Foundation jacking is the general term for techniques used to lift a settled foundation or slab back toward its original elevation, typically by injecting material beneath it or using mechanical jacks connected to piers.
Several distinct jacking methods exist, each suited to different situations depending on whether the goal is lifting a slab, a foundation wall, or an entire structure.
What Methods of Foundation Jacking Are There?
- Mudjacking, using a cement-based slurry
- Slabjacking, a similar technique specifically for concrete slabs
- Polyjacking, using expanding polyurethane foam
- Pier-based lifting using hydraulic jacks
Why Is Foundation Jacking Important?
Lifting a settled slab or foundation back closer to level can resolve tripping hazards, close unsightly gaps, and in some cases improve drainage that had been disrupted by the settlement itself. Choosing the right jacking method matters, since a lightweight polyurethane foam might be ideal for a sidewalk slab but insufficient for lifting a heavily loaded structural foundation, which typically calls for pier-based lifting instead.
It’s also worth understanding that jacking corrects the symptom of settlement, the uneven elevation, without necessarily addressing why the settlement happened in the first place, which is why a broader stabilization plan is often recommended alongside any lifting work. A contractor experienced with all three major jacking methods can help match the right technique to a project’s specific combination of slab type, load, and budget rather than defaulting to whichever method they happen to specialize in. Getting this match right the first time avoids the added cost and disruption of a second, corrective repair later. Matching method to circumstance is where an experienced contractor’s judgment adds the most value.
Foundation Jacking vs. Mudjacking
Foundation jacking is the umbrella term covering multiple lifting techniques. Mudjacking is one specific method within that category, using a cement-based slurry pumped beneath a slab to lift it, distinct from the polyurethane foam used in polyjacking.