Is Your Concrete Lifting Contractor Using the Right Materials?

Concrete lifting is a smart way to fix sunken driveways, walkways, and patios without the cost and hassle of full replacement. But not all lifting is created equal, and neither are the materials contractors use to do the job.

At Level Best Concrete Lifting, we often hear from homeowners who’ve had concrete repaired before, only to see it sink again a year or two later. Most of the time, the problem isn’t how the work was done. It’s what was used to do it.

Whether you’re hiring a contractor for the first time or evaluating a quote, knowing what materials they plan to use is critical. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between common lifting materials, what to ask before hiring, and why the right material is what makes the repair last.

Why Material Choice Matters

Concrete doesn’t sink by accident. It settles because the soil beneath it shifts, compresses, or washes out. The material your contractor injects to lift the slab needs to do more than raise it temporarily. It needs to fill the void, stabilize the soil, and stay in place over time.

If the wrong material is used, the concrete may:

• Settle again within a few seasons

• Crack or become uneven

• Allow water to continue undermining the surface

• Require repeat repairs and more expense

That’s why choosing a contractor who uses high-performance materials is just as important as choosing one with experience or good reviews.

Common Concrete Lifting Materials Compared

Here are the most common materials used in the industry and what sets them apart.

1. Mudjacking Slurry (Cement-Based Mix)

This is the traditional method. A thick slurry of water, soil, and cement is pumped under the slab to push it up.

Pros:

• Often lower initial cost

• Works for large commercial slabs

Cons:

• Very heavy, which adds stress to already unstable ground

• Large holes, typically 1.5 to 2 inches, required for injection

• Long cure times, often 24 to 48 hours

• Absorbs moisture and can erode or shrink over time

• Often needs to be redone in just a few years

Mudjacking can be effective for certain industrial or large-scale surfaces, but it’s rarely the best option for residential work in Metro Vancouver’s shifting, moisture-prone ground.

2. Low-Grade Foam or Fillers

Some contractors claim to offer polyurethane lifting but use lower-quality foam or diluted products. These materials may expand too quickly, lack density, or degrade over time.

Pros:

• Lower cost than professional-grade foam

Cons:

• Inconsistent expansion results in poor lift control

• Provides less structural support

• Shorter lifespan

• May not be water-resistant

Not all foam is created equal. If your contractor can’t tell you exactly what product they use, that’s a red flag.

3. High-Density Polyurethane Foam (What We Use)

At Level Best, we use engineered polyurethane foam specifically designed for concrete lifting and soil stabilization. It’s the same material used in municipal, highway, and commercial infrastructure projects.

Pros:

• Lightweight, around 2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot

• Expands uniformly for precise lifting

• Cures in 15 to 30 minutes

• Requires small injection holes, only 5/8 of an inch

• Fully water-resistant

• Bonds to soil and concrete to prevent future settlement

• Environmentally safe and non-toxic

 

Cons:

• Slightly higher upfront cost than mudjacking

• Requires specialized equipment and trained technicians

This is the modern standard for reliable, long-lasting concrete repair, especially in areas like the Lower Mainland where moisture is a constant challenge.

What to Ask Your Contractor

You don’t need to be a concrete expert to ask the right questions. During your consultation, ask:

• What material will you be using to lift the concrete?
  They should name a specific product, not just say “foam” or “mud.”

• Is the material water-resistant?
  Essential in BC. If it absorbs water, you’ll likely see re-settling.

• How large are the injection holes?
  Smaller holes, around 5/8 of an inch, typically indicate foam. Larger holes point to mudjacking.

• How long will the material last?
  Foam solutions like ours are built to last for decades.

• Will this stabilize the soil beneath the concrete?
  If not, the problem isn’t being fully resolved.

If a contractor avoids these questions or gives vague answers, that’s a signal to keep looking.

Why We Chose Polyurethane Foam and Stick With It

At Level Best Concrete Lifting, we don’t chase the cheapest method. We chose polyurethane foam because it works, and because it aligns with how we believe concrete repair should be done: cleanly, clearly, and with integrity.

It lets us complete most jobs in a single day
It’s ready for use within minutes
It solves the actual problem beneath your slab
It allows us to stand behind our work with a 10-year warranty

We’re not just lifting concrete. We’re restoring safety, value, and confidence across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

 

A Final Thought on Foam

The foam we use is trusted by cities, airports, and engineers for good reason. According to For Construction Pros, polyurethane foam “provides the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any slab lifting method available today,” and its use in infrastructure repair is growing rapidly worldwide (source).

You shouldn’t have to settle for less on your own property.

Choose the Material That Lasts. Choose the Team That Cares.

The right material makes all the difference, but so does the team applying it. At Level Best Concrete Lifting, we bring expert technique, trusted products, and a customer-first mindset to every job.

Want to see how foam lifting works? Visit our Concrete Lifting page.
Need to address hollow spots or shifting soil? Explore our Void Filling and Soil Stabilization services.

When you’re ready, contact us for a free quote and let’s make sure your concrete repair is built to last. post content here