Concrete lifting
How effective is polyurethane foam for concrete lifting?
Poly-Lift · Published · Updated
Polyurethane lifting foam, also called Poly-Lift or polyjacking, is a high-pressure foam that raises sunken concrete back into place through holes as small as a penny. It is a permanent, synthetic material that costs about half as much as replacing the slab, and most jobs take under an hour.
Concrete is cheap and strong, but slabs still shift. An uneven one is both an eyesore and a tripping hazard. Lifting foam levels it back out with no digging and no re-pour, which makes it cheaper and less disruptive than tearing the slab out and starting over.
Why does concrete sink?
The usual cause is an unstable base. Voids open up underground and the soil shifts, so the concrete above cracks and drops. Constant load from gravity and foot traffic wears a slab down over the years, as its compression strength fades. Temperature swings and tree roots do the rest. That is why sidewalks and driveways sink so often.
How does concrete lifting foam work?
Technicians drill a few small holes, as small as a penny in diameter, then pump a polymer liquid through them that becomes polyurethane foam under the slab. The foam creates enough pressure to lift the concrete back into place. The holes are refilled with grout or concrete, and the whole process usually takes under an hour. You can use the surface as soon as the grout dries.
What can it lift?
The foam is strong enough for many kinds of concrete. Most state transportation departments allow polyurethane lifting for roads, and it is commonly used on:
- Sidewalks and driveways
- Home foundations and concrete support beams
- Cement stairs and patios
- Pool decks and garage floors
It also fills voids that form beneath the surface. Depending on the grade, the foam can support hundreds of thousands of pounds, and higher commercial grades are rated for millions.
How long does it last, and what does it cost?
Because the foam is synthetic, it does not break down or wash away, so it can be a permanent fix. If the soil beneath shifts or erodes again the slab can move, so keeping the area well drained helps it last. On cost, lifting foam generally runs about half of what it would take to replace the concrete, and you can get a free estimate up front.
If your property in the Logan, Utah area has uneven or cracked concrete, get in touch with Poly-Lift. We specialize in polyurethane lifting foam, and we also offer foundation repair and push piering. Call us for a free estimate.