Cracked sidewalks, uneven driveways, and sinking concrete slabs are more than just a frustration—they can become safety hazards, lower property value, and lead to costly repairs if left unresolved. In Alberta, these issues are especially common due to shifting soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and drainage challenges.
Most people start looking for a way to lift the concrete rather than replacing it entirely, but they quickly find themselves weighing two competing options without knowing which one is best suited for our local environment. Navigating the choice between Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking in Alberta can be confusing if you don’t know how these materials interact with our province’s shifting soil and extreme weather. This article provides a clear comparison to help you understand the differences in performance, durability, and value, ensuring you make the right choice for a repair that actually lasts.
What Are Mudjacking and Polyjacking?
Mudjacking and polyjacking are both concrete lifting methods used to raise and level sunken slabs without replacing the concrete. While they aim to solve the same problem, they do so using very different materials and techniques.
Mudjacking involves pumping a heavy slurry—usually a mix of soil, sand, water, and cement—beneath the sunken concrete. As the material fills voids under the slab, it pushes the concrete back up to its original position. This method has been used for decades and is often chosen for its lower upfront cost.
Polyjacking, on the other hand, uses a lightweight, high-density polyurethane foam injected beneath the concrete. Once injected, the foam expands, filling gaps and gently lifting the slab while also stabilizing the soil below. The material cures quickly and adds minimal weight to the underlying ground, which can be an important factor in areas with unstable or moisture-sensitive soils—like many parts of Alberta.
Understanding these basic differences sets the stage for comparing performance, durability, and long-term results, especially in local conditions where soil movement is a recurring issue.
Pros and Cons of Mudjacking
Mudjacking has been used for many years, which is why some property owners still consider it a familiar and accessible option. One of its biggest advantages is cost. Mudjacking typically has a lower upfront price compared to newer lifting methods, making it appealing for budget-sensitive repairs or temporary fixes.
Another benefit is its ability to lift large, heavy concrete slabs. Because the slurry material is dense, it can generate strong upward pressure and is often used for sidewalks, driveways, and older concrete surfaces that are structurally sound but have settled unevenly.
However, the drawbacks become more noticeable over time—especially in Alberta’s soil conditions. The slurry used in mudjacking is heavy, which adds extra weight to already unstable ground. In clay-heavy or moisture-sensitive soils, this additional weight can contribute to further settling. The material itself is also not waterproof, meaning it can erode or wash away as groundwater moves beneath the slab.
Mudjacking repairs also tend to be less precise. The larger injection holes required can be more visible after the repair, and curing times are longer. In many cases, mudjacked concrete may need to be re-leveled again within a few years, particularly in areas affected by freeze-thaw cycles.
Pros and Cons of Polyjacking
Polyjacking is a more modern concrete lifting method and is increasingly favored for long-term performance. One of its biggest advantages is the lightweight polyurethane foam used in the process. Unlike mudjacking slurry, this foam adds minimal weight to the soil, reducing the risk of future settlement—an important consideration in Alberta’s shifting ground conditions.
The foam expands to fill voids beneath the concrete and cures quickly, often allowing normal use of the area within hours. This makes polyjacking a convenient option for busy residential properties, commercial sites, and high-traffic areas where downtime needs to be minimized. The smaller injection holes also result in a cleaner, less noticeable finish.
Polyjacking is also moisture-resistant. The foam does not break down when exposed to water, helping maintain stability even during seasonal snowmelt or heavy rain. This durability makes it well-suited for Alberta’s freeze-thaw cycles and changing weather patterns.
The main drawback of polyjacking is cost. The upfront investment is typically higher than mudjacking, which can give some property owners pause. However, for those focused on long-term performance, fewer repeat repairs, and better resistance to soil movement, the higher initial cost is often offset by reduced maintenance over time.
Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking in Alberta: Which Method Lasts Longer?
In Alberta, concrete often sinks because of expansive clay soils, poor drainage, and constant freeze-thaw cycles. Mudjacking can lift slabs effectively at first, but the heavy slurry depends on stable, compacted soil. Over time, moisture and soil movement can cause that material to settle or wash out, meaning the concrete may gradually sink again—especially in driveways, sidewalks, and other exposed areas.
Polyjacking typically delivers longer-lasting results in these conditions. The lightweight foam does not add stress to unstable soils, resists moisture, and holds its shape through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. By filling voids and stabilizing the ground beneath the slab, polyjacking reduces the risk of future settling, making it the more durable option for property owners looking for a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.
For a detailed look at how this process works, Ener-Spray explains it further on this concrete lifting service page.
Conclusion
When it comes to uneven concrete, the real concern for most property owners isn’t just lifting the slab—it’s choosing a solution that won’t fail again after a few harsh Alberta winters. As this comparison shows, the decision between Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking in Alberta comes down to long-term performance, soil conditions, and how much repeat work you’re willing to risk. While mudjacking may solve the issue temporarily at a lower cost, polyjacking offers better durability, moisture resistance, and stability in environments shaped by freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soils.
At Ener-Spray, we believe in providing solutions that last, helping you avoid the frustration and cost of repeated repairs. Our team has the local expertise to assess your specific soil conditions and provide a precise, durable lift that stands up to Calgary’s harshest winters. If you’re ready to stop the sinking and restore your concrete for good, reach out to Ener-Spray today for a free quote. We’ll help you choose the best path forward to protect your investment and ensure your property remains safe for years to come.