Polyurethane foam jacking is an innovative foundation repair technique. In this method, professionals inject a polymerized material called polyurethane (PU) foam into the gaps under the concrete slabs.
It lifts the sunken foundation back to its pre-damage position. Some other names for polyurethane jacking include:
- Poly-Leveling
- Foam Lifting
- Poly-Lifting
- Polyjacking
Curious about the magic of polyurethane jacking? We’ve got all the details you need, so stick around!
How does Polyjacking Work?
Here’s a glimpse into the fascinating process of polyurethane foam jacking: Professionals inject a specialized material, polyurethane foam, into the gaps beneath the concrete pad.
This foam expands and solidifies, effectively lifting the foundation back to its original position. The process is as simple as it is effective. Experts follow the below steps while injecting polyurethane foam into the slabs:
Step 1: Detect voids under the slabs.
Step 2: Drill small holes into the damaged foundation area.
Step 3: Inject the foam into the voids through these holes. The foam will fill into the voids, expand, and harden within seconds.
Step 4: Thoroughly monitor the lift. Wait for the foundation to lift as the foam gradually expands.
Step 5: Seal the drilled holes after the foundation has been restored to its pre-damage state.
What benefits does Polyurethane Foam Lifting Offer?
Lifting your foundation via polyjacking offers numerous benefits, some of which are discussed below:
Cost-Effectiveness:
Polyurethane foam injections are relatively economical as compared to other foundation repair methods like piering or concrete piling.
Minimal Invasion:
The process is non-invasive and robust. It causes minimal disruption to the landscape and routine activities.
Durability:
If you are looking for a durable method for restoring your settled foundation, polyjacking is the right solution. It can resist damage for decades, and once you lift the foundation by polyjacking, it will stay there for a long time.
Eco-Friendliness:
Polyurethane does not change the pH of soil or water, does not contain any life-threatening chemical agents, and is recyclable. These properties make polyurethane an environmentally friendly material.
Less Time-Consuming:
Foam jacking is quite robust and efficient. It dries up within a few seconds to minutes after being injected, whereas other foundation repair methods have conventionally long curing durations.
When should you opt for Polyurethane Foam Jacking for foundation repair?
There are certain conditions of foundation damage where you should opt for polyjacking:
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When the foundation is sinking:
A sinking or settling foundation due to soil compaction or expansion requires foundation restoration. Polyjacking is a preferred solution for stabilizing the foundation due to its multitude of benefits.
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The walls and floors are cracking:
Have you been noticing sloping floors and cracking walls for quite a long time? Well, bowing walls and uneven floors are indicators that your foundation needs to be fixed.
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You have limited access to the damaged area:
PU injections are an ideal solution for lifting foundations situated in confined spaces where access is limited or conventional foundation restoration methods are difficult to implement.
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You have limited time:
As described earlier, PU injections have a shorter curing time. Therefore, if you have limited time for the repair, it’s better to opt for polyjacking, as the foam dries up quickly.
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You are looking for a budget-friendly solution:
Have foundation damage problems been bothering you for quite a long time, but you have limited money to spend on repairs? Polyjacking can be your savior in this situation, as it is relatively cheaper.
What is the difference between Polyjacking and Mudjacking?
Mud jacking or slab jacking is another foundation restoration method. Although it might sound quite familiar to polyjacking, both are different. If you want to know how polyjacking is different from mud jacking, have a look at the underlying table.
Polyjacking Versus Mud Jacking |
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Polyjacking |
Mud Jacking |
|
Material |
It involves injecting polyurethane (PU) foam, a recyclable material, to fill the gaps under concrete slabs. | It utilizes a sludgy water-based compound of clay, cement, sand, and other materials to lift the slab. |
Process |
In Polyjacking, experts inject the PU foam through drilled holes. The foam expands and then dries, filling the void. Then, they seal the holes. | In mud jacking, relatively larger holes are drilled to pour the slurry and lift the slab. The holes are then filled with concrete. |
Time Required |
Polyjacking is a time-saving process that usually takes less than an hour. | Mudjacking can take from a few hours to 1 day. |
Durability |
Polyurethane is a lightweight material. It is resistant to water damage and can last for up to five decades. | Mudjacking material is prone to soil erosion and can sink over time due to its weight. As a result, its longevity is affected. |
Disruption Level |
Polyjacking causes minimal disruption. The holes drilled are too small to create much mess. | As mud jacking involves drilling large holes, it is more messy and disruptive. |
Although the significance of mudjacking in foundation restoration is undeniable, the benefits of polyjacking over mudjacking make it a favored choice among homeowners and contractors.
How Much Does Polyjacking Cost?
Although polyjacking costs can vary based on various factors like:
- Project size
- Extent of damage
- Site Accessibility
However, the average polyurethane foam jacking costs around $5 to $25 per square foot. Overall, the project price can range between $875 and $7900 or even more.
The initial polyjacking cost may be at least 20/5 higher than other foundation restoration procedures; however, it does not require maintenance.
Conclusion
Poly leveling or polyfoam lifting is a popular foundation repair method among contractors and homeowners.
In the poly-lifting procedure, the professionals employ PU foam injections into the voids under the concrete slabs via small drilled holes to lift the sunken foundation. Polyjacking is cost-effective, durable, eco-friendly, and less time-consuming.
The process requires minimal disruption and has several advantages over mudjacking. The average poly-lifting cost is around $15 per square foot. If you have limited time or a confined area, polyjacking can be the ideal solution for foundation restoration.
