Polyurethane Concrete Raising vs. Mudjacking

Mudjacking vs. Polyurethane Concrete Raising

Most homeowners will eventually come across a cracked driveway or uneven concrete slab. These issues are not only unappealing to the eye, but they can be dangerous trip hazards. When choosing a contractor to fix your driveway, sidewalk, or patio, you must consider the repair method they will use. Mudjacking used to be the go-to method for raising concrete, but polyurethane concrete raising has become more popular due to its many advantages over mudjacking.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking is done by drilling holes into the concrete and injecting a mud or concrete slurry to fill the space underneath. This helps lift the slab back to its original level position. Though it is a practical repair method, there are a few disadvantages to consider:

  • Large Holes. Drilling large holes into your driveway can be a bit unsightly. If the contractors are not careful, large holes that are too close together can cause cracks. When part of the reason to fix uneven concrete is to eliminate an eyesore, it seems counterintuitive to use a method that creates a new problem.
  • Heavy Equipment. Mudjacking requires the use of heavy equipment that has a chance of damaging your property.
  • Slow Drying Time. The cement or mud slurry takes a lot of time to cure, so if you fix your driveway with mudjacking, you likely won’t be able to park on your driveway right away. This can be inconvenient and disruptive to your day-to-day activities.
  • Not Long-Lasting. The mudjacking material is porous, meaning water can pass through and erode over time. The material is also heavy, which can compress the soil, ultimately causing more sinking. This is why homeowners who choose mudjacking services tend to need it done again after several years.

Polyurethane Foam

Using Polyurethane foam for concrete lifting is less problematic than mudjacking. That is why it is the preferred method at Rapid Foundation Repair. The lightweight foam is injected through small holes and expands to fill the space under your concrete. Here are some of the advantages of using polyurethane:

  • Fewer, Smaller Holes. Because polyurethane expands, contractors don’t need to drill as many holes to get the material to fill the space under the concrete. Just a few 5/8″ holes should do the trick.
  • Light Equipment. The equipment used to inject the foam is lightweight, so it is unlikely to damage your property.
  • Quick Drying Time. Polyurethane dries very quickly. After the job, the crew can clean up and leave you with a secure, ready-to-use driveway.
  • Long-Lasting. Because the foam is lightweight, you don’t have to worry about the extra weight compressing your soil. It is also water-resistant, so it is unnecessary to be concerned about erosion. This material is a permanent solution that will outlast any mudjacking job.

Rapid Foundation Repair Uses Polyurethane Concrete Raising

At Rapid Foundation Repair, we want to ensure you have the best repair options for your home. Whether you need to fix a driveway, sidewalk, or patio, we are dedicated to providing a safe, permanent solution with polyurethane concrete raising. Contact us today for a free estimate!