Polyjacking is a slab lifting technique that injects expanding polyurethane foam beneath a settled concrete slab through small drilled holes, with the foam expanding to fill voids and lift the slab as it cures within minutes.
It’s a newer alternative to traditional mudjacking, valued for its light weight and fast curing time compared to cement-based slurry.
What Does Polyjacking Involve?
- Drilling small access holes, often less than an inch wide
- Injecting two-part polyurethane foam beneath the slab
- Foam expanding to fill voids and lift the slab
- Quick curing, often allowing immediate use of the area
Why Is Polyjacking Important?
Because polyurethane foam weighs a fraction of cement-based slurry, it applies much less additional load to the soil beneath a lifted slab, reducing the risk of contributing to renewed settlement the way a heavier material sometimes can. The foam also cures within minutes rather than requiring the slab to sit undisturbed for an extended period, allowing driveways or walkways to return to use almost immediately after the work is finished.
The smaller access holes required for polyjacking also tend to be less visually noticeable once patched, compared to the larger holes typically needed for pumping cement slurry during mudjacking. The higher material cost of polyurethane foam compared to cement slurry is usually offset, at least partially, by faster completion times and less disruption to the surrounding landscaping or hardscaping. Many homeowners find the added convenience well worth the modest price difference, particularly for driveways or walkways in daily use. For high-traffic areas, minimizing downtime alone can justify the added expense. Many find that tradeoff reasonable given the practical benefits gained.
Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking
Polyjacking uses lightweight, fast-curing polyurethane foam, while mudjacking uses a heavier cement-based slurry. Polyjacking generally costs more but offers faster curing, less added weight, and smaller repair holes compared to traditional mudjacking.