Mudjacking vs. Polyurethane Foam: Which Driveway Leveling Method is Best?

If you’ve noticed your driveway sinking, cracking, or becoming uneven, it’s time to consider driveway leveling before the problem worsens. Uneven driveways can create trip hazards, water drainage issues, and costly structural damage if left unaddressed.

When it comes to lifting and leveling concrete, two main methods are commonly used: mudjacking (slabjacking) and polyurethane foam injection. While both techniques aim to restore sunken concrete, they are vastly different in terms of durability, effectiveness, and long-term performance.

At Level Up Concrete Solutions, we exclusively use polyurethane foam injection because it provides a superior, longer-lasting solution compared to outdated mudjacking methods.

If your driveway is sinking, don’t wait! Call 319-321-9242 or visit www.iowalevelup.com today for a free estimate.

What is Driveway Leveling?

Driveway leveling is a process that raises and stabilizes sunken concrete slabs by injecting a lifting material beneath the surface. This technique prevents further damage, restores functionality, and eliminates safety hazards without requiring a full driveway replacement.

Common Causes of Sunken Driveways

Soil Erosion – Rainwater can wash away the soil under your driveway, creating voids that cause sinking.
Poor Compaction – If the soil wasn’t properly compacted before the concrete was poured, it may settle unevenly over time.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles – In colder climates like Cedar Rapids, expanding and contracting soil can shift the concrete, leading to cracks and sinking.
Heavy Loads – Repeated pressure from vehicles and equipment can stress the concrete, causing it to sink.

To fix these problems, homeowners have two main choices: mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection. However, not all leveling methods are created equal.

Mudjacking: Outdated and Ineffective

Mudjacking, also called slabjacking, is a traditional concrete leveling method that involves injecting a heavy cement-based slurry under the driveway to raise it. While this technique was widely used in the past, it has several major drawbacks that make it less desirable today.

Problems with Mudjacking

Heavy Material Causes Future Sinking
- The mudjacking slurry is extremely heavy, adding unnecessary weight to the already unstable soil beneath your driveway.
- This often leads to further sinking over time, requiring repeat repairs.
Larger Drill Holes Damage the Driveway
- Mudjacking requires large, unsightly holes (1-2 inches in diameter) to be drilled into the concrete.
- These holes are difficult to conceal, leaving an obvious sign that repairs were made.
Longer Curing Time
- After mudjacking, the driveway takes several days to fully cure, meaning you can’t use your driveway right away.
Not Waterproof
- The mudjacking slurry absorbs water, leading to soil erosion and future settling issues.
- In Cedar Rapids, where freeze-thaw cycles are common, this can cause cracks and further deterioration.
Shorter Lifespan
- Mudjacking repairs typically last only 2-5 years before additional work is needed.
- This is due to the weight, water absorption, and lack of long-term stability.

Because of these significant disadvantages, Level Up Concrete Solutions does NOT use mudjacking. Instead, we provide a far superior alternative—polyurethane foam injection.

Why Polyurethane Foam is the Superior Choice

Polyurethane foam injection is a modern, high-tech solution for lifting sunken driveways. It involves injecting a lightweight, expanding foam beneath the concrete, which fills voids, lifts the slab, and creates a durable, long-lasting foundation.

Advantages of Polyurethane Foam Over Mudjacking

1. Lightweight and Prevents Future Sinking

Polyurethane foam is lightweight, unlike the heavy slurry used in mudjacking.
This prevents further soil compression and resettling, ensuring a longer-lasting repair.

2. Smaller Drill Holes for a Clean Finish

Foam injection requires only tiny drill holes (⅜ inch) compared to the large holes required for mudjacking.
These smaller holes are nearly invisible once patched, keeping your driveway looking smooth and undamaged.

3. Fast Curing Time – Use Your Driveway Immediately

Polyurethane foam hardens within minutes, meaning you can use your driveway right after the repair is completed.
Mudjacking, in contrast, requires days before the surface is ready for traffic.

4. Waterproof and Long-Lasting

Unlike mudjacking slurry, polyurethane foam is completely waterproof.
It repels water and prevents soil erosion, making it ideal for regions with rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles.

5. Greater Strength and Longevity

Polyurethane foam is designed to last 10+ years, whereas mudjacking typically fails within 2-5 years.
The foam’s high-density structure supports heavy loads, ensuring that your driveway remains stable for the long run.

6. Eco-Friendly Solution

Because it prevents additional soil compression and minimizes waste, polyurethane foam is a more sustainable choice.
By leveling your existing driveway instead of replacing it, you reduce landfill waste and unnecessary concrete production.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Mudjacking vs. Polyurethane Foam

Feature	Mudjacking	Polyurethane Foam
Material	Cement-based slurry	Expanding polyurethane foam
Weight	Heavy (causes re-settling)	Lightweight (prevents future sinking)
Drill Hole Size	1-2 inches (large, visible)	⅜ inch (small, nearly invisible)
Curing Time	1-2 days	15 minutes
Waterproof	No (absorbs water)	Yes (prevents erosion)
Durability	2-5 years	10+ years
Usability	Delayed (needs curing time)	Immediate use after completion

As you can see, polyurethane foam injection outperforms mudjacking in every category.

Choose the Best Driveway Leveling Solution with Level Up Concrete Solutions

At Level Up Concrete Solutions, we exclusively use polyurethane foam injection because it is the most reliable, efficient, and long-lasting driveway leveling solution available.

By choosing polyurethane foam over mudjacking, you get:

✅ A permanent fix that lasts 10+ years✅ Minimal disruption with smaller drill holes✅ A waterproof solution that prevents further erosion✅ Faster results with immediate driveway usability.

If your driveway is uneven, sinking, or cracked, don’t settle for outdated mudjacking methods that will fail within a few years.

📞 Call Level Up Concrete Solutions today at 319-321-9242🌐 Visit www.iowalevelup.com to schedule your free estimate

Let us help you level up your driveway the right way—permanently!