Searching for driveway lifting near me indicates you’re dealing with a sunken, uneven, or cracked driveway slab that may pose hazards or drainage issues. Driveway lifting, also known as concrete lifting or leveling, is a cost-effective and durable alternative to full replacement. This guide explores the main lifting techniques, their technological benefits, detailed examples, and real-life applications to help you understand why this method can restore both function and curb appeal.
What Is Driveway Lifting and Why Is It Needed?
Driveway lifting refers to the process of raising sunken concrete slabs by filling the voids underneath until the surface is restored to its original level. Two predominant techniques are used:
-
Mudjacking (Slabjacking): Involves pumping a cement-based slurry beneath the concrete to lift it.
-
Polyurethane Foam Injection (Polyjacking/PolyLevel): Involves injecting expanding foam that fills voids, lifts slabs, and stabilizes soil.
These methods correct uneven surfaces, enhance drainage, reduce trip hazards, and delay or prevent full driveway replacement. The choice of method depends on soil conditions, project scale, and desired durability.
Soil movement caused by moisture fluctuation, erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy loads leads to slab settling. By addressing the root cause, driveway lifting delivers structural and aesthetic restoration.
Detailed Review of Lifting Technologies
Polyurethane foam is a lightweight, expandable material injected into small holes in the void beneath the driveway. It expands rapidly to lift the slab, curing in minutes and supporting heavy loads soon after. Primary advantages include:
-
Very small injection holes (~⅝″), making patches less visible
-
Rapid cure (some products support traffic within 15–20 minutes)
-
Lightweight material (2–4 lb/ft³) that won’t cause resettlement
-
Closed-cell structure that resists water (prevents future erosion)
Potential downsides include higher material cost, limited ability to fill very large voids, and risk of over-lifting if not controlled precisely.
Mudjacking: Time-Tested and Cost‑Effective
Mudjacking involves pumping a sand/cement slurry to lift slabs. Pros include:
-
Good control over the lift amount
-
Typically lower cost than polyjacking
-
Can utilize recycled or natural materials, making it more eco-friendly
Cons include larger drill holes (1–2″), heavy added weight that might compress soil, longer cure time, and less water resistance.
Other Methods (Sandjacking, Stone Slurry)
Alternatives like sandjacking and stone slurry are less common but used in niche scenarios. They blend aspects of mudjacking with different filler materials. Generally, mudjacking and polyjacking are the standard approaches.
Real-World Driveway Lifting Examples
4‑inch Settlement Near Garage
In one case, a slab had dropped 4 inches near a garage, creating a dangerous trip hazard and water flow toward the foundation. PolyLevel injection successfully raised the slab back near flush, with only small patches visible. The homeowner regained safety and drainage control within hours.
Relevance: Demonstrates quick, effective foam lifting of significant settlements with minimal disruption.
Improper Drainage System in Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, mudjacking was used to correct slabs that had been improperly graded, disabling effective drainage. Technicians used slabjacking to fill voids and elevate slabs, but noted that drainage system flaws would still require long-term correction.
Relevance: Shows how lifting solves height issues, but must be paired with drainage fixes.
Midwestern Driveway Stabilization
A home in Kansas City used polyjacking to address widespread settlement. Foam injection offered a durable, cost-effective alternative to total replacement. The lightweight foam stabilized the slab without adding excessive weight.
Relevance: Highlights cost savings and effectiveness of foam vs. full replacement.
Northern NJ Trip Hazard Removal
In Williamstown, NJ, a driveway with multiple cracks and settlement was repaired via PolyLevel foam injection. The team also sealed joints to prevent water, ensuring long-term protection.
Relevance: Shows a comprehensive approach—lifting and sealing to prevent recurrence.
Technology: Why Polyjacking Excels
Soil Stabilization and Void Filling
Polyurethane penetrates voids and consolidates soil beneath slabs, offering both lift and support. Mudjacking often leaves voids or washouts; polyfoam avoids this by expanding evenly.
Lightweight and Eco-Friendly Options
Lightweight foam reduces stress on the substrate in poor soils. Some offerings contain recycled content, blending performance with sustainability.
Speed and Minimal Disruption
Polyjacking cures fast, and small drill holes mean little cleanup. Driveways can often be used within minutes to hours—much faster than mudjacking or replacement.
Long-Term Durability and Warranty
Polyfoam delivers long-term performance (10–20+ years), is waterproof, and often backed by comprehensive warranties, outperforming mudjacking in longevity.
Detailed Use Cases and Problem-Solving
-
Trip hazards and uneven slabs: Ideal for safety and code compliance.
-
Poor drainage causing settlement: When paired with proper grading, lifting restores pitch and eliminates water pooling.
-
Driveways showing moderate cracking: Foam lifts while reinforcing slabs, preventing repeat failures.
-
Properties with limited downtime: Foam injection completes the job within a day with minimal disturbance.
-
Budget-conscious homeowners: Lifting offers superior results for a fraction of replacement costs—$500–1,700 vs full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does driveway lifting last?
With polyjacking, repairs often remain effective for 10–20 years or longer thanks to stable soil filling and water resistance. Mudjacking typically lasts 5–10 years.
Q2: Can polyfoam lift the driveway?
Yes, its expansion continues after injection, so technicians must monitor carefully. Mistakes can cause over-lift, though this is corrected before curing.
Q3: How do I choose between mudjacking and polyjacking?
Mudjacking is budget-friendly and controlled, but heavy and slower to cure. Polyjacking is fast, long-lasting, and water-resistant—ideal where time, soil erosion, or aesthetics matter. Evaluate your soil, budget, project urgency, and desired lifespan.