Polyjacking is an alternative to traditional mudjacking with many more advantages. The actual polyjacking itself is the process of leveling and lifting concrete using polyurethane foam in place of mud. A polyjacking company injects tiny holes into the concrete and when pumped into the concrete, the foam expands into the slab. The polyurethane expands; lifting the concrete in a natural and even manner.
What is polyjacking?
Sep 08, 2021
What is the Process of Polyjacking
Concrete is all around us; from commercial and business buildings to residential homes. When homeowners and business owners begin to see cracking, crumbling, and uneven concrete, they begin to wonder how to repair the damage. Let's begin with the question that many ask... what is polyjacking.
Polyjacking is the industry's most effective method for lifting and leveling sunken concrete. Similar to the traditional mudjacking process involving lifting a sunken slab into place by filling the void underneath mud substance, polyjacking uses the same thought process, but with a high-density foam called polyurethane.
Let's explore the differences between traditional mudjacking and polyjacking to begin the conversation by identifying the top four differences:
- Weight: Polyurethane weighs 250 to 300 pounds less per yard then traditional mudjacking material. Why is this important? The lighter the material, the less pressure on the soil under the concrete, resulting in less shifting.
- Reliability: The extra weight of the mud may cause the soil to settle causing a return trip to readjust the slab.
- Curing Time: Polyurethane typically cures in 15 minutes after the injection. This allows all treated areas to have full availability in minutes, not days.
- Aesthetics: The holes used to drill for poly injections are tiny… 5/8″. You can’t even tell the holes existed, which is a much less, more aesthetically pleasing result than mud. Bottom line… mud is dirty.
Check out the below infographic that showcases the difference in mudjacking and polyjacking.
RELATED: 4 Commonly Asked Questions When It Comes to Concrete Leveling.
Why all of the other names for concrete lifting?
Again, we mentioned that mudjacking and polyjacking are typically used interchangeably, but are a different process. Polyjacking is a two-part process that has evolved into the more efficient and effective way to repair sunken concrete. The traditional mudjacking process is the most common way that residents and homeowners search for the process of lifting concrete. In addition to polyjacking and mudjacking, some of the most searched terms referring to the poly process are poly foam, poly lifting, mud lifting, concrete lifting, and foam jacking.
Disadvantages of Mudjacking
Concrete slabs settle due to decomposing soils, erosion and groundwater migration. While mudjacking works, it has a few disadvantages. First of all, it requires heavy equipment, multiple trucks, large drill holes and most importantly, the results may only be temporary. At PierMagic, we’ve found something that works even better than mudjacking...polyjacking.
Advantages of Polyjacking
Polyjacking requires one truck, no heavy equipment, small drill holes and will last much longer. Benefits of polyjacking include:
- Longer lasting solution
- More durable
- Requires no heavy machinery
- Smaller drill holes
- Cures and dries in minutes instead of days
- Can be installed in any climate
- Will not shrink with weather changes
- Lightweight, will not burden the soil
Now that we've reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of concrete lifting process - mudjacking vs. polyjacking, let's answer the question: How does the polyjacking process work?
The process is really as easy as 1, 2, 3....
1. Drill a tiny dime-sized hole into the affected area. The hole is literally tiny... 5/8".
2. Inject a high-density foam into the ground underneath the failed concrete. The equipment needed fits right into a sprinter van and requires very little to setup at a residence or business. There are no large trucks, dirty mud, or large equipment pieces.
3. The technician will monitor the foam as it expands, raises, and stabilizes the concrete.
Literally the process is simple, effective, and quick.
Ok, as residents are evaluating polyjacking, many Kansas City homeowners still want to know how long the process takes to lift the concrete with polyjacking? The average job takes an hour or two, from start to finishing... the actual procedure itself only takes about 20 minutes or so (depending on the severity of the sinking), but the setup and cleanup adds onto that time.
Why do residents choose polyjacking over mudjacking?
Polyjacking is effective and popular because of the ability to bring the concrete back up to a normal and even level, all while ensuring it doesn't lose its current state of durability. The polyurethane will also withstand water intrusion more than the mudjacking process.
Check out this video that the team from PolyMagic captured from a resident's garage being polyjacked.
Can Polyjacking be used in hard to reach places?
Polyjacking equipment and materials is much smaller than the mudjacking materials and equipment. Mudjacking carries a large weight from the volume of the mud, and requires additional employees to complete the labor, along with the necessary larger machinery and equipment. Mud weighs 30 times poly (as an example, 120lbs vs. 4lbs per cubic foot).
PierMagic's sister company specializes in top notch service for concrete repairs serving Grandview, Lee's Summit, Overland Park, and the greater Kansas City area. Free assessments are available!
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