POLYURETHANE FOAM: A SMART SOLUTION FOR CONCRETE LIFTING IN KANSAS CITY METRO & MID-MISSOURI

An effective way to lift and level your uneven concrete around your home has historically been mudjacking. However, new techniques and processes in the concrete lifting process allowed for polyjacking, which is polyurethane foam process. If you’re looking for a method to lift your uneven concrete, you’re probably introduced to the modern method of using polyurethane foam instead of the traditional mudjacking process. 



But is this method really worth it? Is this an effective method, as they claim? Let’s answers your questions in detail so you are equipped with the knowledge to make the best decision for you. 

DO I NEED CONCRETE LIFTING?

We normally need to lift concrete where there is any issue like settling, sinking or uneven concrete slabs or other structures. Many different types of problems can arise when these issues occur, and lifting the concrete usually solves most of the problems as you can restore the usability and structural integrity of the affected areas this way.



Some of the most common areas for concrete lifting/polyjacking include: 

• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Garages
• Porches
• Patios
• Pool Slab Areas 

The top reasons why you must lift concrete are,

• To prevent tripping hazards and injury risks for pedestrians
• To prevent any vehicular damages and accidents
• To enhance the aesthetic appearance of your property
• Restoring the usability of the affected areas
• To prevent any additional stress or damage to the structure
• For maintaining concrete health
• To avoid costly options like removing and replacing the concrete, etc.

Usually, poor water drainage, soil erosion, improper soil compaction before concrete casting, expansion and contraction of ground due to temperature differences, large tree root invasion, or other excessive loads are the reasons why your concrete got damaged or unleveled and needs proper lifting solution. 

There are mainly two methods of concrete lifting and leveling that are available and effective, one is mudjacking or slab jacking and other one is polyurethane foam injection. The latter is the latest method and has become more popular recently.

WHAT IS POLYURETHANE FOAM?

Polyurethane foam is a type of polymer material with a cellular structure. Some chemicals and additives go under chemical reactions to form gas bubbles and create the foam structure of this material. We can adjust the chemical process and produce foams of different densities and properties.



Usually, there are two types of polyurethane foam available, one is flexible and another one is rigid. The flexible foam is used in making soft and flexible items like seating, cushions, mattresses, etc. Whereas rigid polyurethane foam is used in construction sites, to make insulation planets, to lift and level structures and so on.

EFFECTIVENESS OF POLYURETHANE FOR CONCRETE LIFTING

Since polyurethane foam has many benefits in various applications, specifically in concrete-related issues, many professionals consider it one of the most effective methods. Let’s learn about the pros and cons of polyurethane to know about its effectiveness in detail:

ADVANTAGES

There are tons of benefits to using polyurethane foam for lifting and levelling concrete slabs and structures. The most prominent advantages are:

PRECISE WORK

You can do precise work with polyurethane foam as you can control the whole process. There will be no problem of over-lifting or under-lifting with this method. Also, all that precise work will be done within minutes, so you can even use the area within a few hours.

MINIMAL INVASION

Polyurethane foam is super easy to use and it also offers minimal invasion. You’ll only need a few holes to inject the foam, so there won’t be much noticeable sign of repairs. Also, there will be no need for extensive site preparation and no noise pollution like other methods. Since you don’t need big machines for the job, it won’t cause any trouble to others and anyone can use the concrete just within hours.

LONGEVITY

Polyurethane foam has a higher load-bearing capacity and provides excellent durability and stability than other materials used for concrete lifting. It’s also resistant to weathering, moisture, and many other chemicals. That’s why when you use polyurethane foam for concrete lifting and leveling, you won’t need to repair that again in decades.

VERSATILITY

Polyurethane foam can be used in versatile applications including foundation or other concrete slab stabilization, lifting and leveling, filling of voids and gaps in concrete structures or underneath the surface, providing thermal and sound insulation, preventing water infiltration, and applied in any shape of voids with a controlled and variable density of the foam.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Since the foam is made using recycled materials and also produces minimal material waste, the polyurethane foam injection method is more eco-friendly than other available options. It also improves energy efficiency by providing insulation and thus has a positive environmental impact.

CONSIDERATIONS

Although polyurethane foam injection or polyjacking has so many benefits over other methods, you still need to consider some potential drawbacks to fully consider the effectiveness of this method. Some of the key considerations are:

COST

Even though the long-term impact can save you costs eventually by using this method, the initial cost is relatively very high. So, if you’re on a budget or considering using concrete for a limited time, then this costly method is not usually worth it.

SKILL

We’ve already informed you about how magically precise this method can work for concrete lifting and leveling. However, the perfect result can only be achieved by experienced and skilled technicians who can ensure proper placement of foam to avoid under-lifting or over-lifting the concrete.

LIMITATIONS

It’s better not to think about using polyurethane foam injection in 3 situations; where the soil is extremely unstable or expansive like soil near a waterbody, for very large and thick concrete slabs or structures, and very large voids underneath the concrete. For the first case, you may need to redo the method every few times, whereas the latter two cases will need a lot of polyurethane foam. So, all these cases will cost you a fortune, that’s why you should avoid these cases.

So, now that you know all the advantages and limitations of polyurethane foam, you can understand how effective it is for concrete lifting. Although it has some limitations, every other method isn’t perfect either. You just need to go for the method with the lowest drawbacks for you. And don’t forget to consult and hire a licensed professional to bring out the best method for the perfect concrete lifting.

IS POLYURETHANE FOAM RIGHT FOR YOUR PROPERTY?

While every method has pros and cons, polyurethane foam stands out for precision, speed, and durability—especially in the variable soils and seasons of Kansas City Metro and Mid-Missouri.

If you’re ready to explore a smarter way to lift your concrete, contact a licensed professional for an assessment. PolyMagic proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City, and surrounding lake areas with expert polyjacking solutions tailored to local needs.