The foam cures in 15 minutes. Most residential driveway or patio projects are finished in one to two days. You can walk on the concrete the same day the work is done. Compare that to concrete replacement, which takes a week or more.
Polyjacking vs Mudjacking: Best Concrete Driveway Repair Solution in Northern Colorado
Your driveway is sinking and you just got a quote for $8,000 to tear it out and start over. Before you accept that bill, you should know about two methods that can fix the problem for half the price. This guide explains the difference between mudjacking and polyurethane injection (also called polyjacking) so you can make the right choice for your Northern Colorado home.
Why Does Your Concrete Settle in the First Place?
Concrete in the Greeley, Evans, and surrounding areas sinks for one main reason: the soil underneath it is unstable. Colorado has clay-rich soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry. Every freeze-thaw cycle and every rain makes the ground below your concrete move.
Rainwater washes soil away from under the slab, creating voids. Poor compaction during installation makes it worse. Over time, the concrete sinks into these gaps, and your once-level driveway, patio, or stairs become a tripping hazard. The damage isn’t just ugly — it’s a liability.
The good news: you don’t have to rip it out and start fresh. Two proven methods can lift that concrete back into place and address the root problem.
Understanding Mudjacking: The Older Method
Mudjacking (also called slab jacking) has been around for decades. Contractors drill 1.625-inch holes through your concrete. They inject a thick slurry of Portland cement, soil, and water beneath the slab. As it hardens, the weight of the mixture lifts the slab back up.
It works. Your concrete gets lifted. The problem is what comes after. Mudjacking leaves large, visible holes. It requires 10 to 15 holes for an average driveway. The material is extremely heavy, which can actually burden weak soil instead of stabilizing it. The process takes time — you have to wait for the mixture to cure. And the holes? They often don’t match your concrete well, and the repair becomes obvious.
Mudjacking is also prone to failure. The slurry can wash away over time, or new voids can form again as soon as the soil shifts.
Polyurethane Injection: The Better Solution
Polyurethane foam injection (polyjacking) is a newer technique that addresses all the problems mudjacking creates. Instead of heavy slurry, contractors inject a polyurethane foam that is light, water-resistant, and incredibly durable.
The process is simple. Contractors drill tiny 5/8-inch holes about the size of a dime. The foam is injected and expands, filling all voids under the slab and lifting it into place. Within 15 minutes, the foam hardens completely. You can walk or drive on it the same day. The holes are nearly invisible when patched, and the entire job typically takes just one to two days.
Best of all, polyurethane is waterproof. It won’t absorb moisture or wash away. It’s so resistant to water that tests show foam samples submerged in water for 10 years remained completely intact. This means your concrete stays lifted, and the problem doesn’t come back.
Mudjacking vs Polyjacking: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Polyurethane (Polyjacking) | Mudjacking |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~50% less than replacement; comparable to mudjacking upfront | Slightly lower upfront, but shorter lifespan |
| Speed | Cures in 15 min; project done in 1–2 days | Hours/days to cure; 3–5 days total |
| Appearance | Dime-sized holes, nearly invisible when patched | Baseball-sized holes, very noticeable |
| Durability | Waterproof; lasts significantly longer | Fails in 5–7 years as slurry breaks down |
| Material Weight | Lightweight; doesn’t stress weak soil | Heavy cement slurry; adds burden to soil |
Which Method Should You Choose?
For most homeowners in Northern Colorado, polyurethane injection is the smarter choice. You get the benefit of professional concrete lifting at roughly the same cost as mudjacking, but with better results and longer-lasting durability.
Choose professional concrete lifting services if you want same-day work, invisible holes, and a guarantee it won’t fail. Ask contractors specifically about polyurethane foam injection and whether they address the cause of the settlement (usually water damage).
Mudjacking might be your only option if a contractor tells you the damage is too extensive for foam injection. But ask for a second opinion. Most settling concrete can be fixed with polyurethane.
What to Do Next: Getting Quotes and Asking the Right Questions
Before signing anything, ask your contractor three critical questions: Are you using polyurethane foam injection? Will you seal the joints and cracks to prevent water from causing future settlement? What’s your timeline — can you complete the work in one to two days?
Get at least two quotes. The cheapest bid isn’t always the best. Contractors who understand the root cause of your settlement and address water damage will save you money in the long run. A professional will look at your driveway, patio, or stairs, identify how water is getting under the slab, and recommend solutions beyond just lifting the concrete.
One final tip: ask to see before-and-after photos of similar projects. You want to see that the holes are patched well and match your concrete. Any good contractor will have portfolio work from around Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Severance, or wherever your home is located.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polyurethane injection uses 5/8-inch holes about the size of a dime. When patched and matched to your concrete, they are nearly invisible. Mudjacking leaves 1.625-inch holes (baseball-sized), which are much more noticeable.
Polyurethane foam is waterproof and won’t decompose, so it lasts significantly longer than mudjacking. The exact lifespan depends on whether water damage is addressed. Ask your contractor about joint sealing and penetrating concrete sealer to prevent future settlement.
Yes. Professionals can lift driveways, patios, sidewalks, stairs, pool decks, garage floors, and even foundation slabs. The technique works on almost any sunken or settled concrete slab.
Yes. Polyurethane foam doesn’t react with soil or water and is completely water-resistant, so it won’t leach chemicals into the ground. It’s also more efficient than concrete replacement, which requires heavy equipment and hauling away tons of material.Concrete settling is fixable, and you don’t have to pay full replacement prices to fix it. Whether you choose mudjacking or polyurethane injection, get multiple quotes and ask contractors to explain how they’ll address the water damage that caused the problem. For information about crack repair or other concrete services in your area, check out resources on concrete maintenance tailored to your local conditions.
