MUD or FOAM

When choosing between mud-jacking or foam-jacking there are several variables to understand, and each has it’s place. To get a true and realistic understanding, avoid contractors that provide only one of the two services and contact a contractor that provides both forms of lifting.

FOAM: The polyurethane industry has taken off over the last 10-15 years as lifting concrete with foam has gained popularity. Foamjacking is a “chemical lift”. This means the material is comprised of 2 chemical parts (part A and part B) that react with each other to expand and lift concrete. The material (polyurethane) is injected under the concrete through a hole (3/8” or 5/8” depending on the port used) as a liquid. The liquid chemical A and B react with each other to expand and pressurize (within a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the material and temperature). When the material reacts (cures) it expands and pressurizes along the path of least resistance. The material cures and hardens bound to itself (similar to spray foam).

PRO’S of Polyurethane Lifting

  • Immobile once cured

  • Sets up under water (if specified)

  • Impenetrable by water

  • Good for undersealing where a vapor barrier is required

    CON’S of Polyurethane Lifting

  • Can burn and/or suffocate roots of vegetation (trees and shrubs)

  • Uncontrollable- Cannot stop the reaction if lifting occurs in undesired location or overlifting occurs

  • Bonds to itself making uneven sections permanently uneven if there is a void present under both panel

  • Cannot be cut for relief cuts if there is a void present

  • Permanent when undesired movement happens causing the need for removing and replacing concrete

  • Makes removal and replacement of concrete difficult

MUD: Mudjacking has been used for decades as a means of lifting concrete. Mudjacking is a hydraulic lift. Proper material is the key factor in the longevity of the lift. Mud is organic material (comprised of a mixture of screened clay, sand, bentonite, and/or cement) mixed with water, injected under the concrete through a 1” hole to hydraulically lift the concrete and fill voids.

CON’S of Mudjacking

  • Cured material can resettle when exposed to consistent and heavy vibrations

  • Can break down in water

    PRO’S of Mudjacking

  • Controllable to allow for precision lifts for trip hazards and lips

  • Heavy enough to increase compaction of areas with poor compaction

  • Able to stop lift if undesired movement occurs

  • Environmentally friendly

  • Organic material safe for use around vegetation, roots, trees, and shrubs