As homeowners, we’re often faced with minor and major issues both inside and outside our homes, contemplating whether they need immediate repair or can wait. While repairing minor things around the house can usually be pushed back, some issues should be addressed sooner rather than later, especially if they put your loved ones at risk of injury. One thing that shouldn’t go unrepaired is cracked or uneven concrete.
There are several concrete repair methods, including mudjacking, DIY concrete repair, and polyjacking. While concrete repair is best, some homeowners and business owners contemplate whether their damaged concrete needs repair or resurfacing. Continue reading to learn about concrete repair vs. resurfacing and to determine which is best for your needs and budget.
Why Get Concrete Repaired?
When concrete wears down, cracks, or becomes uneven, it requires immediate repair. Though concrete is one of the toughest manmade materials, several factors cause concrete to sink in Kansas City homes and commercial properties throughout the years as it’s exposed to the elements, including April showers, summer, winter, and shifting soil, to name a few. You must get damaged concrete repaired to avoid serious injury and further damage to your home or commercial space; there are many hidden dangers of ignoring concrete damage.
Getting concrete repaired not only makes your home’s concrete surfaces look more appealing but can also help prevent fall/trip hazards caused by sunken or cracked concrete. Uneven concrete creates a wedge between slabs, causing shoes and feet to get trapped, making footing unstable, especially dangerous for those with mobility issues, young children, or the elderly. Unrepaired concrete creates inaccessible areas and can even cause costly damage to your home. Water can seep into the cracks between concrete, causing more of the concrete to break down over time and even bigger cracks to form.
The Differences Between Concrete Repair and Concrete Resurfacing
Though both concrete repair and concrete resurfacing can make concrete appear repaired, only one repairs cracks and sunken concrete. Before we discuss the differences, let’s explain what concrete repair and concrete resurfacing are. Concrete repair involves a variety of techniques to restore damaged, deteriorated, or sunken concrete. Concrete repair includes methods such as mudjacking, DIY repair methods, and polyjacking.
Concrete resurfacing involves covering cracks and gaps in concrete with a resurfacing material. While concrete resurfacing can make damaged concrete look better, it’s almost like slapping a bandage on the damage to conceal imperfections rather than repairing the damage and fixing the issue.
Below are some differences between concrete repair vs. concrete resurfacing:
Durability
Concrete resurfacing can be durable, but its durability is dependent on the concrete’s condition. If the concrete is structurally sound, then it can last for many years. However, if the concrete has cracks or is unlevel, it will inevitably crack and become unlevel, reducing its lifespan.
The durability of concrete repair depends on the actual repair method used: DIY concrete repair, mudjacking, or polyjacking. DIY concrete repair requires maintenance and has a lifespan of 1-5 years, while mudjacking has a lifespan of 2-10 years and also requires maintenance. However, polyjacking has a lifespan of 20+ years/lifespan of the concrete, especially if the soil underneath was properly compacted.
Maintenance
Concrete resurfacing requires maintenance to keep the surface clean and protected. Regular sweeping and sealer applications are needed to keep debris off and repel moisture. Likewise, any cracks or gaps in resurfaced concrete should be repaired immediately to avoid further damage.
Some concrete repair methods require ongoing maintenance. Because mudjacking doesn’t fortify the soil beneath the concrete, it requires maintenance as the concrete sinks. Polyjacking is different; it’s a maintenance-free concrete repair solution that never requires maintenance like other methods. It’s a one-and-done process, a more wallet-friendly option compared to mudjacking.
Structural Integrity
Concrete repair restores the concrete to be level and load-bearing to prevent further structural damage, whereas concrete resurfacing is cosmetic, not aiding in structural integrity. While concrete repair can restore the structural strength of the concrete and improve load-bearing performance, concrete resurfacing doesn’t address the structural concern of the concrete. Rather, it’s a cosmetic solution that conceals minor surface defects rather than improving its structural integrity.
Why Choose Polyjacking for Concrete Repair?
While mudjacking is a decent concrete repair option, it’s a short-term solution that doesn’t fortify the soil underneath the sunken concrete. This concrete repair method can raise the concrete back to its original position, but it’ll inevitably sink again as the soil continues to settle, resulting in frequent maintenance. Polyjacking is the best concrete leveling solution for many reasons:
- It’s lightweight and durable, weighing about 2-4 lbs per cubic foot
- Polyjacking materials (polyurethane foam) are water-resistant, blocking water from making its way underneath the concrete
- It fortifies the soil
- Never requires ongoing maintenance
- Polyurethane foam expands under the slab
- It’s versatile: can be used in historic homes, parking structures, heavy machinery foundations, garage floors, urban infrastructure projects, waterfront properties, swimming pools, and more.
Polyjacking has many benefits. When you choose polyjacking for your concrete repair, you’ll never need to relevel or repair again, unlike other concrete repair methods or concrete resurfacing.
Choose Pro Polyjacking for Your Concrete Repair
If you need sunken or cracked concrete repaired, hiring Pro Polyjacking is the best 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 protect our employees. Get started by requesting a quote today!