Sunken driveways, uneven sidewalks and slanted garage floors are everyday problems for property owners and huge opportunities for contractors and businesses ready to expand their services.
If you’re researching polyurethane concrete raising, you likely want a faster, cleaner and more scalable solution. You’re also looking for equipment that’s reliable, efficient and future-ready. Below, we’ll explore how polyurethane concrete lifting works, why it’s superior to legacy methods and what you need to know before adding it to your business offering.
What Is Polyurethane Concrete Lifting?
Polyurethane concrete lifting, also called polyjacking or foam jacking, is a method for raising, leveling and stabilizing settled concrete slabs. It injects a dual-component polyurethane foam beneath the surface through small, drilled holes. When the foam expands, it fills the voids, compacts loose soil and lifts the concrete slab back to its original elevation with precision and control.
Contractors use this method to repair driveways, sidewalks, warehouse floors and other concrete surfaces that have settled due to soil erosion, moisture or poor compaction. Unlike traditional mudjacking, polyurethane concrete raising uses high-density, lightweight foam that expands, cures quickly and offers long-lasting support.
How Much Does Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Cost?
Polyurethane lifting may require a higher upfront investment than traditional methods, but it can offer faster job turnaround, better results and greater profitability in the long run. Key factors that influence cost include:
- Material used: The total cost depends on the type of polyurethane used and how much is needed to fill voids or raise the slab. Jobs involving deeper lifts or heavy structures typically require more material.
- Project size and scope: A minor sidewalk repair might only take a few pounds of foam, while commercial or industrial lifts may involve hundreds of pounds.
- Equipment setup: Investing in a complete system allows contractors to take on various jobs without subcontracting or renting.
- Labor and operational costs: Foam injection requires trained operators who understand how to monitor pressures, control lift and troubleshoot in the field.
- Regional market conditions: Costs can vary based on regional concrete prices and market demand.
How Does Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Work?
Lifting concrete with polyurethane is a calculated, highly controlled process that depends on the right equipment, materials and technique. Understanding how this process works can help you deliver more precise, efficient and professional results on every job.
1. Site Assessment and Planning
Before any drilling or injection happens, the area must be thoroughly evaluated. This step helps determine whether polyurethane concrete raising is a suitable solution for the problem at hand and guides the overall approach to the lift.
Contractors will assess the slab’s condition, look for signs of soil settlement and identify any visible cracks or separation. They may also probe for hidden voids or weak spots beneath the surface.
Planning also includes selecting the appropriate foam type, based on soil conditions and load requirements. Proper preparation can help reduce the risk of overlift, misalignment or unfilled voids.
2. Drilling Small, Strategically Placed Holes
Once the lift plan is set, small holes are drilled into the concrete slab at predetermined locations. Ports are installed that serve as the access points for foam injection with backup protection.
Unlike traditional methods, which often require large holes, polyurethane systems use smaller drill bits that create minimal surface disruption. Depending on the job, you may choose to space the holes closely together for tight lifting areas or spread out to address wide, shallow settlement.
3. Injecting Polyurethane Foam to Raise the Concrete
After ports are set, dual-component polyurethane foam is injected under the slab using specialized equipment. The components mix inside the gun and react immediately upon entering the void.
The foam starts as a liquid, flows easily into small gaps and voids, and then expands to fill the space. As it expands, it can compact loose soils and gradually raise the slab. Injection pressures and material flow rates are closely monitored to maintain the correct mix ratio, which is essential for performance and structural integrity.
4. Monitoring Lift and Ensuring Level
As the foam expands beneath the slab, technicians monitor the lift using dial indicators, levels, laser levels or digital sensors. The goal is to restore the slab to its original elevation or align it with surrounding surfaces.
Lifting too quickly or unevenly can lead to cracking or surface tension, so the process is typically done in small increments. Contractors may inject foam at several points in sequence to encourage a balanced lift. For slabs with multiple sections, each area may be lifted independently to ensure a smooth, consistent surface throughout.
5. Patching Holes and Cleanup
Once the slab is lifted and stable, the final step is to patch and restore the surface. This involves removing the injection ports, cleaning the hole edges and filling each hole with a durable patching compound.
Depending on the application, the patch material may be color-matched to the existing slab or finished with a smooth trowel for minimal visibility. Cleanup is typically fast, with little to no residual mess.
Benefits of Polyurethane Concrete Lifting
For contractors exploring long-term, scalable solutions, polyurethane concrete lifting offers several practical advantages over traditional methods. A few key benefits include:
- Lightweight material that reduces soil stress: Polyurethane weighs significantly less than slurry materials. This helps prevent further settlement, reduces load stress on underlying soils and makes it suitable for expansive or weak soils.
- Fast cure time minimizes downtime: Polyurethane foam cures within minutes. This means homeowners can walk or drive on repaired surfaces the same day and contractors can complete more jobs per week.
- Precise lifting with greater control: Polyurethane expands with control, allowing fine-tuned lifting in millimeter increments and even leveling for large slabs.
- Smaller drill holes for cleaner results: These systems require smaller holes, fewer materials and less cleanup, leading to more efficient jobs and less disruption for clients.
- Long-term stability and moisture resistance: Once cured, the foam resists moisture, erosion and temperature extremes. It also won’t shrink or decompose over time.
- Environmentally conscious material options: Many polyurethane products now include renewable-based content and are non-toxic when cured, making them safer for soil and groundwater than traditional lifting slurries.
Applications of Polyurethane Concrete Lifting
Polyurethane concrete lifting is a highly versatile solution that can be applied across various job types. This means contractors can take on a variety of slab lifting jobs in different environments, giving them more flexibility to grow their business. You can use polyurethane lifting in the following applications:
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Patios and pool decks
- Garage and basement floors
- Warehouse slabs
- Storefront sidewalks
- Office complexes
- Roads and airport runways
- Parking lots
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your pressing questions on polyurethane concrete lifting answered.
1. How Does Polyurethane Work?
Polyurethane used in concrete lifting is a two-part liquid system that reacts and expands when the components are mixed. When injected beneath a concrete slab, the foam expands to fill voids, compact loose soil and gently raise the slab from below. Once cured, the foam hardens into a durable, water-resistant material that provides long-term support.
2. How Do You Lift a Concrete Slab?
To lift a concrete slab with polyurethane, contractors drill small holes into the surface and inject expanding foam beneath the slab using high-pressure equipment. As the foam expands, it fills empty space and raises the slab incrementally. Throughout the process, the lift is monitored using levels or sensors to ensure accurate positioning.
3. Can You Polyjack Concrete Yourself?
While DIY kits are available, true polyurethane concrete lifting requires commercial-grade equipment and trained operators to ensure proper foam mixing, injection control and leveling.
Why Contractors Choose HMI for Polyurethane Concrete Raising Equipment
Whether you’re frustrated with callbacks from temporary fixes or looking for a cleaner, more efficient way to grow your business, polyurethane concrete lifting offers a way forward.
HMI helps contractors take control of their business with industry-leading polyurethane concrete lifting equipment. From trailers to renewable-based foams and the ELITEONE injection gun for concrete leveling, HMI gives you the tools to succeed in a competitive environment. Contact us today to learn more about our polyurethane concrete lifting equipment.
