Polyjacking Vs. Mudjacking

Like all things, when we have a method it works as well as we expect it too. This was true with many inventions, such as the cell phone, the automobile, the computer, etc. They all get better and better over time as we develop them. This is no different when referring to concrete raising. Mudjacking used to be the best method to use should you need your concrete slab lifted because it as sunk. The new best method for concrete slab lifting is polyjacking. Polyjacking generally follows a similar technique as mudjacking, so there isn't much of a learning curve. However, the materials and steps involved in polyjacking are different. This proves to be a much more effective way of lifting the slab while being less invasive as well. We will be discussing the reasons why polyjacking is a better solution for Concrete Raising and why this is.

1. Difference in Material

In mudjacking, we use a material which is composed of mud which is then mixed with cement. This is a messy slurry that gets a lot of things dirty should we not be careful. However, whenever we use the polyjacking method, we use a polyurethane material which is less invasive for the soil and takes less to achieve the same effect that mudjacking does.

2. Minimally Invasive

The act of concrete slab lifting itself is invasive. No matter what, we will have to drill a hole, or holes into the concrete slab in order for there to be a way for us to lift it up. However, we can control how invasive it is. When we use our mudjacking method, we must drill a 1-inch hole or multiple of these and a lot of mud-cement mix in order to lift the concrete slab up. However, when we use the polyjacking method, we only have to drill a hole which is around 5/8th inch large, or several depending on the slab size. Using Polyurethane to raise the slab is less invasive as well. We can use a lot less polyurethane to achieve the same effect that would require a lot of the mud mixture.

3. Better for the soil

Mud mixture has proved to be very poor when considering the soil and has a tendency to overburden it easily, which can mean that the slab will probably sink again at some point due to all of the added weight. When using Polyeurethane, we can provide the same raising effect we are looking for, whilst using a lot less of it. This allows for less disruption in the soil, which in turn has less chance of proving detrimental to things around the concrete itself, such as plants.

4. Polyurethane is faster

There is a much longer curing time for the mud mixture. We sometimes see a wait time of up to three days, which is far too long to wait considering the slab should not be used for that length of time at all to ensure proper settling in. Polyurethane, on the other hand, can reach its max rigidity in around an hour. This proves the job much easier for you because it will less impact your daily routine.

How Polyjacking Works

Polyjacking is a term used for a method of concrete lifting that involves the use of a poly-foam compound. In this method of concrete lifting an expanding poly-foam compound is injected underneath your sunken concrete slabs at key points to raise it to its proper level and to also provide a deterioration resistant support material underneath the slab. The process is simple and can be completed in under a day depending on the size of the concrete slab that needs to be repaired.

What Can It Be Used To Lift

Because the expanding foam used for the polyjacking method is so strong it can be used to lift any number of concrete slabs. Take a look below to see what applications polyjacking is appropriate for.

• Patios
• Driveways
• Garage Floors
• Basement Floors
• Walkways
• Warehouse Floors
• Parking Lots
• Pool Decks

The Polyjacking Process

The process of polyjacking is both simple and effective. When we arrive at the jobsite, we follow these steps to repair your sinking concrete.

1. Cleaning

Our technicians will clean the surface to prevent dust and debris from preventing proper repair.

2. Preping

Once the surface is clean our technicians will identify, mark, and drill holes in the key areas needed to raise your concrete properly.

The Three Main Causes Of Sinking Concrete

There are several reasons that can cause your concrete to sink. You will often come across it in the form of uneven, cracked, or sunken concrete. Some companies often refer to this as slab settlement. What is slab settlement? Well, Slab settlement is the sinking or movement of a concrete slab when the soil below the slab can no longer carry the weight of it. This happens frequently on driveways, walkways, sidewalks, garage floors, and foundations across the country.

Below are the three main causes for concrete sinking.

1. Soil Washout Beneath Concrete Slabs

Water caused by plumbing leaks, erosion, large rainfall, etc. will find its way underneath concrete slabs in your walkways, pool decks, garage and basement floors. As this water moves through the soil beneath your concrete, it can wash away the soil that is supporting the weight of the concrete. As this occurs over time, the amount of soil present underneath the concrete slab will diminish and your slabs will begin to sink due to a lack of support material.

2. Poorly Compacted Fill Soil

During the construction of a driveway, patio, sidewalk, or foundation, the soil is most often spread out or moved to achieve the desired grade level. If this soil is not properly compacted and a new slab is poured over the top then slab settlement is more likely to occur. The loose soil underneath the slab will compact over time and create empty cavities beneath the slab. Over and with very little support your concrete will crack and fall into the hole beneath. This is most often the cause of cracked concrete and occurs more around the edges and corners of large slabs.

3. Soil Moisture Content Changes

Cycles of wet and dry weather have a direct effect on the soil underneath your concrete slabs. When soil which large contents of clay get wet, they hold onto the water and expand in size. Later when the soil drys out it begins to shrink. This can leave large sections of your concrete wholly unsupported which can lead to cracking and slab settlement.