All homeowners can agree that while owning a home is a privilege, it’s a never-ending cycle of repairs, home improvements, and projects. From routine maintenance to DIY projects that make our homes look better, there’s a lot to do to keep them looking their best. Gutter cleaning, staining the deck, and pressure washing are among the top household maintenance chores, but there’s one that shouldn’t be neglected: concrete repair.
Think about how much concrete is on your property. From your home’s foundation to patios, sidewalks, driveways, and pool decks, concrete surrounds our homes. Just like any other home component, concrete can wear down, requiring concrete repair and concrete leveling to fix it. There are several different concrete repair methods, but most have varying lifespans before requiring repair again. Continue reading to learn how long concrete repair lasts and how to get the most out of your money to push off concrete repair as long as possible.
Concrete Repair Methods
Before we dive into how long concrete repair lasts, let’s first discuss the different types of concrete leveling options. There are a few different concrete repair methods, including mudjacking, DIY concrete repair, and polyjacking. Below is more information about each, including cost and durability:
DIY Concrete Leveling
You know that itch you sometimes get when you attempt to tackle DIY house projects, whether electrical, plumbing, or other areas of specialty that you’re not an expert in? These DIY projects don’t always go well, often resulting in mishaps or injuries. Concrete leveling is another DIY project that shouldn’t be attempted, and it’s not only dangerous but also results in miscalculations and destabilizing the soil.
DIY concrete leveling can pose safety risks, and often costs more than alternative concrete repair methods. From injuries associated with using a mechanical jack to exposure to harmful chemicals, DIY concrete leveling should be avoided, as it isn’t worth the hassle and expense.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is another concrete repair method that involves pumping an organic mixture of dirt, sand, and cement to lift the concrete from underneath a slab. While mudjacking is a better alternative to DIY concrete leveling, it’s still a short-term solution that can end up costing you money down the road, due to the need for constant maintenance and repair.
Polyjacking
Those who desire long-lasting concrete repair should consider polyjacking, a reliable concrete repair method that outperforms all other concrete leveling techniques, including mudjacking and DIY concrete repair. Polyjacking involves injecting polyurethane foam, a durable and fast-curing material, underneath a sunken concrete slab. The expanding foam reacts quickly, providing durable support while resisting moisture and soil movement.
Compared to many traditional repair methods, polyjacking is the most permanent concrete leveling solution because it fortifies the soil underneath the concrete, never destabilizing as other methods can. It’s also the most cost-effective option because it never requires maintenance compared to temporary fixes like mujdacking and DIY concrete repair.
How Long Does Concrete Repair Last?
Mudjacking and DIY concrete repair don’t last as long as polyjacking, but how long does each method last? Below is a comparison:
| Concrete Repair Method | Lifespan | Requires Maintenance? |
| DIY Concrete Repair | 1-5 Years | Yes |
| Mudjacking | 2-10 Years | Yes |
| Polyjacking | 20+ Years/Lifespan of the Concrete | No |
So, what makes DIY concrete repair and mudjacking short-term concrete repair methods? DIY concrete repair involves using sealants and products available at big-box home improvement stores, and they’re not usually the best quality. DIY concrete repair is also user-dependent, and if the necessary professional equipment and expertise isn’t used, it won’t last even the average 1-5 years.
Next, mudjacking is also a temporary concrete leveling solution because of a few factors: it doesn’t stabilize the soil, it can’t withstand freeze-thaw cycles, and it’s not water-resistant. Mudjacking materials are heavy, often contributing to further settling.
Polyjacking can last on average 20 years or more, especially if the soil was properly compacted. Polyurethane foam is so lightweight, yet it’s resistant to moisture, fills small voids, and fortifies the soil, ensuring the same slab will never shift again. Polyjacking is the only concrete repair method that doesn’t require maintenance and is the most permanent concrete leveling technique. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
Trust Pro Polyjacking, Kansas City’s Premier Polyjacking Company for Over 30 Years, for the Most Permanent Concrete Repair Method
If you need your unlevel or cracked concrete repaired, hiring Pro Polyjacking is the best and most permanent concrete leveling solution. We have over 30 years of industry experience and have been serving Kansas City homeowners for decades. We’re a woman and family-owned local business with positive reviews and thousands of satisfied customers. Below are some of our customer reviews:
Pro Polyjacking can help with all commercial and residential concrete leveling needs in and around Kansas City, including: residential concrete leveling, commercial and industrial concrete leveling, concrete sealing and cleaning, deep injection, joint and crack repair, and farm silo polyjacking. We hold all required licenses and insurance that protects our employees. We also offer a warranty on all our projects, ensuring our customers are left completely satisfied. Get started by requesting a quote today!