Poly Leveling vs. Mudjacking

Name: Elevated Concrete Lifting | Springfield, MO
Address: 1004 Bittersweet Ct, Springfield, MO, MO, 65714, US
Telephone: 417-470-6506
Price range: -
Rating: 5

Which Is the Better Concrete Lifting Method?

At Elevated Concrete Lifting, we specialize in polyurethane foam concrete leveling to help homeowners and businesses fix sunken, cracked, or uneven concrete. Whether you need to fix a driveway, sidewalk, patio, warehouse floor, or parking lot, it’s important to choose the best method for long-lasting results.

Many property owners hear terms like mudjacking and poly leveling but don’t know the differences between them. Are they all the same thing? No—while both methods aim to lift and level concrete, poly leveling is the modern, superior solution.

Concrete Leveling Small Drill Hole

What Is Concrete Leveling?

Concrete leveling (also called concrete lifting or concrete raising) is the process of raising and stabilizing sunken concrete. Over time, driveways, sidewalks, patios, and foundations can sink due to soil erosion, compaction, and water damage. Instead of tearing out and replacing the slab, companies lift and restore it using either poly leveling or mudjacking.

Both methods inject a material beneath the concrete to fill voids and lift the slab, but they use very different materials—and that makes a big difference in quality, durability, and performance.

Concrete raising and leveling Mudjacking

Springfield Concrete Lifting Drill whole size

What Is Poly Leveling?

Poly leveling (also called poly foam concrete leveling or poly jacking) is a modern, high-tech concrete repair solution. It involves injecting a lightweight, high-density polyurethane foam beneath the slab to raise it back to its original level.

The foam expands and hardens within minutes, creating a strong, stable, and waterproof foundation beneath the concrete. It’s the fastest, most durable, and least disruptive concrete lifting method available.

Advantages of Poly Leveling:

✅ Smaller Drill Holes – Requires only dime-sized holes, keeping your concrete looking clean.
✅ Lightweight & Strong – Won’t add extra weight to weak soil like mudjacking does.
✅ Fast Cure Time – Ready for full use immediately.
✅ Long-Lasting & Waterproof – Won’t shrink, erode, or break down over time.
✅ Better Void Filling – Expands to fill all gaps and cracks, reinforcing the concrete.
✅ Less Disruptive – Quick, clean, and no mess compared to traditional methods.

Poly leveling is ideal for:

Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garages
Commercial concrete floors & warehouses
Parking lots, sport courts, and roadways
Foundations and void filling beneath slabs

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking (also called slab jacking) is the older method of concrete lifting. Instead of polyurethane foam, mudjacking uses a thick, heavy slurry mixture made of water, soil, sand, and cement.

This mixture is pumped beneath the concrete to fill voids and push the slab back into place. While mudjacking does lift concrete, it has major downsides compared to poly leveling.

Disadvantages of Mudjacking:

❌ Larger Drill Holes – Requires quarter- to half-dollar-sized holes, making concrete look patchy.
❌ Heavy Slurry Mix – Adds thousands of pounds of weight to the soil, which can cause further sinking.
❌ Slow Drying Time – Takes 24-48 hours to fully cure before the slab can be used.
❌ Not Waterproof – Slurry can erode or wash away over time, leading to future sinking.
❌ Messy & Disruptive – Requires more equipment, labor, and cleanup than poly leveling.

Mudjacking is typically used for:

Small, low-budget residential projects
Areas where load-bearing isn’t a concern
Temporary fixes (since it may need to be redone later)

Are Mudjacking and Poly Leveling the Same Thing?

No. Mudjacking and poly leveling both lift concrete, but they use different materials.

Feature	Poly Leveling (Polyurethane Foam)	Mudjacking (Slurry Mix)
Drill Hole Size	Small (Dime-Sized)	Large (Quarter to Half-Dollar)
Weight	Lightweight & Strong	Heavy (Can Cause Further Sinking)
Cure Time	Immediately	24-48 Hours
Waterproof	Yes, Won’t Wash Away	No, Can Erode Over Time
Durability	Permanent, Won’t Shrink	Can Break Down & Settle Over Time
Mess & Disruption	Minimal, Clean Process	Messy, Labor-Intensive

Poly leveling is superior because it’s faster, more durable, and better suited for long-term concrete stabilization.

Which Method Lasts Longer: Mudjacking or Poly Leveling?

✅ Poly leveling lasts significantly longer than mudjacking because:

Polyurethane doesn’t shrink, crack, or wash away like mudjacking slurry.
It’s waterproof, preventing future soil erosion and void formation.
The foam expands and hardens, reinforcing the slab and stabilizing the soil beneath it.

Mudjacking, on the other hand, often needs to be redone within a few years because the heavy slurry can cause further settlement.

How Do I Know Which Concrete Lifting Method Is Right for Me?

If you want a fast, durable, and long-lasting concrete repair solution, poly leveling is the better choice.

At Elevated Concrete Lifting, we only do poly foam concrete lifting because it outperforms mudjacking in every way. Our team will assess your concrete and provide a free, no-obligation estimate for the best repair solution.

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