The clay soil around
Kansas City
is one of the main concerns when it comes to concrete settling and shifting. One season your walkway is flat, and after a wet spring or freezing winter, you are suddenly tripping over an uneven slab. If you are considering polyjacking to fix your sunken concrete, you likely have one pressing question: Is this a permanent fix, or will I need to be lifting this concrete in a few years?
At
PolyMagic, we believe in honest answers and long-term solutions. We don't want you to pay for a repair twice. The short answer is that the poly foam material we use is designed to last indefinitely—often outliving the concrete slab itself. However, durability depends on the method and the soil conditions.
Let’s dive into the science of concrete lifting and why this modern solution is the smartest investment for your property.
The Lifespan of Polyurethane Foam
To understand how long the repair lasts, you have to look at the material being used. Polyjacking utilizes a high-density, two-part polyurethane foam.
When injected beneath your sidewalk lifting or driveway lifting project, this foam expands to fill voids and compresses loose soil. Once it cures (which takes only minutes), it becomes a rigid, inert material.
Here is why the foam itself lasts practically forever:
- It Does Not decompose: Unlike organic materials or cement slurries that can break down over time, polyurethane is synthetic and rot-proof.
- It is Hydro-Insensitive: This is a fancy way of saying it hates water. The foam will not absorb moisture, meaning it won’t shrink, wash away, or degrade when the snow melts or the spring rains hit Kansas City.
- High Compressive Strength: The foam we use is engineered to support heavy loads, making it perfect for slab leveling on driveways and garage floors.
The Verdict: The material used in polyjacking will not deteriorate in your lifetime. As long as the soil under the foam remains stable, your concrete stays lifted.
Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking: The Battle for Longevity
Many of our customers ask us about the difference between polyjacking and traditional mudjacking. While both are methods of concrete leveling, their lifespans (and products) are drastically different.
Mudjacking
pumps a mixture of sand, water, and cement (slurry) under the slab.
- The flaw: It is heavy (adding more weight to already sinking soil) and it is susceptible to erosion. If water caused your concrete to sink in the first place, that same water will eventually wash the "mud" away, causing the slab to sink again.
Polyjacking uses lightweight concrete foam.
- The advantage: It is incredibly light (reducing burden on the soil) and creates a waterproof barrier. It stabilizes the soil rather than just sitting on top of it.
For concrete repairs in the Midwest, where we have drastic freeze-thaw cycles, polyjacking is statistically proven to last significantly longer than mudjacking.
Factors That Could Affect Your Lift
While the foam itself is permanent, the earth beneath our feet is always moving. We want to be transparent about the factors that ensure your slab lifting remains successful for decades.
1. Water Drainage
Water is the enemy of concrete. The number one reason concrete sinks is that water washes away the soil support system. Polyjacking fixes the void, but if your downspouts are still dumping water right next to the driveway, the soil below the foam could eventually erode.
- Our Advice: Ensure your gutters and downspouts direct water at least 5-10 feet away from your foundation and concrete slabs.
2. The "Kansas City Clay" Factor
Our region is famous for its expansive clay soil. It swells when wet and shrinks when dry. While poly foam is flexible enough to handle minor movements, extreme soil shifts can occasionally require a touch-up.
3. Rodent Activity
Believe it or not, squirrels and moles can burrow under sidewalks, creating new voids. However, because our foam fills the existing voids so densely, it actually acts as a deterrent, making it much harder for pests to tunnel back under that specific area.
Where Can Polyjacking Be Used?
Polyjacking isn't limited to just sidewalks. This method provides a long-lasting solution for various concrete upgrades around your property:
- Driveway Lifting: Eliminate the "bump" where the driveway meets the garage.
- Pool Decks: Eliminate trip hazards around the pool without damaging the landscape.
- Porches and Patios: Re-level settling entertainment areas.
- Garage Floors: Stabilize rocking or cracking slabs.
Why Kansas City Chooses PolyMagic
We are locally owned, which means we understand the specific soil conditions of the metro area. We aren't a national franchise using a "one size fits all" approach.
When you hire
PolyMagic, you get:
- Experienced Technicians: We know exactly where to inject the foam to maximize lift and stability.
- Honesty: If a slab is too broken for concrete lifting and truly needs replacement, we will tell you. We won't oversell a service that won't work. Reach our Google reviews for specific examples of customer interactions!
- Warranty: We stand behind our work. Because we use superior materials, we offer a warranty that gives you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is polyjacking a permanent solution?
Yes, the polyurethane foam material is permanent and will not degrade. In most cases, the repair lasts for the remaining life of the concrete. The only variable is the soil stability deep beneath the repair.
How long does the foam take to dry?
This is one of the biggest benefits of concrete foam. It cures within 15 to 30 minutes. You can walk on your sidewalk or drive your car onto your driveway almost immediately after our crew leaves.
Is polyjacking environmentally friendly?
Yes. The foam we use is environmentally inert. It does not leach chemicals into the soil or groundwater, making it safe for use near lawns, gardens, and pet areas.
Is concrete lifting cheaper than replacement?
Absolutely. Concrete leveling typically costs 50% to 70% less than tearing out and pouring new concrete. Plus, there is no damage to your landscaping and no week-long wait for concrete to cure.
Can you do polyjacking near me in winter?
Yes! Because we don't rely on water (like concrete pouring or mudjacking), we can perform concrete repairs year-round in Kansas City, provided the ground isn't frozen too deep to access the slab.
Polyurethane Foam is an exceptional solution to your concrete lifting and leveling concerns. Here are some takeaways to keep in mind when selecting a contractor.
- Indefinite Material Life: The high-density polyurethane foam used in polyjacking will not rot, wash away, or degrade.
- Superior to Mudjacking: Polyjacking is lightweight and hydro-insensitive, making it a much longer-lasting solution than heavy cement slurries.
- Immediate Use: The repair cures in minutes, returning your home to normal instantly.
- Drainage Matters: To ensure the lift lasts forever, manage your rainwater runoff to protect the soil beneath the foam.
- Cost-Effective: It is significantly cheaper and less invasive than concrete replacement.
Schedule Your Concrete Lift Today
Don't let a sinking driveway or an uneven sidewalk lower your home’s value or cause an injury.
Choose the solution that lasts.
PolyMagic provides the most reliable concrete lifting services in the Kansas City metro area. We offer free estimates and honest advice on how to get your concrete back on the level.
Get a free quote today from Kansas City’s Concrete Experts.
Schedule Your Appointment – Contact PolyMagic
