Concrete settlement is a common problem for homeowners across Northeastern Pennsylvania, where freeze–thaw cycles, clay-heavy soils, and poor drainage frequently cause sidewalks, driveways, patios, and slabs to sink over time.
Beyond looking unsightly, sunken concrete creates real safety hazards, drainage issues, and long-term risks to nearby foundations.
Polyjacking concrete has become the preferred solution for lifting and leveling settled slabs because it’s fast, durable, and far less invasive than full replacement.
Unfortunately, polyjacking concrete often requires professional expertise and tools that most homeowners don’t have access to.
In this guide, we break down how polyjacking works, what DIY polyjacking entails, the risks most homeowners overlook, and when calling a professional contractor is the safer, more cost-effective option.
What is Polyjacking?
Polyjacking raises concrete slabs by injecting a high-density polyurethane foam beneath the sunken slab, where a technician slowly raises it to the desired level.
The polyurethane foam is designed to expand to fill voids beneath the slab where settlement may have occurred, allowing it to support the slab for as long as the mixture holds.
Compared to mudjacking or concrete replacement, polyjacking is the most efficient and least intrusive method to raise concrete.
Polyurethane foam lasts for decades, is moisture-resistant, and only needs to be installed by drilling two penny-sized holes.
Benefits of Polyjacking
Compared to other concrete repair and replacement methods, polyjacking is the most cost-effective in the long term. Here are some benefits of polyjacking concrete slabs:
- Speed: Polyjacking foam cures quickly, often within 15 to 30 minutes, allowing for immediate use of the concrete surface.
- Less Invasive: The injection process involves drilling only small, penny-sized holes into the slab, minimizing damage and cleanup.
- Durability: Polyurethane foam is resistant to moisture, so it’s less likely to wash out over time compared to mudjacking mixtures.
- Precision: The polyjacking process allows technicians to slowly raise the slab, giving them greater control over the final result.
- Lightweight Material: Since the foam is lighter than traditional mud or cement, there is less risk of further soil compaction, which can lead to additional settling.
When Polyjacking Can Be Used
Polyjacking is most effective when concrete has settled due to soil movement, erosion, or voids beneath the slab, but the concrete itself is still structurally intact. It’s a strong option in situations such as:
- Sunken sidewalks or walkways where panels have dropped but remain uncracked
- Uneven patios or porches that pose trip hazards but don’t require full replacement
- Settled driveway sections with isolated low spots and stable surrounding slabs
- Concrete slabs affected by washout from poor drainage or downspout discharge
- Garage or shed slabs that have settled uniformly without major structural damage
Polyjacking works best when the goal is to restore elevation, improve drainage, and eliminate safety hazards without the cost and disruption of tearing out and replacing concrete.
A professional assessment helps confirm whether the slab is a good candidate and ensures the lift is done evenly and safely.
Can You Polyjack Concrete Yourself?
You can technically rent the equipment and do it yourself, but polyjacking is often performed by professionals because specialized equipment and expertise are required.
To understand what is required to lift a slab using polyjacking, let’s first go through the process and equipment required.
How Does Polyjacking Work: Step-by-Step
Polyjacking involves several key steps to raise a slab, each of which requires expertise and specialized tools.
Step 1: Assessment: The surrounding area is evaluated to determine where the concrete has sunk, the soil conditions beneath it, and whether it’s due to void formation.
Step 2: Once identified, two to three small holes (around 5/8-inch diameter) will be drilled into the concrete slab to allow for foam injection.
Step 3: The foam will be injected using a specialized machine with a hose, where it will expand to fill the voids surrounding the area to provide a stabilized foundation.
Step 4: Once the slab is raised in certain areas to create a level appearance, the holes will be patched and sealed to match the surrounding concrete.
Required Tools and Equipment
Polyjacking requiresseveral pieces of specialized equipment that may be available at some hardware stores, but are expensive to purchase
- A polyurethane foam injection system (consisting of pumps, hoses, and nozzles)
- Drills and bits for creating holes in the concrete
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)
- Patch materials for sealing the injection holes
Dangers of Polyjacking Concrete Yourself
Polyjacking may appear straightforward, but the process leaves very little room for error. Without the proper training, equipment, and experience, DIY polyjacking can quickly lead to costly mistakes that outweigh any potential savings.
- Uneven lifting: Injecting too much or too little foam can leave slabs raised inconsistently, creating new trip hazards and failing to solve the original problem.
- Material waste: Polyurethane foam expands rapidly, and improper injection often leads to overuse or wasted material, increasing costs.
- Damage to the slab: Incorrect drilling locations or injection pressure can crack concrete or place additional stress on the slab, sometimes requiring full replacement.
Injury risk: Working with heavy concrete and pressurized equipment without proper safety measures increases the likelihood of accidents or personal injury.
Factors When Choosing Between DIY and Professional Polyjacking
When comparing the costs and risks of DIY polyjacking with professional services, most homeowners make sense to trust a local contractor. Let’s examine some factors when deciding between DIY and professional polyjacking.
- Return on Investment: When added up, the cost of renting equipment and performing the labor yourself may only save you a marginal amount compared to the cost of working with a local contractor. However, this does not factor in the time lost performing that labor or even the wear and tear you might experience working with such heavy equipment.
- Skill Level: While polyjacking is less messy than mudjacking, it still requires precision and a good understanding of concrete lifting. Improper foam injection can cause the slab to lift unevenly or even crack, resulting in more financial headaches than anticipated.
- Safety Concerns: Lifting heavy slabs of concrete involves some inherent risks. Without proper precautions, accidents or injuries during the lifting process may be costly.
When to Call a Contractor for Polyjacking
We recommend working with a qualified contractor in almost all instances where concrete needs to be raised and leveled. While smaller projects, such as lifting a sidewalk, may be performed DIY, the risks far outweigh the benefits, not to mention the amount of time and energy you’ll need to educate yourself, rent the equipment, and perform the labor.
EnergySmart provides fast and affordable polyjacking solutions to Pennsylvania residents that guarantee results and save them money. For more information on how we can help you raise your concrete, contact us today for a free quote.
FAQs
How long does polyjacking concrete last?
Polyjacking is a long-term solution that can last for decades under ideal conditions. High-density polyurethane foam is moisture-resistant and can support the slab’s weight as long as the soil around it remains stable.
Is DIY polyjacking cheaper than hiring a professional?
Not always. Once you factor in equipment rental, foam costs, and potential mistakes, DIY savings are often minimal compared to professional services.
Is polyjacking better than mudjacking?
Yes. Polyjacking is lighter, more precise, cures faster, and lasts significantly longer than traditional mudjacking.
Can polyjacking fix cracked concrete?
Polyjacking can lift and stabilize cracked slabs, but severe structural cracks may still require repair or replacement.
Does polyjacking work in Pennsylvania’s freeze–thaw climate?
Yes. Polyurethane foam resists moisture and freeze–thaw damage, making it well-suited for Northeast PA conditions.
How soon can I use concrete after polyjacking?
Most surfaces are ready for use within 15–30 minutes after injection.
Can polyjacking help with drainage problems?
Yes. Leveling sunken slabs restores proper water flow away from your home, helping prevent foundation and erosion issues.
Will the foam wash out over time?
No. Unlike mudjacking materials, polyurethane foam is water-resistant and will not erode or dissolve.
