Polyurethane Injections Vs. Mudjacking: Which Is the Best Concrete Repair Solution?

You take pride in your home. When the exterior concrete begins to crack and sink, action must be taken. 

Concrete lifting and leveling maintains the safety and aesthetics of your exterior driveway, sidewalk, patio, or pool deck concrete slabs. 

Over time, concrete can settle, crack, or become uneven due to soil erosion, water damage, or natural settling. While several methods exist for addressing these issues, only one stands out from the rest. Polyurethane foam injections. 

Sunken or uneven concrete surfaces not only pose safety hazards, such as tripping, but also negatively impact the overall appearance and value of your home. Timely repairs help prevent more extensive damage, reduce liability risks, and maintain your home’s functionality and curb appeal. 

Polyurethane injections and mudjacking are two well-established methods for repairing sunken or uneven concrete surfaces. Both techniques aim to lift and level concrete slabs by injecting materials beneath the affected areas. While each method has its merits, this article will focus on the benefits of polyurethane injections over mudjacking, providing a comprehensive comparison of the two approaches. 

Ultimately, polyurethane injections offer several advantages over mudjacking, such as being a lightweight material, having a quick curing time, causing minimal disruption to the surrounding area, and providing longer-lasting results. In addition, this eco-friendly option has gained popularity in recent years, making it a top choice for many concrete repair projects. 

Polyurethane Injections

Polyurethane injections involves a three-step process to lift and level concrete slabs. The procedure is as follows:

Drilling small holes: Certified installers drill small, strategically placed holes, typically about the size of a penny, into the sunken or uneven concrete slab. 

Injecting polyurethane foam: A two-part liquid is injected through ports in the drilled holes. When combined a high-density polyurethane foam is created. 

Expansion and lifting of the concrete slab: As the polyurethane foam expands, it fills the voids beneath the concrete and raises the concrete to its desired level. The soil beneath the slab is also reinforced because of the foam. Once the slab is leveled, the holes are sealed, and the work area is cleaned up. 

Polyurethane injections offer several benefits over traditional mudjacking, making it an attractive option for concrete repair: 

• Lightweight material: The polyurethane foam is significantly lighter than the concrete mix slurry used in mudjacking, reducing the risk of additional soil settling and future concrete issues. 
• Quick curing time: The foam cures rapidly, usually within 15-30 minutes, allowing the repaired area to be used almost immediately after the procedure. This quick turnaround is particularly beneficial for commercial properties and high-traffic areas. 
• Minimal disruption to the surrounding area: The small holes required for polyurethane injections cause minimal damage to the surrounding concrete and landscaping, resulting in a less invasive repair process. 
• Longer-lasting results: Due to its durability and resistance to water, the polyurethane foam is less susceptible to erosion and degradation, providing a more lasting repair solution compared to mudjacking. 
• Eco-friendly option: Polyurethane foam is often made from recycled materials and is less resource-intensive than the slurry used in mudjacking, making it a more environmentally conscious choice. 

Addressing concerns about polyurethane injections

While some concerns exist regarding polyurethane injections, these can be mitigated with proper planning and execution: 

• Higher initial cost with long-term benefits: Although polyurethane injections can have a higher upfront cost compared to masonry repairs like mudjacking, the long-lasting results and lower likelihood of future repairs make it a cost-effective solution in the long run. 
• Importance of hiring experienced professionals: As with any specialized service, it is crucial to hire skilled technicians with a proven track record in polyurethane injections to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. 
• Versatility in addressing various concrete issues: Polyurethane injections can be tailored to address a wide range of concrete problems, from small residential repairs to large-scale commercial projects, making it a versatile and effective solution for most situations. 

Mudjacking

Mudjacking, also known as slabjacking, is a traditional masonry method for lifting and leveling concrete slabs. The process involves the following steps: 

Drilling larger holes: Technicians drill larger holes, typically about 1-2 inches in diameter, into the sunken or uneven concrete slab at strategic locations. 

Injecting a slurry mixture: A slurry mixture consisting of water, soil, and cement is pumped through the drilled holes, filling the voids beneath the concrete slab. 

Lifting and leveling the concrete slab: As the slurry mixture fills the voids, it exerts pressure on the slab, raising it to the desired level. Once the leveling is complete, the drilled holes are sealed, and the work area is cleaned up. 

Drawbacks of Mudjacking Compared to Polyurethane Injections

While mudjacking has been a popular method for concrete repair, it has several disadvantages when compared to polyurethane injections: 

• Heavier material: The slurry mixture used in mudjacking is significantly heavier than polyurethane foam, increasing the likelihood of additional soil settling and future concrete issues. 
• Longer curing time: The slurry mixture can take several hours, or even days, to cure fully, delaying the use of the repaired area and potentially causing inconvenience, especially in high-traffic areas. 
• Potential for additional soil settling: Due to the weight of the slurry mixture, mudjacking can sometimes contribute to further soil settling, leading to recurring concrete issues. 
• Larger holes and more visible repairs: The larger holes required for mudjacking can result in more noticeable repairs, requiring a concrete patch and potentially impacting the appearance. 

Advantages of Mudjacking

Despite its disadvantages, mudjacking does offer some benefits: 

• Lower initial cost: Mudjacking often has a lower upfront cost compared to polyurethane injections, making it an attractive option upfront. 
• Tried and tested method: Mudjacking has been used for many years. 

Polyurethane foam injections offer several key advantages over mudjacking for lifting and leveling at your Charleston, WV, home. These benefits include a lightweight material, quick curing time, minimal disruption to the surrounding area, and longer-lasting results. Additionally, polyurethane injections are an eco-friendly option, further solidifying their position as a superior choice for many concrete repair projects. 

It is essential to consult with a professional concrete repair service to assess your unique situation and determine the most suitable solution. While polyurethane injections are often the preferred method for many cases, mudjacking may still be a viable option for certain scenarios, depending on factors such as budget, type and size of the concrete issue, and the specific repair requirements. 

Maintaining the safety and value of your property requires addressing sunken or uneven concrete surfaces in a timely and appropriate manner. Polyurethane injections offer a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting solution for many concrete repair needs, making it a highly recommended option for both residential and commercial property owners. 

Choose the Concrete Repair Experts at Basement Authority of West Virginia

When it comes to repairing sunken or uneven concrete surfaces, polyurethane injections are the clear winner over mudjacking. The lightweight material, quick curing time, minimal disruption to the surrounding area, longer-lasting results, and eco-friendliness of polyurethane injections make it an ideal solution for many concrete repair projects.

Basement Authority of West Virginia has a team of experts who specialize in polyurethane injections and can help assess your unique situation and provide the most suitable solution for your concrete repair needs. By investing in timely and appropriate concrete repairs, you can ensure your property’s safety, functionality, and curb appeal for years to come.

If you’re in need of concrete repair services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Basement Authority of West Virginia. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary inspection and start your concrete repair project.

Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Basement Authority of West Virginia does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.