Mudjacking vs polyurethane

What do you chose?

Mudjacking vs polyurethane: what do you chose

If you’re looking for a way to fix your broken or sunken concrete, there are several options to choose from. In Canada it is not uncommon for concrete to sink or break over time.There are various causes that can be the reason that concrete breaks. It is possible that holes or crevices are created by erosion. And it can also happen that the foundation of your house sinks due to circumstances from the environment. There are various solutions for this. The most common solutions are mudjacking or the use of polyurethane foam. But between mudjacking vs polyurethane, what is the best for your situation? We help you choose the right solution.

What is the difference between mudjacking vs polyurethane?

Both techniques are used to restore the concrete locally. But there are clear differences in durability and costs.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking is maybe the most known way to fix broken or cracked concrete. It uses a solution consisting of cement and other materials. This is pumped under the settled slab to raise it. The mixture that is being used is very heavy, which can be a problem in some cases. Because you add extra weight to the surface beneath the concrete. A surface that caused the concrete to crack or sink in the first place. Mudjacking is therefore considered to be a rather short-term solution to fix the problem.

Polyurethane

Although polyurethane has been known on the market for 20 years, it is a rather newcomer to the market for concrete restoration. The polyurethane technology is designed to provide a durable solution. Small holes are drilled in the concrete that are used to inject the polyurethane foam. The foam expands and brings the the falling slab back into place. The foam is really lightweight, so you hardly add any extra weight to the ground beneath the concrete. Because of its stability and water resistance, the polyurethane foam is resistant to possible damage caused by floods and weather influences. It does not deteriorate in the presence of water or weaken over time. Polyurethane is durable. The foam mixture is non-absorbent. This means that it will not expand, shrink or crack under extreme weather conditions or sudden changes in temperature.

Chose between mudjacking vs polyurethane

So, what to chose as a solution for your problem: mudjacking or polyurethane? It really depends on the project you have in mind. Mudjacking is a time-tested, relatively inexpensive procedure that many contractors are familiar with. But it also needs large holes for the concrete mixture to be pumped underneath the concrete slab. Also, the mixture is extremely heavy and the extra weight increases the likelihood of sinking in the future again. Polyurethane is a long-lasting procedure that uses lightweight materials. So there is no additional soil compression. The foam can be injected through smaller holes. And this technique is faster, as the foam dries must faster that the concrete mixture used with mudjacking. But, this service is not (yet) widely available in Canada, since fewer contractors have the equipment and experience for this procedure.

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