Expert Comparison Guide

Polyurethane vs Mudjacking: Why Polyurethane Wins

Both methods lift concrete, but the similarities end there. See why modern polyurethane foam lifting has become the preferred choice for Illinois homeowners and businesses.

Side-by-Side Method Comparison

See the clear differences between these two concrete lifting approaches.

Polyurethane Foam Lifting

Modern Technology

Installation Time

2-4 hours for typical project

Ready to use immediately

Injection Holes

⅝" diameter holes

Barely visible when sealed

Material Properties

Lightweight, waterproof foam

Won't wash out or deteriorate

Long-term Value

Permanent solution

Lifetime warranty available

Key Advantages:

Clean, dust-free process
Precise lifting control
Weather-resistant installation
Environmentally friendly

Traditional Mudjacking

1930s Technology

Installation Time

Full day or multiple days

24-48 hour cure time required

Injection Holes

1-2" diameter holes

Large, noticeable patches

Material Properties

Heavy cement/sand slurry

Can wash out over time

Long-term Value

Temporary to semi-permanent

May need repeat treatments

Key Limitations:

Messy, dusty process
Difficult to control lift amount
Weather-dependent installation
Adds weight to unstable soil

True Cost Comparison

Look beyond the initial price to see the real value difference.

Initial Cost

Polyurethane
$6-12 per sq ft
Mudjacking
$3-8 per sq ft

Lifespan

Polyurethane
Permanent solution
Mudjacking
5-10 years typical

Cost Per Year

Polyurethane
$0.30-0.60/sq ft/year
Best Value
Mudjacking
$0.40-1.60/sq ft/year

Why Illinois Weather Favors Polyurethane

Our harsh climate conditions make the choice even clearer.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Illinois experiences dozens of freeze-thaw cycles each winter, which can be devastating to concrete lifting materials.

Polyurethane: Flexible, won't crack from expansion
Mudjacking: Rigid material cracks and fails

Heavy Spring Rains

Illinois spring storms can dump inches of rain in hours, testing the water resistance of lifting materials.

Polyurethane: 100% waterproof, won't wash out
Mudjacking: Can wash out through cracks

Clay Soil Movement

Much of Illinois sits on expansive clay soil that swells and shrinks dramatically with moisture changes.

Polyurethane: Lightweight, moves with soil
Mudjacking: Heavy, adds stress to moving soil

Installation Weather Windows

Illinois weather can be unpredictable, making installation timing critical for project success.

Polyurethane: Works in most weather conditions
Mudjacking: Limited by temperature and moisture

Choose the Modern Solution

Don't settle for 1930s technology when you can have a long-lasting, modern solution that's designed for Illinois conditions.