Mudjacking vs Polyjacking 2020

Mudjacking or Polyjacking Comparison… Or, No Comparison…

Mudjacking vs Polyjacking in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Honestly, there really is no comparison in terms of sustainability and value. Yes, They both produce the same visual end product initially, but that’s about it. If we thought about concrete leveling in terms of the way we get electricity, Mudjacking for concrete leveling would the equivalent of burning coal, the method provided a solution to a problem for a time but the process has evolved to much better and cleaner solutions in terms of power or solution in the case of Polyjacking.

Why is Mudjacking still an option if it is obsolete now?

Simply put, Companies have invested in that equipment and personnel for some time now and have not upgraded or can not afford to upgrade. They will continue to use the equipment until it breaks down or they are not receiving calls for it anymore before making a change or shutting down. The machinery used to pump the polyurethane material (Polyjacking) is 2 to 3 times more expensive, computer-controlled and requires a trained technician to maintain and monitor the equipment.

Tell me about “Sustainability and value”

Sure, We all work hard for our money, right? Even if we didn’t we still don’t want to throw it away. Well, I look at paying for Mudjacking as equivalent to throwing your money away! It’s basically the coaster you put under the wobbly table, Not a permanent fix. Mudjacking gets its name from the consistency of the slurry material used “mud” and for all intents and purposes, it is. It is mixed on-site and the primary concern of the operator is to mix and dilute the slurry enough to be pumped through the hose to get it below the slab. The mix quality and consistency vary greatly from operator to operator and seasonal temps. Water breaks this stuff down as easily as the dirt or subbase before it when mixed correctly and even faster when it’s not. Trust me, In the 20 years of construction and engineering experience, I’ve seen on too many occasions where it turned to powder or disappear completely under slabs that had eventually had to be replaced. We are regularly called as soon a 6 months after a client pays for Mudjacking to raise slabs back up with polyurethane. Paying for things twice or eventually having to replace a slab after so-called fixing it. Doesn’t sound very sustainable or of good value, does it?

Polyurethane, on the other hand, has a lifespan after injection of well over 100 years, In terms of sustainability we considered that a permanent fix. The material is also pre-engineered in a lab with high expansion and density rates to keep raw material usage low (this is how we charge clients) Value is literally engineered into the material. There are also different material types for different applications measured in pounds, for example, 3.0#, 4.0#, 4.75# all the way up to 6.0#. So for example, the 3.0# would be to stabilize a simple residential sidewalk and the 6.0# material would be to do the same with say an aircraft runway. A lot of thought goes into a Polyjacking project and not one material fits.

The extras only with Polyjacking

Everyone loves extras! Yes, Sure…We’re there to raise a slab or fill a void but in addition to that, you get a process called permeation grouting. This is the process and benefit of the polyurethane material being mixed directly under the slab as its injected, As the chemical reaction takes place the material mixes and permeates the soft soil that caused the problem in the first place densify it and sealing it against water erosion. So you not just get the material to fill the void and lift but it also improves the soil conditions surrounding it. If the slab being injecting is against your foundation wall, the material will also seal against the wall creating an additional protective waterproof barrier (curtain grouting). I also want to mention that Polyjack material does not add weight or pressure to your foundation walls as Mudjacking does, This is very important in maintaining the integrity of the structure. A couple of other things worth noting would be the holes that we drill and inject through are only 3/8″ of an inch (about the width of your pinky finger), This is great when comparing to Mudjacking holes that range from 2″ to 3″ in diameter. Last but not least is the cure time or “ready to use” time, Unlike Mudjacking that can take up to two days to cure after injection, Polyjack material is ready in minutes. Reducing the downtime to just the installation time itself.

Polyjacking vs Mudjacking – It’s a no brainer!

It really is. As more and more customers and clients arm themselves with information like what we went over here I find it less a conversation about why Polyjack is the best choice and more a question of when should I get the Polyjack work done. The answer to this is simple as well… As soon as you can. Whether it’s summer or winter, your driveway, Sidewalk repair, loading dock, Patio repair or even an Airport Runway why wait for it to get worse, If you notice settlement and sinkage, Stop it in its tracks! There is a direct correlation between cost and how far something has sunken. It takes twice the material to raise and stabilize something 2″ as it does 1″. There has never been a time when waiting to take care of a problem was better than getting it fixed right away, unless, it was that one time your check engine light went off on its own… Trust me, your sunken slab won’t one day come back to level.

Contact Us

STL Polyjack has over 20 years of experience in Commercial concrete lifting and leveling, having offices in St. Louis and offering services in Lake of the Ozarks, Kansas City, and southern Illinois. Being the top-rated Concrete repair contractor in St. Louis. we do quite a bit more than just raise sunken concrete. We handle all things structural inside and out. We offer free estimates, onsite inspections, and competitive financing for concrete repairs. Some straightforward projects can even be priced by just a photo or two along with a description directly on our website. We’re here to help! Author – Marcus Tao – Operating Partner of STL Polyjack, St. Louis, Missouri.