Imagine yourself walking on your concrete patio only to find that one side is higher than the other. Worse yet, there are several cracks and craters near the uneven spot that suggest some issues with the concrete and the underlying layers.
What do you do? Do you replace the entire concrete panel? You can, but that would be expensive. Also, let’s face it. Who wants an entire team digging around in the property?
Instead, you can opt for a leveling solution that evens out your concrete surfaces at a fraction of the cost and time. Two solutions come up, right off the bat — polyjacking and mudjacking.
Which one is best for you? We’ll answer that question later. In the meantime, let’s start with what these leveling solutions are and how they differ.
What Is Mudjacking?
Mudjacking is a leveling technique that uses mud or slurry to fill the gap between the topsoil and concrete. Contractors will use a mixture of soil, sand, and sometimes silt to “jack up” a part of a concrete surface that’s sinking.
During mudjacking, construction workers and contractors drill small holes around a sinking or cracked pavement. They will then pump the slurry mixture in until the surface rises to the same level as the surrounding concrete surfaces. From here, the mixture consolidates or “cures” for a few hours before construction workers apply the finishing touches.
Workers finish the mudjacking process by resealing the hole they drilled the slurry in and filling small gaps with the same mixture.
What Is Polyjacking?
Mudjacking gets the job done for surfaces requiring a quick leveling fix. However, what if you desire something a little more long-lasting? This is where polyjacking comes in.
Polyjacking is a similar concrete leveling solution. Where these solutions differ is in the filler used. Instead of slurry, polyurethane foam is the filler of choice for polyjacking.
Like with mudjacking, polyjacking begins with drilling holes no larger than six inches in diameter. From here, construction workers inject the polyurethane foam into the hole. The polyurethane swells and fills the gap between the topsoil and concrete.
Because the mixture is polyurethane, the consolidation time is shorter. In other words, you won’t have to wait too long for the foam mixture to cure.
When It Makes Sense To Choose Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a much more cost-effective alternative to a total concrete replacement. Also, it takes less time to complete compared to replacing your concrete surface wholesale. If time and money are your primary concerns, mudjacking makes sense.
Mudjacking uses soil, sand, silt, and other naturally occurring materials. It’s a sustainable way to level concrete and fill gaps.
However, mudjacking has a couple of drawbacks. For one, it only works as long as you’ve ensured the stability of the soil under the concrete. No amount of mudjacking will create a lasting leveled surface if the topsoil is unstable.
Besides that, there’s always the problem of mud remnants on the concrete. As a result, contractors have to clean up after the project.
What solution do you turn to when you want a clean and long-lasting way to stabilize your concrete surfaces? For this, you’ll need polyjacking.
How Polyjacking Outperforms Mudjacking
Polyjacking uses polyurethane as its filling material. The polyurethane foam used in polyjacking provides a couple of benefits.
First, polyurethane is a synthetic material that solidifies quickly. Not only is it more stable than mud even atop unstable topsoil. It’s more durable, meaning you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.
The second advantage polyjacking has over mudjacking is how clean the process is. Polyurethane leaves little to no residue on top of concrete, meaning workers won’t have to clean up.
Does this sound like a dream leveling solution for you? It may be. However, be aware.
For what it achieves, polyjacking doesn’t come cheap. The upfront costs are much higher than those in a mudjacking project.
If cash is tight and you’ve ensured the stability of the topsoil, it may be impractical to opt for polyjacking. Mudjacking may be a more feasible and tenable solution.
FAQ
How Long does Polyurethane Jacking Last?
Polyurethane jacking, also known as polyjacking, can last for several years. The longevity of polyjacking depends on several factors such as the conditions it is exposed to, the quality of the material used, and the skill of the contractor. On average, polyjacking can last up to 10-15 years, making it a long-lasting solution for concrete leveling. However, it is recommended to have regular inspections to ensure the longevity of the polyjacking and address any potential issues early on.
What is the Cost of Polyjacking?
The cost of polyjacking varies depending on several factors such as the size of the area being leveled, the complexity of the job, and the location of the property. On average, the cost of polyjacking can range from $500 to $3500 or more for a residential property. The cost for commercial properties can be higher and varies based on the size of the building and the extent of the work required. It’s best to get a quote from a professional polyjacking company for a more accurate estimate, as the final cost can be affected by many factors specific to each job.
Is Polyurethane Foam Better than Concrete?
It depends on the specific use case and the desired outcome. Concrete and polyurethane foam have different properties and characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
Concrete is a strong and durable material that is widely used for construction due to its high compressive strength. It is also relatively cheap and readily available.
Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, is a type of plastic that is known for its ability to expand and fill gaps. It is often used in concrete leveling, as it can be injected into the soil under sunken concrete to lift it back to its original position. Polyurethane foam is also lighter than concrete and has good insulation properties, making it suitable for use in certain applications.
Key Takeaway: You Cover Most Bases With Polyjacking, But…
Polyjacking is a fast, effective, and efficient way to fill gaps and level your pavement. It’s also a clean way to level your surfaces. Despite the higher upfront costs, polyjacking leads to a long-lasting surface free of craters and cracks.
Of course, mudjacking has its place. If you don’t mind cleaning up after the project, or if budget and environmental sustainability are top concerns, mudjacking may be an easier option.
Whichever leveling solution you go with, we’ve got you and your surfaces covered!
Call us for any concrete installation project you have in mind.
Get in Touch with a Concrete Leveling Expert
If you’re considering your options for concrete leveling, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both polyjacking and mudjacking. As trusted advisors in the concrete leveling industry, we at Maryland Concrete Leveling are here to help you make an informed decision. Our team of experts has years of experience and a commitment to providing the highest quality workmanship. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve the level and durable concrete surfaces you deserve.
Sources:
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/crack/repair/what-is-polyjacking-in-construction/567242/
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/crack/repair/mudjacking-construction/567067/
