Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking: Which Is Better?

Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking

Polyjacking and mud jacking are different methods of two similar concrete repairs method. Both use hydraulic jacks to fill and raise settled concrete, but their materials and processes are different.

Mud jacking method is the traditional method. It involves injecting a slurry of mud and water beneath the concrete. The advantages of mud jacking include its affordability and easy operation. However, mud jacking can be a messy technique and does not provide as much support as polyjacking.

Polyjacking is the injection of polyurethane foam. which provides strong and long-lasting support for your concrete. Polyjacking is also less dirty than mud jacking. Polyjacking provides more durable and long-lasting support than mud jacking.

The poly jacking method uses polyurethane foam. While the mud jacking method uses a slurry mixture of cement, water, and sand. Let us consider poly jacking vs. Between mud jacking, which one is right for your repair project? Let’s understand it.

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is the best method for raising and stabilizing settled concrete slabs. The mudjacking method is also called slabjacking or concrete lifting. This repair method is highly effective and lasts for a long time.

Mudjacking is a concrete leveling method. This method involves pumping a soil slurry mixture through a hydraulic pump to lift a building, driveway, or other submerged concrete. The mudjacking method involves drilling dime-sized holes into your settled concrete. After that, mud is pumped into it and then the mud hardens.

Mudjacking is also known as slab grouting, pressure grouting, and concrete leveling. The slurry is also made by mixing sand, cement, and other substances in it. Mudjacking is a great option for slabs, driveways, porches, pathways, decks, and steps.

In some projects, pumping mud as slurry is not the best solution. It cannot be used without damaging heavy or load-bearing slabs. Additionally, it can increase difficulties even with severely damaged concrete.

What Is Polyjacking?

Polyjacking is a type of concrete repair method. which uses polyurethane foam to lift and level concrete slabs. Polyurethane foam is injected under the concrete slab, where it expands and pushes the slab back into place.

Polyjacking is commonly used to repair concrete surfaces damaged by weathering or settlement, such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Polyjacking is a quick and inexpensive way to fix uneven concrete and prevent it from further cracking or sinking.

Polyjacking can be used to fix a variety of concrete structures, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and garage floors. It is a popular method of concrete repair because it is relatively quick, cost-effective, and can extend the life of the concrete slab. Additionally, the polyurethane foam is water-resistant and will not shrink or erode over time, providing a long-lasting solution to sunken concrete.

Pros and Cons of Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking

Mudjacking Pros and cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of mud jacking:

Mudjacking Pros:

1. No Demolition: The mudjacking method allows you to repair existing concrete without breaking it.
2. Cost-effective: Mudjacking is less expensive than replacing a concrete slab entirely.
3. Environmentally Friendly: Environmentally friendly materials are used in mudjacking.

Mudjacking Cons:

1. Temporary Solution: Mudjacking may not be a permanent solution. Because the concrete slab can be settled again in the future.
2. Not suitable for all situations: Mudjacking is not a suitable option for all types of concrete damage. such as severely cracked or broken slabs.
3. Appearance: The slurry mix used in mudjacking can create a visible patch that does not match the original concrete color and texture.
4. More time: The mud jacking process must be completed before the concrete deteriorates too much, or the damage may be irreversible.

Polyjacking Pros and Cons

Polyjacking Pros:

1. Durability: Polyurethane foam is lightweight but has high compressive strength, meaning it can provide stronger support than mudjacking.
2. Long-Lasting: Polyurethane foam provides a long lasting solution.
3. Quick process: Depending on the size of the project, polyjacking is usually completed in a few hours or a day.
4. Minimal Disruption: Polyjacking requires drilling small holes in the concrete, so there is minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

Polyjacking Cons:

1. More Expensive: Polyurethane foam material has a high cost. Which makes polyjacking more expensive than mudjacking.
2. Appearance: Polyurethane foam used in polyjacking can create a visible patch that does not match the original concrete color and texture.

Polyjacking can be an effective solution for raising and stabilizing submerged concrete slabs. But, it is important to consider the pros and cons and consult a professional to determine the best option for your particular situation.

Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking Cost

Polyjacking and mudjacking are two common methods. Polyjacking and mudjacking are used to lift and level sunken or uneven concrete slabs. Like driveway, sidewalk. In terms of cost, the two methods are comparable. However, following are some differences to consider.

For larger projects, the polyjacking method may cost more material than mud jacking. Polyjacking can save money on labor costs. But it increases the material cost.

Polyjacking is generally a more expensive method than mudjacking. Polyjacking costs between $5 and $8 per square foot. Whereas, mudjacking costs between $3 to $6 per square foot.

The cost of polyjacking vs mudjacking depends on many factors. This depends on the size and location of the project, the extent of damage to the slab, and the specific materials and techniques used by the contractor. Therefore, it is essential that you get multiple quotes from reputable contractors and compare their prices and service offerings before making a decision.

Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking: Drill Holes

In the mudjacking method, two-inch holes are drilled into the concrete. The holes are larger compared to those made in the polyjacking method.

With experts in polyjacking, drilling 5/8″ holes in cracked concrete and injecting foam below the surface. Using polyjacking is much less damaging to the concrete than the mudjacking method.

Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking: Duration

Your sidewalk, driveway, or other pathway becomes unusable during the mud jacking process. Mudjacking repairs take 1-2 days. Because it needs to be dried. Therefore, weather and rainfall must be considered when planning mudjacking concrete repairs.

The polyjacking method uses expanded foam. So the repair work is completed quickly with polyjacking method. It can be applied to the required surface within an hour and dried.

Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking: Longer-lasting results

Polyurethane is a better option for you than mudjacking. Concrete repairs in the mudjacking method have to be reused over time. On the other hand, in the polyurethane method, the foam hardens with clay. Concrete repairs made with this method last a lifetime.

Polyurethane disrupts the concrete slab less than mudjacking. While mudjacking involves drilling large holes in your concrete, polyurethane requires only small injection holes. The polyurethane method gives you a durable, long-lasting solution.

Polyjacking Vs Mudjacking: Water and Moisture Resistance

Polyurethane is a versatile material used in polyjacking. Which we use in different places. While mudjacking relies on clay-based slurry or cement slurry in concrete leveling.

The polyjacking method is a concrete repair method suitable for wet or submerged environments. Polyurethane is commonly used to level concrete slabs in areas where such as near a swimming pool or basement floor.

Polyurethane can be water resistant. So it can help maintain your concrete level. It also prevents water from leaking into your home or structure.

Final Thoughts

Polyjacking is a better option than polyjacking compared to mudjacking. It lasts a long time. And it can resist moisture. However, both have their pros and cons, so it becomes necessary to know all the information before making a decision.

If you need polyjacking or mudjacking services in your area, you can contact Slabjack Geotechnical today. They have been providing quality services for years.