Polyjacking / Foam Lifting
Lightweight lifting with expanding foam
Often cleaner, lighter, and fast-setting, but not always the cheapest.
Polyjacking in Central Illinois
Polyjacking is foam concrete lifting by another name. It may be worth asking about if your slab is settled but still in decent shape.
This guide is for homeowner planning and general education. Site conditions, slab access, and local contractor pricing can change project recommendations.
Polyjacking is foam lifting by another name. It usually means injecting expanding polyurethane foam beneath settled concrete to lift and support the slab.
People often compare it with mudjacking because both aim at the same problem: sunken concrete that may not need replacement. Foam can be lighter and cleaner, while mudjacking can be practical and cost-conscious.
The better choice depends on the slab. Read the method comparison, then use the liftability quiz if you are not sure whether lifting is even worth discussing.
How It Works
How polyjacking usually works
A contractor drills small holes through the slab, injects expanding polyurethane foam, and uses that foam to lift and support the concrete from underneath.
The foam expands into empty space and sets quickly. That is part of why people ask about it for sidewalks, pool decks, driveways, and slabs where cleanup or return-to-use time matters.
Still, the slab has to be worth lifting. If the concrete is falling apart, foam will not turn it into new concrete.
Compared to Other Options
Polyjacking vs mudjacking vs replacement
Mudjacking / Slab Jacking
Traditional slurry or grout lifting
Can be practical and cost-effective for many settled slabs.
Replacement
Concrete too damaged to save
Sometimes needed when the slab is broken up, crumbling, root-heaved, or unstable.
Where It May Help
Common polyjacking candidates
Driveways
Settled driveway slabs may be worth checking if they are still solid.
Sidewalks
Foam can be discussed for uneven panels and trip edges.
Patios
A settled patio may be lifted if the slab is mostly intact.
Garage slabs
Garage floors need careful inspection before any method is chosen.
Pool decks
Uneven concrete around pools can raise safety and drainage concerns.
Walkways
A small trip edge can be worth looking at before replacement.
Steps/stoops
Entry areas are sensitive because height and stability matter.
Voids under slabs
Foam can fill voids, but the reason for the void still matters.
When It May Work
When I'd ask about polyjacking
I would ask about polyjacking when the slab is still mostly intact and a lighter material, smaller holes, fast set time, or cleanup matters. That could be a pool deck, sidewalk, patio, driveway, or garage slab.
It is also worth asking about when you are comparing long-term options, not just chasing the lowest number. A good contractor should explain why foam makes sense for your slab.
When It May Not
When polyjacking may not be worth it
Polyjacking may not be worth it when the slab is crumbling, broken into pieces, heaved upward by roots, unstable, or too damaged to support well.
Severe drainage can also be a problem. If water keeps washing out the base, filling the void without addressing water may only buy time.
When the concrete is rough, read through when leveling or replacement makes more sense before deciding.
Cost
What affects polyjacking cost?
Polyjacking cost usually comes down to area size, amount of foam, void size, lift needed, access, slab condition, and drainage. It may cost more than mudjacking, but sometimes the benefits matter enough to compare.
- Area size
- More slab area usually means more material and time.
- Amount of foam
- The volume needed can move the price.
- Void size
- Large voids can require more material.
- Lift needed
- A small correction and a larger settled slab are different.
- Access
- Tight, interior, or pool-side areas can affect setup.
- Slab condition
- Bad concrete may not be worth lifting.
- Drainage
- Water problems can affect the recommendation.
- Replacement comparison
- Replacement should stay on the table if the slab is failing.
Polyjacking FAQs
Polyjacking questions
What is polyjacking?
Polyjacking is concrete lifting with expanding polyurethane foam injected under a settled slab.
Is polyjacking the same as foam lifting?
Yes, those terms are usually talking about the same general method.
Is polyjacking better than mudjacking?
Sometimes, but not always. Foam is lighter and fast-setting. Mudjacking can be more cost-effective. The slab and project decide.
Does polyjacking work for driveways?
It can if the driveway slab is still mostly intact and settled. Cracks, voids, and access still matter.
Can polyjacking fix a sidewalk trip hazard?
It may help if the panel settled and is still in good enough shape. A contractor needs to inspect it.
Is polyjacking expensive?
It can cost more than mudjacking, but price depends on foam amount, slab size, access, and condition.
When should I skip polyjacking?
If the slab is broken apart, crumbling, root-heaved, or unstable, replacement may be the better conversation.
Request a Quote
Want to know if polyjacking makes sense?
Tell us what's sinking, where you're located, and how soon you'd like it looked at. Photos can help once someone reviews it, but they are not required just to start.
Keep Comparing
Related Central Illinois pages
A few practical next pages if you are still sorting out what makes sense.
Concrete Leveling Cost
Understand the main factors that move a quote up or down.
Mudjacking vs Polyjacking
Compare slurry lifting and foam lifting in plain English.
Foam Lifting vs Mudjacking
Compare foam lifting and slurry lifting without the sales fog.
Mudjacking vs Concrete Replacement
Know when mudjacking may fit and when replacement should be priced.
Concrete Leveling vs Replacement
Know when lifting may work and when replacement may be smarter.
Concrete Crack Repair vs Leveling
Sort out whether the crack or the settlement is the bigger issue.
Can My Concrete Be Lifted?
Use the quick quiz if you are not sure whether lifting is worth asking about.
Sunken Driveway Repair
Options for driveway lips, uneven slabs, and pooling water.
Sidewalk Trip Hazard Repair
What to know about uneven sidewalk panels and trip edges.
Sinking Patio Repair
Patio leveling options when slabs settle or hold water.
Void Under Concrete Slab
What to know when you can see empty space under a slab.
Springfield
Concrete leveling information for Springfield homeowners.
Bloomington-Normal
Concrete lifting guidance for Bloomington and Normal.
Decatur
Mudjacking and slab jacking information for Decatur.
Champaign-Urbana
Concrete repair planning around Champaign and Urbana.
Peoria
Sunken concrete repair information for Peoria.
Next step
Need someone to look at your sunken concrete?
Tell us what is sinking, where you are located, and how soon you would like it looked at. Photos are helpful later, but they are not required to start.