There are two major options that are common when it comes to concrete leveling: polyfoam and mudjacking. Both of these solutions are used in a variety of situations, but which one provides the best long-term outcome? Long-term durability, cost, and aesthetics are something that homeowners should consider when deciding between mudjacking and polyfoam. This blog will look at the properties of each service and which one has the best long-term cost savings for your concrete. 

Long Term Strength

Strength against the elements goes hand in hand with the overall cost of a service. When you invest in something for your home, you want it to last in order to make your investment feel worthwhile. When it comes to mudjacking, the mud mix often provides a heavier and stronger lift to begin with, but the heavy nature of the mix can put severe strain on unstable soil. Mudjacking is often suggested for large areas as it provides strength for a large area, without leaving weak points.

Polyfoam is much lighter, making it easier to use by professionals, but also to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is able to flex with the changes in the environment around it, making it a great option for all climates. Polyfoam also improves its strength when placed under a slab in a small space, making it stronger to handle heavy equipment or foot traffic on the concrete surface. Airports, warehouses, and homes all utilize polyfoam lifting. 

Average Lifespan

It is important to look at the life span of each option when looking at long-term cost. Spreading out your money and avoiding dropping large sums of money each year is important for homeowners on a budget. Let’s look at the lifespan of mudjacking and polyfoam when it comes to concrete lifting.

Mudjacking

The typical lifespan of a mudjacking service is 5-10 years. The strength of the soil underneath and the climate that you live in can change this timeline. Those who choose mudjacking to lift concrete find themselves replacing or repairing it after around 3 years.

Polyfoam 

Polyfoam is known to last for decades, providing stability for climates with extreme temperatures. With the degradation of soil and moisture considerations, polyfoam often lasts 20 years before needing to be replaced or redone. When you look at the cost of the service spread out over 20 years, polyfoam is the better choice.

The Benefits Of Polyfoam Lifting

Choosing a lifting option that will extend the life of your concrete and give you an even space to walk on is the best choice for your money. The benefits of polyfoam concrete lifting can help you avoid concrete replacement and many other benefits. 

One of the biggest benefits of polyfoam is that it cures quickly, allowing it to harden to its full strength without waiting for days. You can utilize the concrete again much quicker when you lift it using polyfoam. This limited downtime is especially beneficial for commercial and industrial areas that can lose precious income when out of commission. 

Polyfoam is inserted under the concrete using a small hole to pump it between the concrete and the soil. This allows your concrete to still remain smooth and aesthetically pleasing while being raised. Sinking concrete doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics when you choose a professional polyfoam lifting and leveling company. 

Another benefit of polyfoam is that it is resistant to moisture. Using it under concrete can help prevent soil erosion due to water, puddles, or moisture seeping through cracks between concrete slabs. This water resistance allows the concrete and the polyfoam to last much longer than they would have without the lifting material. 

Finally, polyfoam can be used to lift concrete in all areas. Because of its versatile applications, it can be used in small residential areas or large commercial applications. Driveways, sidewalks, warehouse floors, stairs, or airport runways.

Concrete Repairs From Polyfoam Solutions

Polyfoam Solutions provides a variety of concrete repair and lifting services for homes, garages, sidewalks, patios, and much more. We stand behind our products and services because we have seen firsthand how they improve the concrete spaces and help them to last for years into the future. If you need to repair foundation cracking, level out our commercial workspace, or repair a broken driveway, Polyfoam Solutions is here to help! Schedule a free consultation by calling 385-396-5083.

Are you experiencing cracks and shifts in your concrete? Then void-filling may be the answer. Not only does uneven concrete look unappealing, but it can be unsafe, leading to tripping hazards and poor drainage.

If you have suspicion that there are gaps or voids under your concrete slabs, then it’s time to schedule an appointment for void-filling.

What is Void-Filling?

Void-filling is the process of injecting a certain specialized foam underneath concrete slabs to fill the voids and empty spaces and better support the concrete. This process is often done after the ground beneath the concrete shifts has subsided. When this occurs, the concrete doesn’t have the support it needs, leading to cracking or an uneven surface.

At Polyfoam Solutions, we use high-density polyurethane foam to fill up those gaps, which then hardens and reinforces the concrete. This is a quick, clean, and effective solution for dealing with problematic concrete and preventing future issues.

Why Does Void Formation Happen?

Soil naturally settles over time and becomes more compact. This tends to happen more with newer housing developments or buildings where the construction has disturbed the soil and concrete is placed on top. If the soil has not been given the proper time or treatment beforehand, it can cause problems in driveways, sidewalks, or foundations.

Once a home is built and the surrounding ground begins to compact, then the small air gaps expand and show up beneath the concrete surfaces. Any heavy weight that is on top – like foot traffic, vehicles, or even time – cracks start to form, which can lead to the slabs sinking, shifting, and creating unsafe conditions.

The Cost of Waiting

It can be a temptation to not deal with early signs of cracking or concrete sinking. After all, it’s just a small crack – what harm is it going to do?

But this is a risk. Because a lot of the issues are under the surface and out of sight, you won’t know the extent of the damage or problem, which means it could get worse. As the voids continue to grow, repairs become more extensive, meaning costly expenses in the long-run and sometimes even full concrete replacement.

That’s where we come in. At Polyfoam Solutions, we give you a cost-effective solution that is quick, easy, and helps prevent further damage. Void-filling is a reliable and long-lasting choice that helps deal with the problem at the source, protecting both your property and your wallet.

Signs You Might Have a Void Under Your Concrete

It’s important to look for the signs of voids so that you can identify if you need void-filling and address it quickly. Here are some common signs to keep an eye out for:

• New construction in the area
• Pooled water or poor drainage around concrete surfaces
• Concrete slabs that have become uneven or shifted out of alignment
• Cracks appearing in your patio, sidewalk, or driveway
• Sections of concrete that feel hollow or sound “empty” when tapped

If you begin to notice any of these issues, then give us a call. It’ll be cheaper and safer to deal with these problems early on and schedule void-filling.

Why Choose Polyfoam Solutions?

Before you jump to assuming you need to fully replace your concrete or invest in expensive repairs, consider Polyfoam Solutions. We are a trusted name in soil stabilization and concrete repair, improving business and homeowners all over Utah. We don’t like seeing people waste their money and think they should have an effective and affordable option.

Our polyurethane foam is highly durable and fully fills the space of any voids, ensuring you have a safe and sturdy foundation. Unlike traditional mudjacking methods, our polyfoam:

• Offers a clean, minimally invasive installation process
• Is water-resistant and long-lasting
• Cures in minutes, allowing you to use the area the same day
• Expands quickly and fills gaps efficiently
• Won’t add extra weight to the soil, which could cause more settling

We want to give you a solution that provides you with a clean, even, and professional look. For peace of mind and a preserved, level concrete, go with Polyfoam Solutions.

The Bottom Line

Void-filling is your concrete’s best friend. Though you may not be able to fully prevent the ground from sinking, you can prevent your concrete from sinking. Our polyfoam is a quick and easy solution for maintaining a beautiful property and a safe surface. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation!