Sunken concrete can be a costly and frustrating problem, leading to safety hazards and structural issues. You want a concrete repair solution that’s durable, reliable, and backed by a strong warranty—but what exactly does that include? Many wonder if concrete lifting with foam is a long-term fix or if they’ll face future settlements. Understanding warranties can help you decide if this method is right for your project.
In this post, we’ll break down what to expect from a foam lifting warranty, including coverage details, common exclusions, and how to protect your investment for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Foam lifting warranties typically last 2–10 years – Coverage varies by contractor and soil conditions, with most warranties protecting against re-settlement within a specified period.
- Polyurethane foam offers a long-lasting, durable solution – Unlike mudjacking, which may require repeat repairs, foam remains stable for decades without breaking down or absorbing water.
- Most warranties cover material defects and re-settlement – If a slab sinks again due to soil instability (within warranty terms), reputable contractors will re-lift it at no additional cost.
- Proper drainage is key to maintaining warranty coverage – Water infiltration is a leading cause of settlement; poor drainage can void a warranty if it contributes to future slab movement.
- Foam lifting is faster and less disruptive than replacement – The process takes just hours, with full curing in 15–30 minutes, allowing for immediate use of the repaired surface.
- Choosing an experienced contractor ensures warranty reliability – Working with a professional foam lifting company guarantees proper application, adherence to industry standards, and long-term stability.
What Is Foam Concrete Lifting & How Does It Work?
Concrete settlement is a serious issue that can lead to structural instability, trip hazards, and costly repairs. Whether it's a sidewalk, driveway, or industrial foundation, sunken slabs can cause safety concerns and reduce property value. Many people assume replacement is the only option, but polyurethane concrete lifting is a far more cost-effective and efficient solution.
By using expanding polyurethane foam to lift your settled concrete slabs, this innovative process restores surfaces without the hassle of full slab replacement. Compared to traditional mudjacking materials and stone slurry grout concrete leveling, foam concrete leveling can save time and money while delivering a more permanent fix.
Learn Everything You Need to Know About Foam Leveling
Foam leveling is a concrete leveling method that relies on polyurethane foam injection to lift the concrete back to its original position. The foam undergoes a chemical reaction once injected, expanding to fill voids and stabilize the slab. Unlike mudjacking, which uses a heavy mixture of sand, cement, and water, foam is injected in small amounts, making it lighter and more effective at preventing resettlement.
How Polyurethane Foam Lifts Sunken Concrete Slabs
The foam concrete lifting process consists of:
- Drilling Small Injection Holes – Technicians drill ⅝-inch holes into the sunken slab to prepare for foam injection. These holes are significantly smaller than those required for mudjacking, making the repair much less invasive.
- Injecting Expanding Polyurethane Foam – The foam used is a poly level foam that undergoes a chemical reaction once inside the slab, causing it to expand and gently lift your settled concrete back into place.
- Foam Spreading Beneath the Slab – The foam spreads well, filling voids beneath the slab, stabilizing weak soil, and compacting loose ground to prevent future movement.
- Final Sealing and Cleanup – Once the slab is lifted, the injection holes are sealed, leaving behind a seamless and mess-free repair.
Foam Jacking vs. Mudjacking: Key Differences
- Weight Difference – Mudjacking materials weigh over 100 lbs per cubic foot, while polyurethane foam concrete leveling weighs just 2-4 lbs per cubic foot. This drastic difference prevents further settlement.
- Water Resistance – Polyurethane concrete raising creates a waterproof barrier, unlike stone slurry grout concrete leveling, which can absorb moisture and lead to future sinking.
- Injection Hole Size – Foam is injected through much smaller holes, making it a great way to restore concrete without major aesthetic damage.
Pros and Cons of Foam Concrete Lifting
While lifting with foam offers numerous benefits, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s right for your project.
The Benefits of Using Polyurethane Foam to Lift Your Settled Concrete
- Fast and Non-Disruptive – The entire process can be completed in a few hours, allowing for same-day use. Unlike concrete replacement, which can take days or weeks to cure, polyurethane concrete lifting is a quick and efficient solution.
- Lightweight and Durable – The expanding polyurethane foam is incredibly lightweight compared to mudjacking materials, meaning it won’t add stress to weak soil beneath the slab. Despite its lightweight, it has high compressive strength, making it an excellent choice for foundation repair and void filling.
- Cost-Effective Compared to Replacement – Replacing concrete can be twice as expensive as foam leveling, not to mention the added labor costs and downtime. Polylifting offers a cost estimate that is half the cost of replacement while still providing long-term results.
Cons of Foam Concrete Lifting: What You Should Consider
- Higher Material Costs – Foam concrete leveling can be more expensive than stone slurry grout or mudjacking due to higher material costs. However, the money off the cost in long-term stability often outweighs the initial expense.
- Potential for Chemical Stains – If foam happens to leak onto exposed surfaces, it can cause chemical stains that are difficult to remove. Proper preparation and professional application help avoid this issue.
- Not Ideal for Large, Heavy Structures – While polyurethane foam is injected for many applications, it may not be the best choice for extreme high-load situations requiring material for high-volume jobs.
Is Foam Leveling the Right Choice for Your Project?
If you need to repair your concrete quickly, affordably, and with minimal disruption, polyurethane foam concrete leveling is an excellent choice. However, for new concrete installations or areas requiring foundation repair, other solutions may be necessary.
Understanding Concrete Lifting Costs: What to Expect
Many customers wonder about concrete lifting costs and whether it’s worth the investment. Here’s what affects pricing:
How Much Does It Cost to Lift Your Settled Concrete with Foam?
- Less Expensive Than Full Replacement – The cost of replacement is often twice as high as polyurethane concrete leveling, making it a more affordable option for most property owners.
- Variable Pricing Based on Slab Size – The cost estimate depends on the type of concrete, the size of the area being repaired, and the void filling requirements.
Foam Jacking vs. Mudjacking: Which Offers the Best Value?
- Longevity – Polyurethane foam concrete leveling lasts longer than mudjacking because it doesn’t degrade over time.
- Weight Considerations – Mudjacking materials add excessive weight to the slab, leading to further settlement, whereas poly level foam is lightweight and stable.
- Water Resistance – Foam spreads evenly and doesn’t absorb water, preventing future issues with concrete sink.
Warranties for Foam Concrete Lifting: What’s Covered?
How Long Does a Foam Leveling Warranty Last?
Most slab lifting services offer warranties between 2 to 10 years, depending on soil conditions and the concrete leveling method used.
What’s Included in a Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Warranty?
- Re-Settlement Coverage – If your lifted concrete sinks again due to soil instability, many companies will re-lift it at no charge.
- Material and Labor Protection – Guarantees that polyurethane concrete raising is done with high-quality foam that won’t degrade.
Avoiding Common Warranty Issues in Lifted Concrete Projects
- Soil Conditions Matter – Warranties may not cover re-settlement if the underlying soil is extremely weak.
- Proper Drainage is Key – Poor drainage can void a warranty since water erosion is a major cause of concrete sinking.
Ready to lift your settled concrete? Contact us at Superior Polylift for an onsite cost estimate today! Our expert concrete raising team is here to help with all your foam lifting needs.
