Shorter lifespan: Typically, mudjacking provides a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, depending on maintenance.
- Heavier material: The slurry used in mudjacking is relatively heavy, which can add additional stress to the soil and lead to further settlement over time.
What is Polyjacking?
Polyjacking, sometimes called polyurethane foam injection, is a more modern and advanced method for lifting and leveling concrete. Unlike mudjacking, polyjacking uses a lightweight, expanding polyurethane foam to lift the concrete slab.
How Polyjacking Works
- Drilling Smaller Holes: Like mudjacking, polyjacking starts with drilling holes, but these holes are much smaller.
- Injecting Polyurethane Foam: A one-to-one component mixture is injected into the holes. As the components mix, they react and expand.
- Lifting and Stabilizing: The expanding foam fills voids, compacts the soil beneath the slab, and lifts the concrete back to its proper level.
Pros of Polyjacking
- Longer lifespan: Polyjacking offers a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than mudjacking.
- Lightweight material: The foam is much lighter than the slurry used in mudjacking, reducing the risk of further settlement.
- Effective for recovery: Polyjacking excels at finding and filling cracks and crevices in the soil, making it ideal for recovering sunken slabs.
Cons of Polyjacking
- Higher upfront cost: Due to the advanced materials and technology involved, polyjacking can be more expensive initially.
Key Differences Between Polyjacking and Mudjacking
When deciding between polyjacking and mudjacking, it’s important to consider factors such as material weight, hole size, lifespan, and cost. While mudjacking is often cheaper upfront, polyjacking offers better long-term results due to its durability and lighter material.
When to Use Mudjacking
Mudjacking is best suited for situations where:
- You need to fill a void: If the concrete hasn’t settled much but you want to fill a gap to prevent water or pests from entering, mudjacking is a good option.
- You’re looking for a short-term solution: If you need a quick, cost-effective fix and don’t mind the possibility of needing another repair in a few years, mudjacking can work well.
When to Use Polyjacking
Polyjacking is the better choice when:
- You want a long-term solution: With a lifespan of up to 15 years, polyjacking offers greater longevity.
- You need precise recovery: Polyurethane foam can find and fill even the smallest crevices, ensuring a more thorough and stable lift.
- You’re concerned about soil stability: Since the foam is lightweight, it won’t add unnecessary stress to the soil, reducing the risk of future settlement.
In Summary
When it comes to fixing sinking concrete, both polyjacking and mudjacking have their place. Mudjacking can be a suitable, cost-effective solution for minor voids or short-term fixes. However, if you’re looking for a long-lasting, lightweight solution that provides better overall stability and recovery, polyjacking is the superior option.
At KC Pier, we specialize in house leveling and concrete repair, offering both polyjacking and mudjacking services. Our experienced team can assess your situation and recommend the best solution for your needs.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and restore the safety and beauty of your property.
