Why Mudjacking Isn't the Best Fix for Sunken Concrete

Let’s be honest, uneven concrete is unsightly, it lowers your property value, and it’s downright dangerous as a trip hazard.  Whether it’s your sinking driveway, sidewalk, patio or pool deck (and we have a lot of concrete around our homes here in New Hampshire and Massachusetts) – it needs to be fixed, and fixed right. 

But what's the best way to fix your uneven concrete? For many homeowners throughout New England, the term “mudjacking” comes to mind. And this outdated, messy method could be stopping them from fixing their concrete.

Here’s how it works: Mudjacking crews drill large-diameter holes into the surface, then inject a messy mixture of cement and soil below the concrete. Because the “mud” is hydraulically pumped under considerable pressure, it can lift the cement slab section back to its original position.

But the problem with traditional mudjacking is that the weight of the mixture that is pumped under the slab, combined with the weight of the concrete itself, can actually cause the slab to sink further if the soil beneath isn’t able to support the load.

Pros

• Can be most inexpensive option
• Can level concrete for a period of time

Cons

• Not a permanent fix
• Messy and disruptive
• Large holes left in concrete by installers leave a polka-dotted look
• Return to service in 1-4 days

The good news is there is a modern solution that requires minimal disruption to lift and stabilize concrete slabs.

Homeowners can achieve permanent concrete leveling with PolyLevel ®. PolyLevel is a two-part foam engineered to expand immediately upon injection beneath a settled slab. Injection holes are much smaller than those required for mudjacking.

In action, PolyLevel® expands to many times its original volume, forcing the sunken concrete back to its original level. Within a matter of minutes, the expanded polymer hardens and reaches 90 percent or more of its final strength. This makes it possible for the restored surface to regain full functionality right away.

What we mean is, homeowners will be able to use their driveway in less than 20 minutes of concrete leveling with PolyLevel.

Pros

• Affordable, permanent solution
• Non-invasive and less messy
• Immediate return to service
• Lightweight but strong
• Environmentally friendly

Cons

• Can be more expensive than mudjacking

So when you’re frustrated from tripping on your uneven concrete one too many times and you’re ready to fix it, choose the option that makes the most sense for you and your family. And if you’re ready to permanently lift and level your concrete with PolyLevel, call us for your free concrete repair estimate today!