Polyjacking Concrete Leveling: How Does It Work?

Concrete surfaces can develop a variety of issues over time. Whether it’s a sunken driveway, an uneven sidewalk, or a settling foundation, uneven concrete can be a major headache. When the ground beneath concrete slabs shifts, it can cause the concrete to sink, crack, or buckle, creating unsightly and potentially hazardous conditions. Traditionally, concrete repair methods involved tearing out the old slabs and replacing them, which is time-consuming, costly, and disruptive. However, there’s a more efficient and effective solution: Polyjacking concrete leveling, also known as Polyurethane Foam Injection.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what polyjacking is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s quickly becoming the go-to solution for concrete leveling.

What Is Polyjacking?

Polyjacking is an advanced method for lifting and leveling sunken concrete slabs. The technique involves injecting a special polyurethane foam under the affected slab. This foam expands and hardens, filling the voids beneath the concrete and gently raising the slab to its original position. It’s a quick and minimally invasive solution for addressing concrete settlement issues.

How Does Polyjacking Work?

The polyjacking process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps:

1. Inspection and Preparation: A professional contractor will begin by assessing the concrete issue and determining the areas that need to be lifted. The concrete surface is then cleaned to ensure optimal conditions for the injection.
2. Drilling Small Holes: Small, dime-sized holes (usually 5/8 to 1 inch) are drilled into the concrete slab in the sunken areas. These holes will serve as the access points for the polyurethane foam injection.
3. Injection of Polyurethane Foam: A specialized pump is used to inject the polyurethane foam into the drilled holes. The foam expands rapidly as it reacts with the moisture in the soil. This expansion fills the voids beneath the concrete and pushes the slab back up to its original level.
4. Shutting Off the Injection: Once the slab has been lifted to the desired level, the foam is allowed to cure and harden, permanently stabilizing the concrete.
5. Sealing the Holes: Finally, the small holes are sealed, leaving the area looking as good as new.

The Benefits of Polyjacking

1. Minimal Disruption: One of the biggest advantages of polyjacking is how minimally disruptive the process is. Unlike traditional methods of concrete leveling that involve removing and replacing the entire slab, polyjacking only requires small holes to be drilled. This means that your driveway, patio, or sidewalk can be repaired without the hassle of a full-scale construction project.
2. Cost-Effective: Since the process is less invasive and requires fewer materials, polyjacking is typically much more affordable than full concrete replacement. Not only does it save money upfront, but it also prolongs the life of your existing concrete.
3. Quick Turnaround: Polyjacking is a fast solution. Depending on the size of the project, it can often be completed in just a few hours. The injected foam sets quickly, so you can walk, drive, or use the concrete surface again in as little as 15 minutes.
4. Long-Lasting Results: The polyurethane foam used in polyjacking is durable and resistant to the elements. It can stand up to moisture, temperature changes, and heavy traffic without breaking down, ensuring that your concrete remains level and stable for years to come.
5. Environmentally Friendly: Polyurethane foam is environmentally friendly, with a minimal carbon footprint. It doesn’t require any heavy machinery or large amounts of concrete, and the materials used in the foam are often water-resistant, meaning they help prevent further erosion or shifting in the soil.
6. Non-invasive: There’s no need for large equipment, tearing up old concrete, or digging around the foundation. Polyjacking is a clean process that doesn’t disturb your landscaping or property, which makes it a highly attractive option for homeowners.

Why Choose Polyjacking Over Other Methods?

There are a variety of methods available for concrete leveling, such as mudjacking (also known as slabjacking) and traditional concrete replacement. So, why should you choose polyjacking?

• Speed: Polyjacking is one of the fastest concrete leveling methods, with most jobs completed in a matter of hours. Mudjacking, on the other hand, can take longer to set and cure.
• No Mess: Unlike mudjacking, which uses a cement-based grout mix that can be messy and difficult to clean up, polyjacking uses a clean polyurethane foam that leaves no mess behind.
• Better Results: Polyurethane foam is more stable than the grout used in mudjacking, which can break down over time. The foam has greater strength, resists water, and doesn’t settle as quickly as other materials.
• Durability: Polyurethane foam’s resilience to moisture and its ability to fill smaller gaps make it a better long-term solution than other methods.

Common Applications for Polyjacking

Polyjacking is ideal for a wide range of concrete surfaces and problems, including:

• Driveways: Over time, driveways can settle and crack. Polyjacking can level them and restore their appearance and functionality.
• Sidewalks and Walkways: Uneven sidewalks can pose tripping hazards, making polyjacking an excellent solution for safety and aesthetic purposes.
• Patios and Pool Decks: Pool decks and patios are often subjected to shifting soils. Polyjacking can fix sunken or uneven areas without disturbing the surrounding landscape.
• Foundations: Polyjacking is also effective for stabilizing foundations, preventing further settlement or cracking.
• Garage Floors: As with driveways, garage floors can settle and create an uneven surface. Polyjacking can restore the level of your garage floor quickly.

Polyjacking offers a modern, efficient, and cost-effective solution for concrete leveling, bringing a much-needed alternative to traditional concrete repair methods. With its minimal disruption, fast application, and long-lasting results, it’s no wonder that polyjacking is becoming the preferred choice for homeowners and businesses alike. If you’re dealing with sunken or uneven concrete, polyjacking may be the solution you need to restore both the safety and aesthetics of your property.

So, before you consider tearing out your old concrete or opting for less effective repairs, consider giving polyjacking a try—your wallet and your concrete surfaces will thank you!