Polyurethane Foam Leveling in Minneapolis, MN

What Is Polyurethane Foam Leveling?

Polyurethane foam leveling — sometimes called polyjacking or foam jacking — is a concrete leveling method that uses expanding polyurethane foam to lift settled slabs. The foam is injected through small holes in the concrete, where it expands through a chemical reaction to fill voids and raise the slab with precision.

The foam is lightweight, hydrophobic (water-repellent), and cures in minutes. This makes it particularly well-suited for projects where fast turnaround, minimal disruption, and small drill holes are priorities.

How Polyurethane Foam Leveling Works

1. Inspection — The settled concrete is assessed to determine the cause and extent of settlement.
2. Drill access holes — Small holes (typically 5/8 inch) are drilled through the sunken slab — much smaller than the 1-2 inch holes used for mudjacking.
3. Inject foam — Two-part polyurethane foam is pumped beneath the slab. The components mix and react, causing the foam to expand and fill voids.
4. Lift the slab — As the foam expands, it generates controlled lifting force that raises the concrete to the desired elevation.
5. Patch and clean up — The small access holes are patched, and the area is cleaned. The foam reaches full strength in about 15 minutes.

Advantages of Polyurethane Foam

• Lightweight — The foam adds minimal weight to the soil beneath, making it suitable for areas with weak or compromised soils
• Fast curing — Sets in 15 minutes, so the surface is ready for use the same day
• Smaller drill holes — 5/8 inch holes are less visible than the 1-2 inch holes used in mudjacking
• Hydrophobic — The foam repels water and won't erode, wash out, or degrade from moisture
• Precise lifting — The expanding foam provides controlled, even lifting for accurate results
• Durable — The cured foam is inert and will not break down over time

When Polyurethane Foam Is the Better Choice

• The soil beneath the slab is weak or compromised — the lightweight foam won't add stress
• You need the surface ready for use the same day
• Smaller, less visible patch holes are a priority
• The area has moisture or drainage concerns — hydrophobic foam won't erode
• The lift requires precision — foam expands evenly for controlled raising

Limitations of Polyurethane Foam

• Higher material cost — Polyurethane foam costs more per square foot than mudjacking slurry
• Best for smaller lifts — For very large areas with significant settlement, mudjacking may be more cost-effective

Polyurethane Foam vs. Mudjacking

Both methods are proven and effective. Polyurethane foam is lighter, faster, and uses smaller holes. Mudjacking is more cost-effective for large areas. For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see our mudjacking vs. polyurethane foam guide.

You can also learn more about mudjacking or concrete leveling in general.

Cost Factors

Polyurethane foam leveling typically costs more per square foot than mudjacking, but it offers faster cure times, smaller holes, and better performance in wet or weak soil conditions. The total cost depends on the size of the area, the amount of settlement, and site accessibility.

See our concrete leveling cost guide for a detailed comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions