If your concrete driveway, sidewalk, patio, or garage floor is sinking, you’ve probably come across two common repair methods: mudjacking and polyurethane foam lifting. While both can raise and level concrete, one method clearly outperforms the other—especially in places like Central Illinois, where shifting soils and extreme weather are the norm.
Let’s break down the pros and cons to see which one wins the battle.
1. Weight Matters More Than You Think
Traditional mudjacking uses a slurry mixture of water, soil, sand, and cement. It’s heavy—we’re talking over a hundred pounds per cubic foot. When injected under a slab, this material adds too much weight to already unstable soil, increasing the risk of future settling.
In contrast, polyurethane foam is incredibly lightweight—just a few pounds per cubic foot. It adds minimal stress to the soil while still having the strength to lift over 11,000 pounds per square foot. That lightweight strength makes it ideal for areas with soft or shifting soil conditions—just like we see all across Central Illinois.
2. Foam is Fast and Precise
Polyurethane foam expands quickly and evenly, giving us precise control as we lift your slab. It cures in 15 minutes or less, which means you can use your concrete the same day—no long waiting periods or downtime.
Mudjacking, on the other hand, can take 24 hours or more to cure, and it’s much harder to control the lift accurately. That means uneven results are more likely.
3. Foam is Waterproof—Mud Is Not
In Central Illinois, we deal with lots of rain, melting snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. That moisture can wreak havoc on concrete and the materials underneath it.
Mudjacking slurry is not waterproof. Over time, water can erode the slurry or cause it to shrink and deteriorate—leading to slab movement and cracking. After all, it is just mud…..
Polyurethane foam is water-resistant and won’t wash away. It forms a long-lasting, closed-cell barrier that helps keep water from infiltrating under your concrete. That waterproof protection adds serious longevity to your repair.
4. Less Mess, Smaller Holes, Better Curb Appeal
Foam lifting requires smaller holes—usually about the size of a dime. They’re quick to patch and barely noticeable once we’re done.
Mudjacking requires holes up to 2 inches wide, and they can be more difficult to match cosmetically, especially on decorative or exposed aggregate concrete. Additionally larger holes weaken the strength of the concrete.
If you care about your home’s curb appeal, foam is a cleaner, less invasive option.
5. Long-Term Stability You Can Trust
At Sealtite Insulation & Slabjacking, we want to solve the problem once—and solve it right. Foam not only lifts the slab, but also fills any voids beneath it,
binding loose soils and stabilizing the area for the long haul.
That’s why we back our foam lifting services with a lifetime warranty. We believe in the strength and staying power of foam—and we’re confident you will too.
The Bottom Line: Foam Lifting Is the Future of Concrete Repair
When comparing polyurethane foam to traditional mudjacking, the differences are clear:
| Feature | Polyurethane Foam | Mudjacking (Heavy Mud) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Very Heavy |
| Cure Time | 15 minutes | 24+ hours |
| Waterproof | Yes | No |
| Hole Size | Small (dime-sized) | Large (silver dollar) |
| Long-Term Durability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Soil Stress | Minimal | Can add stress |
Choose Foam. Choose Sealtite.
If you want a cleaner, faster, and more reliable solution for your sunken concrete, lightweight polyurethane foam is the clear winner. And when it comes to expert installation, friendly service, and long-term peace of mind, Sealtite Insulation & Slabjacking is the team to trust.
We’ve proudly served Central Illinois since 2004, and we stand behind every job with our lifetime warranty. Call us today for a free estimate and let us help you lift your concrete—and your confidence.