Polyjacking vs Mudjacking
Mudjacking, poly jacking, or concrete replacement in Tampa Bay and along the Gulf Coast.
What is the best choice for your property?
Florida’s unique soil and Heavy rainfall combined with inadequate drainage issues and/or poor
subfloor compaction often leads to erosion under concrete slabs. Once the ground below the
slab becomes unstable it can no longer support the weight of your concrete. This is when
many people start noticing large cracks and/or sinking sections of concrete. Every once in a
while small voids will form around the concrete slab. Erosion creates instability and sinking
concrete creates potential safety hazards.
Let’s Compare the three most common concrete repair methods In the Tampa Bay Area before
you decide that polyjacking is the right solution for you.
Let’s explore all three options
Mudjacking, Polyjacking, and Concrete Replacement are the three most common ways to fix
settled concrete in Florida.
The right choice depends on your slab’s condition, soil stability, and long-term goals.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking also known as slab jacking uses a cement-based slurry pumped beneath a concrete
slab to lift and fill voids. While it was once the go-to method for concrete leveling, it’s now
considered an outdated and short-term fix, especially in Florida.
This process requires large drill holes (1.5–2 inches), which leave visible patches and weaken
the surface. The heavy mud slurry adds hundreds of pounds of extra weight to already unstable
soil, often causing the slab to sink again within a short time. Here’s a visual. Just imagine a
brick sitting on a piece of soggy bread. The brick is your concrete slab and the bread is the soil
beneath it. Over time what will happen to the brick? What about the soggy bread bread?
Mudjacking also takes up to 48 hours to cure, leaving the area unusable and vulnerable to
further settling. In Tampa Bay’s humid climate and sandy subsoils, the slurry is prone to
washouts and erosion, meaning the problem can quickly return.
In Tampa Bay and along the gulf coast with the humid climate and sandy subsoils, traditional
mudjacking is less durable long-term. Mudjacking can often lead to repeat repairs and higher
long-term costs.
Poly Jacking
Poly Jacking also known as Foam jacking or Foam Injection is the method Environmental Foam
Solutions uses. The Poly Jacking process begins with drilling small, carefully placed holes into
the affected slab. Through these holes, a specialized two-part polyurethane mixture is injected
beneath the concrete.
As the two parts mix a high density foam forms. Once the foam expands it fills any voids and
compacts any weak soil. This creates a strong and stable base. The controlled expansion
stabilizes the soils and is able to gently lift the slab back into place, the injection holes are
patched with quick-setting concrete, leaving a repaired, clean, finished look.
Although the two part mixture is injected at higher pressure than traditional cement-based
grouts, the lifting itself comes from the foam’s expansion,not the pressure. The polyurethane
mixture seeks out and strengthens weak soils, increasing density and long-term support. Best of
all, the area is ready to use almost immediately after the repair is complete.
Concrete replacement
Sometimes Concrete Replacement Is the Better Option.
Polyjacking and mudjacking are methods for lifting and stabilizing concrete that has settled due
to weak or washed-out soils. However, there are certain situations where these repair methods
are not enough to restore the integrity or appearance of a slab. In these cases, complete
concrete replacement is the smarter, long-term choice.
Severely Cracked or Deteriorated Concrete
When concrete is badly cracked, chipped, or crumbling, lifting it won’t solve the underlying
issue. Foam or mud can’t bond separated pieces or restore the slab’s structural strength. If large
sections are missing or breaking apart, the concrete has most likely reached the end of its
lifespan. Full replacement provides a solid, continuous surface that will perform better and last
longer. Corrosion and Internal Damage
Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, especially in Tampa Bay and the Nature Coast, moisture and salt
exposure can cause rebar inside the concrete to rust and expand. This internal corrosion
pushes outward, cracking and weakening the slab from within. Once this happens, lifting
methods like poly jacking can only provide temporary improvement. Replacing the slab ensures
new reinforcement, fresh materials, and better protection against future corrosion.
Sometimes the problem isn’t settlement, it’s the original slope of the concrete. If water flows
toward your home, pool, or foundation instead of away from it, lifting won’t correct the overall
drainage pattern. Pouring new concrete allows the area to be re-graded properly so water
drains in the right direction, protecting nearby structures and preventing future damage.
In the Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast, concrete is constantly exposed to harsh coastal
conditions. Florida’s high humidity, salt air, and shifting sandy soils. Over time, these factors can
weaken older slabs beyond what foam or grout injections can repair. Replacing the concrete
can give homeowners a fresh start with properly reinforced material designed for coastal
durability. New concrete can allow for better grading and drainage adjustments, reducing the
risk of future settling or washouts. Make sure to speak with your contractor about these issues.
If your concrete is still structurally sound but uneven, poly jacking remains the most efficient and
cost-effective solution. It’s faster, less invasive, and specifically designed to perform well in
Florida’s lightweight, moisture-prone soils
If you have concrete that’s sinking due to unstable soil, polyjacking is your solution. Polyjacking
can be used on Residential as well as commercial properties. We repair driveways, sidewalks,
pool decks, patios, garage floors, porches and more restoring smooth, even surfaces that are
safe and long-lasting. Our process also works for carports, walkways, and lanai areas, helping
homeowners eliminate trip hazard liability and restore peace of mind.
In addition to residential work, EFS can also handle commercial and industrial concrete lifting.
This includes warehouse floors, loading docks, parking lots, and entryways. We also specialize
in marine and structural applications such as reinforcing seawalls, void filling, and soil
stabilization. Poly Jacking is ideal for properties near the water where erosion and washouts are
common.
Whether it’s a sunken driveway, uneven pool deck, or seawall erosion, Environmental Foam
Solutions provides a fast, eco-friendly, and long-lasting repair that’s built for Florida’s sandy soils
and coastal climate.