So—How Do You Raise Concrete? Osco’s Guide to Lifting Settled Slabs
Concrete slabs can sink or shift over time due to soil erosion, water pooling, poor compaction, or the effects of Alberta’s freeze-thaw cycles. The result? Uneven driveways, cracked patios, sloped sidewalks, or sunken garage floors. These aren’t just cosmetic concerns — they can create tripping hazards, drainage problems, and long-term structural issues.
So how do you fix it? At Osco Mudjacking & Construction Ltd., we specialize in a time-tested process called slab lifting, using advanced techniques like mudjacking and polyjacking to raise concrete safely, precisely, and affordably.
Let’s explore how we do it and help you understand which lifting method might be right for your home or commercial property.
Key Takeaways
- Osco offers mudjacking and polyjacking, allowing customized solutions for every concrete lifting project, from sidewalks to warehouse slabs.
- The concrete lifting process is clean, efficient, and often completed in a single day, restoring level surfaces with minimal disruption.
- With over 70 years of experience serving Edmonton and Alberta, Osco provides time-tested techniques, specialized equipment, and unmatched local experience.
Step-by-Step: How Concrete Lifting Works
At its core, slab lifting involves injecting grout beneath the concrete to fill voids, stabilize the base, and gently raise the slab back to its proper level. Here’s how the process works:
- Drilling Access Holes
Our trained technicians begin by strategically drilling small holes into the sunken slab. These are typically 1″ to 1.5″ in diameter for mudjacking or around 5/8″ for foam injection. The holes are carefully placed to allow for optimal lifting and material flow.
- Inserting the Injection Nozzle
Once the holes are drilled, we insert a high-pressure grout hose or foam injection nozzle into each opening. These nozzles are connected to specialized pumps on our service trucks.
- Pumping the Grout Under the Slab
We begin pumping grout (or foam) beneath the slab. The material travels through voids beneath the surface, displacing trapped water and stabilizing loose soils.
- If the slab has settled due to erosion or poor compaction, the grout fills those gaps completely.
- The material begins to build up pressure as the voids fill, compacting the ground and preparing to lift the slab.
- Gently Raising the Slab
Once the ground is firm and voids are filled, we continue pumping in controlled increments until the concrete begins to rise. Our technicians use leveling tools to ensure a smooth, even lift.
The result? A restored, level concrete surface that is often ready for use the same day.
Mud or Foam? Osco Offers Both
Not all lifting jobs are created equal — and not all materials are right for every situation. That’s why Osco offers both Mudjacking (Cementitious Grout) and Polyjacking (Polyurethane Foam) systems. We aren’t limited by equipment or materials, so you get the best solution for your specific needs.
Mudjacking (Cementitious Grout)
Mudjacking is a traditional, reliable method that has been used for decades. At Osco, we don’t just use “mud” — we use a specially formulated cementitious grout that includes Portland Cement and soil stabilizers to prevent shrinkage or breakdown.
Ideal For: Sidewalks, driveways, patios, warehouse slabs, exterior concrete with large voids
Advantages:
- Excellent for large or heavy slabs
- More cost-effective for wide-area coverage
- Highly durable and resistant to erosion or settling
- Holes can be re-entered without re-drilling
- No curing delay — surface can be used immediately
Mudjacking uses hydraulic pressure to push the grout under the slab, filling voids and compacting soil before lifting the concrete. It’s one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to restore concrete — especially in Alberta’s varied climate.
Polyjacking (Polyurethane Foam)
Polyurethane foam injection is a newer technique that uses a chemical reaction between two materials to create expanding foam. These materials are pumped into a mixing nozzle and injected through smaller holes than traditional mudjacking.
As the foam expands, it fills voids and begins to lift the slab.
Ideal For: Interior floors, tight access areas, decorative concrete, smaller slabs
Advantages:
- Requires smaller holes (~5/8”)
- Fast setting and lightweight
- Suitable for finished surfaces or interior applications
- Great in confined spaces
- Will not decay and allows the substrate to “breathe”
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between mudjacking and polyjacking depends on several factors, including the size of the slab, location, and your project goals. Mudjacking, which uses a cementitious grout with Portland cement, is ideal for large exterior slabs, areas with heavy traffic, and situations where durability and cost-effectiveness are key. It requires slightly larger holes (1″–1.5″) but is highly stable and efficient for filling substantial voids. Polyjacking, on the other hand, uses expanding polyurethane foam and is better suited for interior floors, confined spaces, and decorative concrete. It involves smaller injection holes (around 5/8″) and offers lightweight, moisture-resistant properties, although it often comes at a higher cost per volume. Osco’s experienced estimators will carefully evaluate your specific conditions and recommend the best solution to meet your needs and budget.
Why Osco Is the Right Choice for Your Concrete Lifting Needs
Whether you choose mudjacking or foam injection, Osco delivers unmatched service and results:
- Decades of Experience — Proudly serving Edmonton and Alberta since 1952
- Custom Materials — Cementitious grout formulated in-house for superior performance
- Precision Equipment — Advanced pumps, leveling tools, and injection systems
- Tailored Solutions — No “one-size-fits-all” approach — we evaluate your needs carefully
- Local Knowledge — We understand Alberta soils, weather, and construction standards
When you choose Osco, you get a dedicated team committed to restoring your concrete quickly, affordably, and permanently.
Summary
Sunken or uneven concrete isn’t just unsightly—it’s a safety risk and structural concern. At Osco Mudjacking & Construction Ltd., we offer reliable slab lifting solutions using either mudjacking (cementitious grout) or polyjacking (polyurethane foam), depending on your specific needs.
Our step-by-step process includes drilling access holes, injecting grout or foam to fill voids, compacting the base, and gently raising the slab. With decades of local experience and a commitment to high-performance materials and precision tools, Osco delivers fast, long-lasting results across residential, commercial, and industrial concrete applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes concrete slabs to sink?
Soil erosion, water pooling, freeze-thaw cycles, and poor compaction can all lead to slab settlement.
How does concrete lifting work?
We inject grout or foam under the slab to fill voids, stabilize the base, and gently raise the concrete.
What’s the difference between mudjacking and polyjacking?
Mudjacking utilizes cementitious grout for larger outdoor slabs, while polyjacking employs expanding foam for interior or decorative surfaces.
Is slab lifting messy or time-consuming?
Not at all—most jobs are completed cleanly and efficiently, often in just one day.
Why choose Osco for concrete lifting?
We bring over 70 years of experience, customized materials, and Alberta-specific knowledge to every project.
Lift Your Concrete the Osco Way
Uneven concrete doesn’t have to mean full replacement — and it doesn’t have to be a headache. With Osco’s mudjacking and polyjacking services, sunken concrete can be lifted, leveled, and stabilized with precision and care.
Let’s Talk About Your Project. Whether dealing with a cracked driveway, sunken sidewalk, or sloping warehouse slab, Osco has the solution.
Your home. Your investment. Our experience. Trust Osco to lift it right the first time.