Concrete slabs have been raised for many years. It is cheaper to raise the slabs that have settled than to replace new ones. The technology has been used for lifting slabs on highways, airport runways, factory floors, etc.
Recently, a new development has been observed in concrete lifting technology. Earlier, the concrete was lifted by pumping cement mixture through holes. This method was called Mudjacking. A newer method, Polyurethane Concrete Raising or Foamjacking) pumps polyurethane through holes.
Polyurethane Concrete Lifting vs. Mudjacking
Polyurethane Concrete Lifting has numerous benefits over Mudjacking.
1. Cleaner Method
Polyurethane Concrete Lifting is a cleaner method as compared to Mudjacking. In Mudjacking, the concrete filling material is usually transported to the site. The material is then mixed onsite to form a slurry. This slurry is moved in carts to the location where the slab is to be lifted and is then pumped into the concrete slab. Any spills on the way can be washed away but this method is messier. Whereas, in Polyurethane Concrete Lifting, the equipment that contains the filling material is connected mechanically to the repair area. It is sealed to ensure that no material is spilled.
2. Less Disruptive Method
Concrete lifting involves drilling several holes into the slab through which the slurry gets injected. In Mudjacking, the holes are about 1 to 2 inches in width. Holes are drilled two to four feet apart from one another. The number of holes is greater than that of Polyurethane Concrete Lifting. In Polyurethane Concrete Lifting, holes are fewer and smaller with a width of only about half an inch. Hence, the slab looks neater and better in appearance with lesser and smaller holes.
3. Polyurethane Is Lighter in Weight
Concrete slabs settle majorly because the soil beneath them shifts, leaving empty space in between. Standard Mudjacking material weighs about 100 to 150 pounds per cubic foot while polyurethane weighs about 2 pounds per cubic foot. Mudjacking material puts weight and pressure on the soil underneath which can cause the soil bed to move lower. This may result in resettling of the concrete slab. With Polyurethane, the lightweight material does not exert as much pressure on the soil bed and thus, chances of resettling lessen.
4. Fast Cure Time
Mudjacking uses a pumped cement-based mixture; polyurethane lifting uses an expanding polymer. Material properties, environmental suitability, load limits and return-to-use restrictions depend on the specific product and site. Randy currently offers mudjacking only, not foam or PolyLevel installation.
Summary
Polyurethane Concrete Lifting is more costly than Mudjacking but because it has numerous benefits over age-old Mudjacking, it has started gaining popularity. It is cleaner and less disruptive, dries out fast, and poses fewer chances of resettling. This technique is being employed by various commercial industries. Many households are turning towards it as well. The technique appears more promising and reliable as compared to the conventional Mudjacking.
Requests through this website are fulfilled by Mud Dog Jacking LLC using cement-based mudjacking for suitable settled concrete. Foam, structural foundation work, replacement and decorative installation are not advertised services here. Discuss the actual assessment, scope and written terms before authorizing work.