Why Mudjacking Isn’t the Best Fix for Sunken Concrete
Let’s be honest, uneven concrete is unsightly, lowers your property value, and is downright dangerous as a tripping hazard. Whether it’s your sinking driveway, sidewalk, patio, or pool deck – it needs to be fixed, and fixed right.
But what’s the best way to fix uneven concrete? For many homeowners, the term “mudjacking” comes to mind. But this outdated, messy repair method could be what’s stopping them from actually fixing their concrete.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 is unable to support the load.
Pros
- Can be the most inexpensive option
- Can level your concrete for some period of time
Cons
- Not a permanent fix
- Messy and disruptive
- Large holes left by installers leave a polka-dotted pattern on the concrete
- Longer wait time: 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 concrete slab. Injection holes are much smaller than those required for mudjacking; in fact, they’re about the size of a pea.
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% or more of its final strength. This makes it possible for the restored surface to regain full functionality right away.
What we mean by this is, homeowners will be able to use their driveway in less than 20 minutes after 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 find yourself frustrated from tripping over your uneven concrete one too many times and you’re finally ready to fix it, choose the option that makes the most sense for you and your family. And if you want to permanently lift and level your driveway, sidewalks, patios, or pool deck with PolyLevel®, call or text us for your free concrete repair estimate today!
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