It’s a question we often get asked from our customers: “Do I need to raise or replace my damaged concrete?”To help you better understand these two different methods, we’ve compiled a simple pro and con list for each. 

First things first, your options. You have the option of replacing concrete slab, which can cost a chunk of change. Replacing a driveway can cost between $3,500-7,000 – roughly twice as much as raising the concrete using a polyurethane method.

Your second option?

Concrete raising. With that, you can raise it in two different ways, which we’ve laid out here.

Option 1:  Mudjacking

Also known as slabjacking, mudjacking is a method by which 2-inch holes are drilled in the foundation and concrete is pumped into those holes, “jacking up” and leveling the concrete.

Pros: 

• Can be used for a wide variety of surfaces including: cement floor leveling, cement slab repair, patio leveling, basement floors, garage floors, walkways, pool decks, driveways, and steps.
• It’s cost effective, about half the budget to remove/repair an existing foundation.
• The method used by most professionals.

Cons: 

• Not an advisable method for load bearing parts of your foundation.
• Does not enter every crack, resulting in soil stabilizing at less than 100% which could lead to a re-sink over time.
• It could essentially become more invasive, drilling more holes to fill more cracks not previously filled.
  May only provide a temporary solution.

Option 2:  Foamjacking

Foamjacking is a similar process to mudjacking, where even smaller holes (dime-sized) are drilled and a polyurethane foam is injected into the foundation through these smaller holes and pushed under the slab at a higher pressure than mudjacking, expanding to lift your foundation.

Pros:

• Less invasive than mudjacking – less holes are necessary with almost invisible entry-points.
• Stronger and longer-lasting than mudjacking.
• The only option for load-bearing concrete slabs
• Cures in 30 minutes – less inconvenience for homeowners.

Cons: 

• More expensive – but saves in the long-run as this becomes a better and more permanent solution. 
• Not every professional cement contractor carries or knows how to properly administer polyurethane foam.

Using polyurethane to concrete raise, we employ a simple 3 step system: using the most eco-friendly polyurethane foam available, we drill, we pump and we patch.

It couldn’t be simpler, and it couldn’t be more affordable.

We are Houston’s concrete raising red carpet company. Our services include sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, patios and interior floor slabs. If you have a last minute project, we can often be there in a few short hours so it’s ready to use that day. Concrete raising is typically about half the cost of replacing the same concrete. Ultimately, the cost of raising or stabilizing concrete will depend on how much foam is needed under the concrete slabs. We offer FREE estimates, so our experienced crew member can come to your home or business. We will provide you with an accurate estimate for completing your specific project.