Choosing Between Limestone Or PolyFoam Injection For Concrete Raising
At Detroit Concrete Leveling we offer two materials used to lift and level sinking or uneven concrete: limestone and polyfoam injection. Both methods can be effective, but choosing the right material for your specific situation will depend on a variety of factors. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of limestone and polyfoam injection to help you make an informed decision.
Limestone Concrete Leveling
Limestone concrete leveling, also known as mudjacking or slabjacking, is a process of lifting and leveling concrete slabs by injecting a slurry mixture of water and limestone under the affected area. This method has been used for many years and is still popular today due to its effectiveness and affordability.
Advantages of Limestone Concrete Jacking
- Cost-effective: Limestone is an abundant and affordable material, which makes mudjacking a cost-effective solution for lifting and leveling sinking or uneven concrete slabs.
- Strength & Stability: Limestone is a durable and strong material that can provide long-lasting support to concrete slabs. It also has good stability, which means that it can resist movement and settling over time.
- Environmentally Friendly: Limestone is a natural material derived from the earth with no additives or chemicals. We use agricultural grade limestone which is often used for improving the mineral content in soils to promote healthy plant growth, making it a safe choice for material on your home.
Disadvantages of Limestone Concrete Raising
- Weight: Limestone is a heavy material, which can add additional weight to the soil and potentially lead to further sinking or settling over time, in areas that are prone to loose soils or erosion.
- Appearance: Mudjacking/Slabjacking involves drilling small holes in the concrete surface to inject the limestone mixture, which are approximately 1” in diameter. We patch these holes and color match to the best of our ability; however, they can be unsightly until they weather overtime.
- Dust & Debris: The limestone mixture used in concrete leveling is made from pulverized limestone and water. We mix this slurry fresh on each project to provide the proper viscosity for the projects needs. This means that during mixing, there is limestone dust that can get on the surrounding areas and your home. We clean each jobsite to the best of our ability however leftover dust and debris may be found after the project is completed due to the nature of the material.
Polyfoam Injection Concrete Leveling
Polyfoam injection, also known as foam jacking or polyurethane injection, is a process of lifting and leveling concrete slabs by injecting a high-density polyurethane foam under the affected area. This method has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its effectiveness, speed, and minimal impact on the environment.
Advantages of Polyfoam Injection Concrete Leveling
- Light weight: Poly foam is a lightweight material that can provide additional support without adding significant weight to the soil.
- No Dust or Debris: With poly foam injection, the material is liquid and contained within barrels in our trailer and hundreds of feet of hose. Poly foam is mixed within the hose and is released as a reacting liquid after the hose nozzle is placed in the drilled holes. There is no dust or debris during this type of concrete leveling process. Also, there are no pumps holding material being driven to the concrete needing leveling, therefore, there is minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
- Appearance: Poly foam injection involves drilling small holes in the concrete surface, approximately 3/8” or 5/8” which can be easily patched and are less noticeable than those created by mudjacking. They can even fit between most tile grout lines and stamped concrete seams.
- Environmentally friendly: Polyurethane foam is environmentally friendly, as it does not contain harmful chemicals when properly mixed. We choose to use a polyurethane foam that is made to order from 40% recycled materials and has the lowest carbon footprint out of competing foam.
Disadvantages of Polyfoam Injection
- Cost: Poly foam injection can be more expensive than mudjacking, due to the cost of the materials and equipment required.
- Durability: While polyurethane foam is strong and durable, it may not provide the same long-lasting support as limestone. There are many different types of foam with different strengths and durability, it is important to use the correct poly foam for your repair to ensure longevity.
- Temperature sensitivity: Polyurethane foam reactions can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can limit the ability to level exterior concrete with foam in areas with cold weather climates.
Which Material is Right for You?
Choosing the right material for your concrete leveling project will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and severity of the affected area, your budget, and your personal preferences. In general, if you are looking for the most cost-effective solution and do not mind the appearance of small patching areas, limestone concrete leveling may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking for a less noticeable, environmentally friendly solution that provides minimal disruption to the surrounding area, polyfoam injection / foam leveling may be the better choice.
It’s important to consult with a professional contractor to determine which method is right for your specific situation. A qualified contractor will be able to assess the proper material for your unique project. Contact Detroit Concrete Leveling today for a honest, no hassle estimate on your concrete slabjacking needs.
