Mudjacking vs. Polyjacking: Why Polyjacking Is the Smarter Choice

Mudjacking vs. polyjacking? There’s no contest — polyjacking wins. At R&R Foundation, we’re proud to use the PolyLevel® system for concrete lifting and leveling. This advanced method offers several advantages over traditional mudjacking, making it the preferred choice for durable, long-lasting results, especially in the wet PNW climate we live in.

Polyurethane concrete raising — also called polyjacking, poly lifting, or slabjacking — achieves the same leveling results as traditional mudjacking with a lightweight material that requires smaller and fewer injection holes. The key benefits include:

1. Smaller & Fewer Injection Holes: Polyurethane concrete raising achieves the same leveling results as mudjacking, but with a much lighter material. It requires fewer and smaller injection holes, and thanks to our precise patching process, it’s nearly impossible to tell the area was ever worked on.
2. Completely Waterproof: In the PNW, where it rains nearly 10–11 months out of the year, complete waterproofing is a major advantage. Unlike traditional mudjacking, which can wash out over time, the polyurethane foam used in PolyLevel® is waterproof and forms a solid, stable base that won’t degrade due to moisture.
3. Lightweight Solution: The difference in material weight is substantial. Polyurethane foam is approximately 50 times lighter than the mud or slurry used in traditional methods. For jobs requiring over 400 lbs of material, this drastically reduces the risk of further stressing an already unstable subgrade.
4. Minimal Cleanup and Smaller Patches: PolyLevel® offers a much cleaner installation process. The injection holes are typically only 1/3 to 1/4 the size of those required for mudjacking, resulting in less mess and a more discreet finish.

Polyjacking is ideal for addressing a variety of underlying issues that lead to concrete settlement. Here are some of the most common scenarios where this solution is used:

• Poor Sub-Grade Compaction: Improper compaction of the original sub-grade is a leading cause of slab settlement, especially in homes with concrete less than 10 years old. When the ground beneath the slab isn’t properly compacted during construction, voids can form and lead to uneven surfaces over time.
• Ongoing Drainage Issues: Water is one of the biggest threats to concrete stability. If the drainage problems that caused erosion and settlement in the first place aren’t resolved, further settling is inevitable, no matter what material is used to fill the voids or lift the slab.

That’s why our expert sales team is trained to identify drainage concerns during the inspection process. By addressing these issues beforehand, we can ensure that the PolyLevel® solution provides a lasting, stable result.

While both methods are used to lift and level sunken concrete, polyurethane foam offers several key advantages over traditional mudjacking:

• Smaller Holes = Cleaner Finish: Mudjacking requires larger hoses and holes to pump the thick slurry under the slab. This results in noticeable patches after the work is complete. Polyurethane only needs small injection holes, making the final result far less visible.

• Lighter Weight = Less Stress on the Soil: One major drawback of mudjacking is that it adds significant weight to an already compromised sub-grade. This can worsen the underlying problem. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is extremely lightweight and adds only a fraction of the weight, making it a better long-term solution.

• Faster Cure Time: Mudjacking materials require water to become pumpable, which means they take much longer to cure and set. Polyurethane sets within minutes, minimizing downtime and allowing you to use the surface again much sooner.

• More Resistant to Erosion: In areas with ongoing drainage problems, mudjacking materials are more likely to be washed away over time, just like the original subsoil. Polyurethane, being waterproof and solid once cured, is far more resistant to erosion and shifting.

• Less Mess, Easier Cleanup: Mudjacking often leaves behind residual material around the job site, and cleaning it up completely can be a challenge. Polyurethane installation is much cleaner, with minimal surface disruption.

If you’re noticing sunken, cracked, or uneven concrete, R&R Foundation has the solution. If you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of mudjacking vs polyjacking, our team is here to guide you toward the most effective and long-lasting solution.

Whether you’re dealing with settled sidewalks, driveways, garage floors, patios, or even commercial concrete slabs, our team uses the advanced PolyLevel® system to lift and stabilize your surfaces efficiently and effectively. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, and the surrounding areas of Western Washington.

Explore more about our concrete leveling, polyurethane foam lifting, drainage solutions, and foundation repair services on our website. Ready to get started? Contact R&R Foundation today or call us at (425) 426-2636 to schedule your free consultation. Let’s restore your concrete the right way, cleaner, stronger, and built to last.