Uneven concrete—whether a lifting driveway, a tripping hazard on a sidewalk, or a sinking garage floor—is a common problem for property owners, particularly given Calgary’s unique, challenging climate. When searching for a reliable, long-term repair that avoids costly slab replacement, owners frequently compare the two leading methods, which is why understanding the comparison between polyjacking vs mudjacking in Calgary is essential. This article will define the causes of concrete failure, break down the core differences between the polyjacking and mudjacking methods, and provide a clear analysis of costs, durability, and speed to help you choose the best solution for your property.
What Causes Sunken Concrete
Concrete is an incredibly durable material, but the soil beneath it is not always stable. Sunken or settled concrete primarily occurs when the subsurface soil, known as the subgrade, loses its density and can no longer support the weight of the slab.
The three main factors contributing to concrete settling are:
Soil Erosion and Washout
This is the most common cause. Water from heavy rain, downspouts, or irrigation systems can seep beneath a slab and wash away the underlying soil, creating voids or empty pockets. Once this void is large enough, the heavy concrete slab cracks and sinks under its own weight.
Poor Soil Compaction
If the soil was not properly compacted when the building or slab was initially poured—a common issue around new foundations or utility trenches—it will settle and consolidate naturally over time, leading to subsequent sinking of the concrete above it.
Calgary’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles
This is a critical cause in local conditions. Calgary’s ground conditions are a major factor — the city experiences extreme temperature swings that cause the soil to repeatedly freeze and thaw. As the soil expands and contracts, voids open up beneath concrete slabs, often resulting in uneven settling.
Understanding the root cause is the first step, as the repair method chosen must fill these voids with a material that is itself resistant to future erosion and freeze-thaw damage.
Polyjacking vs Mudjacking: Defining the Two Lifting Methods
Both polyjacking and mudjacking are designed to raise and stabilize sunken concrete by filling the voids beneath the slab — but the materials, process, and results are very different.
Mudjacking
This is the traditional method. A slurry mixture made from water, soil, sand, and cement is pumped beneath the concrete under high pressure. As the mixture fills the void, it lifts the slab back into place. This method has usually lower upfront cost, but it has disadvantages of larger drill holes; heavier materials add weight to already weak soil; and longer cure time.
Polyjacking (Polyurethane Foam Injection)
This newer method uses expanding polyurethane foam injected through small holes in the concrete. The foam rapidly expands to fill voids and lifts the slab with controlled precision. It has pros of faster, lighter material, smaller drill holes, highly durable, and water-resistant. But it has higher upfront cost than mudjacking.
In simple terms, mudjacking pushes the slab up with weight, while polyjacking lifts with precision using a lightweight, long-lasting material.
Cost, Durability, and Speed: Which Method Performs Better?
To choose the right method, homeowners usually compare three key performance areas: cost, durability, and project time.
| Performance Area | Mudjacking | Polyjacking |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Long-Term Durability | Moderate — materials may erode again | Excellent — foam resists water and soil movement |
| Speed | Several hours to days to fully cure | Can be used almost immediately after repair |
| Hole Size | Larger holes (about 1–2 inches) | Small holes (about 3/8–5/8 inch) |
| Added Weight to Soil | Yes — risk of future sinking | Very light — protects against repeat settlement |
| Precision of Lift | Less accurate | High precision leveling |
While mudjacking appears cost-effective initially, polyjacking offers stronger long-term value — especially in environments where soil movement and moisture problems continue over time.
Choosing the Best Solution for Calgary’s Climate
The local climate, characterized by its severe freeze-thaw cycles, is the most crucial factor when deciding between Polyjacking vs Mudjacking in Calgary.
The Mudjacking Problem in Calgary
The main material used in Mudjacking is cement/sand slurry. This material is porous and heavy. In Calgary’s climate, this heavy, moisture-absorbent material acts like a sponge. It absorbs water during wet periods, and when the temperature drops, the water within the slurry itself freezes and expands. This repeated expansion/contraction weakens the fill material and leads to the re-opening of voids beneath the slab, causing the concrete to sink again after just a few years.
The Polyjacking Solution
Polyurethane foam is hydrophobic, meaning it actively repels water and is completely impervious to moisture. Because the foam does not absorb water, it is totally unaffected by freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, the foam is injected and expands, filling the voids completely and stabilizing the soil, preventing water from getting back in. This makes Polyjacking a significantly more durable, permanent choice for coping with the challenges of Calgary’s weather, ensuring the repair lasts.
Conclusion
The comparison of polyjacking vs mudjacking in Calgary reveals that while both methods fix sunken concrete, they offer vastly different long-term value, especially when faced with the city’s harsh climate. Mudjacking offers a lower initial price but uses a porous, heavy material that is highly susceptible to the freeze-thaw cycles that caused the problem in the first place, often resulting in repeated settlement. Polyjacking, using lightweight, waterproof polyurethane foam, directly addresses the root pain point of unstable soil and moisture intrusion, providing a significantly more durable and permanent solution for your property.
If you are dealing with uneven concrete and need a reliable repair that withstands Calgary’s challenging conditions, choosing the method with the best long-term performance is the smartest investment. Don’t waste money on temporary fixes that will sink again. Reach out to Ener-Spray Group today to discuss your concrete leveling needs and secure the superior, permanent solution.