Mudjacking vs. Polyjacking: What’s the Difference?

When looking at concrete lifting and leveling, polyjacking vs. mudjacking, you’ll find that the processes are very similar.

Traditional mudjacking was a precursor to the more modern polyjacking, but both offer solutions to the same problem. 

During either process, the technician drills small holes into the settling concrete, then injects it with the polyjacking or mudjacking materials. These materials fill gaps and cavities beneath the concrete slab. As a result, the settled areas of the slab are raised back into their original, and level, positions. Finally, caulk is used to fill cracks and the drilled holes.

Both polyjacking and mudjacking work well for repairing settling on driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and steps, pool decks, and garage floors. Neither is appropriate for load-bearing concrete, which would be repaired more effectively with foundation repair solutions.

But the two concrete leveling solutions listed above have more similarities and differences to be aware of, especially if you're considering them as solutions to repair concrete slabs around your property. 

Mudjacking Uses a Cement Slurry

In the traditional mudjacking process, the technician injects a cement slurry into the drilled holes. Generally, the slurry is made of a water, sand, and cement combination. It fills any voids, and as the pressure builds, the slurry lifts the slab.

The cement slurry does not expand; thus it requires more material to be injected beneath the slab compared to polyjacking. It also requires more time to cure and harden.

Polyjacking Uses a Structural Foam

The polyjacking process used by PierMagic Foundation Specialists involves injecting polyurethane resins into loose soils, cavities, and voids beneath the concrete slab. As a result, it strengthens the earth and provides watertight encapsulation.

The polyurethane resins expand up to 20 times in size - depending on the formulation - and the newly rigid foam re-establishes contact between the slab and subgrade.

After polyjacking, you can expect the treated concrete slab to remain serviceable for decades - and PierMagic services come with a warranty.

Polyjacking Bears Weight Faster

It can take several hours for the cement slurry used in mudjacking to harden and dry enough to bear weight. Especially in the cases of driveway or parking lot repairs, mudjacking simply won’t hold up to the hefty weights of vehicles until plenty of time has passed. This can be a deterrent for homeowners or business owners because of the temporary restricted usage of the area.

Polyjacking’s structural foam dries to 85 percent strength in as little as 15 minutes, meaning the downtime of the curing and drying process is significantly less than mudjacking. 

Seasonal Requirements for Mudjacking vs. Polyjacking

As we know, the Kansas City winters can be brutally cold, which won’t allow for mudjacking. The cement slurry can freeze during the process, which clogs the pump during the injection step.

Cold temperatures also can affect polyjacking, but not as much as mudjacking. Because the components of the foam are injected through a heated hose, chilly temps don’t cause much of an issue during the injection step.

However, frozen ground is a situation that can affect both mudjacking and polyjacking. A concrete slab frozen into the soil likely cannot be lifted by either the cement slurry, nor the structural foam. It may be best to wait for warmer temperatures in both cases. A reputable and experienced polyjacking or mudjacking company will explain the optimal time for the procedure to take place.

Neither Polyjacking or Mudjacking Are Home Foundation Repair Solutions

It is highly unlikely that mudjacking and polyjacking will be the foundation repair solution you’re looking for.

Both are best for non-load-bearing concrete slabs, including basement floors, but not the supportive elements of your home’s foundation.

However, if you need more extensive foundation repair to strengthen the structure of your home, PierMagic can help you with that.

Both Should Be Left to a Professional

Kansas City mudjacking and polyjacking require specialized tools, materials, and techniques to do the job correctly. Errors can render a concrete slab or front steps irreparable or result in uneven concrete, posing a safety concern or trip hazard.

And because the jacking process tends to be less expensive than pouring new concrete, it’s best to pay the right professionals once, than to spend money on supplies only to have to repay and have the DIY work redone.

Get a Polyjacking Estimate from PierMagic Foundation Specialists

For the last 14 years, PierMagic has established itself as one of the best foundation repair businesses in Kansas City - but we do so much more than that! From concrete lifting and leveling to foundation piering and wall anchoring, we are your concrete repair headquarters.

If you’re looking for polyjacking, PierMagic should be your top contact! Our efficient polyjacking process is more cost-effective than replacing your concrete, and we offer a warranty to back up our work. If you live in Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, or anywhere else in the Kansas City metro, we provide polyjacking near you.

Request a free estimate for polyjacking by calling PierMagic at (816) 765-4800, or by sending us a message on our website. One of our experienced professionals will get back to you quickly and help you determine the best solution for concrete slab settling available to you.