Foam vs. Mudjacking: Which Concrete Jacking Method Is Right for Your Commercial or Condo Property?

When concrete slabs start to sink or shift on your property, the impact is more than just cosmetic. Uneven sidewalks, cracked warehouse floors, or sloped condo entryways don’t just look bad, they pose safety hazards, liability risks, and structural problems. Fortunately, full concrete replacement isn’t your only option. Two leading methods for restoring sunken concrete are mudjacking and polyurethane foam injection. But which one is right for your commercial building, warehouse, or condo complex?

At On The Level Concrete Correction, we’ve helped hundreds of Alberta property managers and business owners make the right call. In this guide, we’ll break down foam vs. mudjacking so you can make an informed, cost-effective, and long-lasting decision for your property.

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Why Sinking Concrete Happens on Commercial and Multi-Unit Properties

While residential properties see their fair share of settling slabs, commercial and condo buildings face unique pressures:

• Heavier foot and vehicle traffic
• Larger slab sizes over varied soil conditions
• Excessive weight from equipment or storage
• Water runoff or drainage issues
• Underground utilities causing soil erosion

Ignoring these issues can lead to lawsuits, injuries, inventory damage, or even structural compromise. That’s where concrete lifting comes in.

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The Two Main Options: Mudjacking vs. Foam Injection

Both methods involve injecting material beneath a sunken slab to raise it back to its original position. But the materials, process, and ideal applications vary significantly.

Let’s compare them side by side:

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Foam vs. Mudjacking: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Mudjacking	Foam Injection
Material Used	Cement-based slurry (mud, sand, water)	High-density polyurethane foam
Hole Size	~1.5 to 2 inches	~⅝ to ¾ inch
Weight of Material	Heavy (can contribute to future settling)	Lightweight (reduces soil stress)
Cure Time	Hours to a full day	15–30 minutes
Precision Leveling	Good, but less exact	Highly accurate, fine-tuned lifts
Best For	Large slabs, driveways, warehouse floors	Interior floors, sidewalks, delicate or unstable soil
Cost	Typically more affordable upfront	Slightly higher initial cost, better long-term ROI
Durability	Strong, may deteriorate in wet conditions	Waterproof, long-lasting, chemical-resistant

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The Case for Mudjacking: Affordable and Proven

Mudjacking (also known as slabjacking) has been around for decades. It involves drilling holes into the sunken slab and pumping a thick cement-based mixture underneath to raise it back into position.

✅ Best For:

• Heavy-duty outdoor surfaces
• Large warehouse pads
• Driveways or loading docks
• Properties with stable underlying soil

🔧 Pros:

• Cost-effective for large-scale areas
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Ideal when weight is needed to stabilize thicker slabs

⚠️ Considerations:

• Larger drill holes can be more noticeable
• The slurry mixture is heavy and may contribute to future settling
• Not ideal for interior or moisture-prone applications

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The Case for Foam Injection: Modern, Lightweight, Precise

Polyurethane foam lifting is the newer, more high-tech solution. We drill smaller holes, inject expanding foam, and as it hardens, it gently lifts and supports the slab with incredible accuracy.

✅ Best For:

• Interior condo floors
• Commercial entryways
• Sidewalks and pathways
• Situations with unstable or eroded soil

🔧 Pros:

• Foam is lightweight, reducing the chance of future settling
• Sets in 15–30 minutes minimal downtime for businesses
• Waterproof and chemical-resistant, ideal for moist areas
• Smaller holes make it more discreet

⚠️ Considerations:

• Slightly higher upfront cost, but longer-lasting results
• Requires specialized equipment and expertise
• Not always the best option for very large or heavy-duty slabs

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What About Condo Corporations?

If you’re part of a condo board or property management team, you know that balancing cost, aesthetics, safety, and homeowner satisfaction is critical.

Foam injection is often preferred for:

• Interior concrete leveling in units or parkades
• Common area sidewalks with high foot traffic
• Pool decks or patios requiring minimal disruption

Mudjacking may be ideal for:

• Exterior slab repairs in shared garages or alleyways
• Older concrete that can tolerate slightly larger patching
• Budget-conscious projects with wide coverage needs

We’re happy to work with your board, property manager, or maintenance crew to create a plan that makes sense for everyone, including your reserve fund.

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Why Speed Matters for Commercial Repairs

If your commercial space has tripping hazards, tilted shelves, or misaligned machinery due to sinking concrete, waiting too long to fix it can cost you much more than a repair bill.

Delays Can Lead To:

• Injury claims from employees or visitors
• Inventory damage from shifting equipment
• Productivity slowdowns from uneven warehouse floors
• Code violations or insurance issues

With foam injection, we can often repair your surface after hours or on weekends, minimizing downtime and keeping your operations on track.

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Why Alberta Businesses Trust On the Level

When it comes to concrete lifting, you have choices. But not all contractors are created equal.

At On the On The Level Concrete Correction, here’s what sets us apart:

• Family-owned and operated: founded on trust and built with pride
• Hands-on service: we show up, do the work, and stand behind it
• Transparent estimates: no surprise fees or bait-and-switch tactics
• Advanced equipment: both foam and mudjacking, based on your needs
• Tailored advice: we’ll help you choose what’s right, not just what’s easy

We believe in doing the job once, doing it right, and doing it on the level in every sense of the word.

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Still Not Sure Which Method Is Right for You?

We get it, every property is different. That’s why we offer free, honest assessments with no pressure and no jargon. We’ll inspect your concrete, evaluate your soil, and recommend the solution that’s best for your building, budget, and timeline.

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Let’s Lift Your Concrete and Your Confidence

Don’t let sinking slabs damage your property, hurt your reputation, or risk someone’s safety. Whether you manage a condo, operate a business, or run a warehouse, we’ve got your concrete covered.

📞 Call us today at 780-249-5438
📧 Or email us at info@otlconcrete.ca
We’ll help you weigh your options, and lift with precision, pride, and honesty.