When it comes to fixing sunken concrete, most homeowners focus on safety, cost, and convenience. But did you know that polyurethane concrete raising also comes with important environmental benefits? This modern approach to slab leveling—also known as foam jacking—is not only cleaner and faster than traditional methods, it’s significantly more eco-friendly.
In this post, we’ll explore how polyurethane lifting helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the planet—all while delivering strong, lasting results for your home or business.
What Is Polyurethane Concrete Raising?
Before we dive into the green benefits, let’s quickly explain how polyurethane concrete raising works.
When concrete settles—whether it’s a sidewalk, driveway, patio, or step—it usually sinks because the soil underneath is weak, washed out, or compressed. This creates sunken concrete that’s uneven and dangerous.
Polyurethane concrete raising (also called foam jacking or polyurethane lifting) fixes the problem from below. Here’s how:
- Small holes are drilled into the sunken slab.
- Two liquid components are injected underneath the concrete.
- As the liquids mix, they expand into a high-density foam.
- The foam fills the voids in the soil and lifts the slab back into place.
It’s quick, clean, and ready for use in just 15 minutes.
For more information, see Concrete Repair Guide: Common Issues, Fixes & Costs Explained
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Old-school methods like mudjacking and full slab replacement come with big environmental drawbacks:
- Mudjacking uses heavy slurry (cement, soil, water) that often erodes or washes away again. It requires more drilling, more mess, and more weight on the soil.
- Slab replacement involves tearing out old concrete and pouring new material—requiring trucks, machinery, and lots of raw materials. It’s loud, dusty, and creates tons of waste. It also takes 24 hours until it can even be walked on.
Polyurethane lifting, by contrast, is minimal impact—and maximally efficient.
1. Polyurethane Lifting Reduces Waste
Every time a concrete slab is removed and replaced, thousands of pounds of material end up in a landfill. Cracked concrete, broken rebar, and contaminated fill dirt are dumped by the ton—contributing to one of the largest waste streams in the U.S.
With polyurethane concrete raising, the existing concrete is saved and restored. That means:
- No demolition
- No landfill contribution
- No hauling or disposal
By reusing your current slab, you’re reducing demand for new materials and cutting down on waste—a win for the environment and your wallet.
2. Fewer Resources Are Needed
Replacing concrete takes a lot of energy and resources:
- Cement production is one of the top industrial sources of CO₂ emissions worldwide.
- Pouring new concrete requires water, sand, and gravel—all non-renewable resources.
- Heavy trucks and equipment burn fuel and pollute the air.
Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, is lightweight and efficient. It’s made from safe, inert materials and expands to fill voids with very little volume. That means:
- Less energy used
- No new concrete needed
- Lower carbon footprint
One small crew with a compact truck can do the job in hours—no need for backhoes, concrete mixers, or days of drying time.
3. Prevents Further Soil Disruption
Heavy equipment used in traditional concrete repair methods can compact the soil around your foundation and damage your lawn or landscape.
Foam jacking is different. The equipment is lightweight and non-invasive, so we can fix sunken concrete in tight spaces—like between garden beds, patios, or near your home’s foundation—without harming surrounding areas.
And because polyurethane foam is waterproof, it doesn’t erode or wash out. It actually protects the soil beneath your slab from future washout, helping maintain the health of your landscape and reducing runoff-related erosion.
4. Safe, Non-Toxic Materials
Some people worry that foam sounds like a chemical-heavy solution. But PolyLevel® foam—used by Ogburn Construction—is safe, inert, and environmentally stable.
Here’s what you should know:
- Once cured, the foam does not off-gas or leach chemicals.
- It’s stable and non-reactive with soil and groundwater.
- It contains no harmful solvents or emissions.
That means it’s safe for pets, plants, and the planet.
5. Supports Stormwater Management
Uneven concrete can redirect water toward your home or foundation, especially during heavy rains. This leads to pooling, erosion, and even structural damage.
By leveling sunken concrete, you restore proper drainage and prevent future water-related issues—saving energy, money, and materials that would otherwise go into costly water damage repair.
Plus, by filling voids under sidewalks and driveways, foam jacking helps minimize stormwater infiltration into your foundation or sewer system, which can reduce pollution and overflow in your local water supply.
6. Long-Lasting Performance Means Fewer Repairs
The durability of polyurethane concrete raising means you won’t have to redo the job again and again.
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- Cures in 15 minutes
- Supports over 4,800 lbs/sq ft
- Waterproof and weather-resistant
- The polyurethane is also hydrophobic. It will actually push water out of the way when expanding.
That kind of strength means the concrete stays level, even through freeze-thaw cycles and soil shifts. Long-term stability means less maintenance, fewer repeat visits, and lower environmental impact over time.
7. Ideal for Trip Hazard Removal
Tripping hazards—especially on sidewalks, walkways, and steps—are not just safety issues. They’re a sign of underlying concrete failure, which leads to water damage, soil erosion, and landscape problems.
Foam jacking is the fastest, cleanest way to perform trip hazard removal without ripping up the surrounding area. The process takes just a few hours, and your property is fully functional the same day.
That’s safer for people—and safer for the planet.
Sustainable Repairs That Still Deliver Big Results
Choosing polyurethane lifting isn’t about sacrificing quality for sustainability. With Ogburn Construction, you get both.
- Eco-friendly and efficient
- Quick turnaround with minimal impact
- Durable, load-bearing performance
It’s one of the few home repairs that’s truly good for your home and the environment.
Why Choose Ogburn Concrete Leveling and Resurfacing?
We’ve been serving Greater Richmond and Central Virginia for more than 30 years.
As experts in polyurethane concrete raising, we combine the latest technology with proven techniques to fix your concrete fast—without waste or disruption.
Whether you need sidewalk lifting, trip hazard removal, or full structural repair, we’ll create a custom plan that protects your investment and the planet.
Let’s Lift Your Concrete—and Your Confidence
Sunken concrete doesn’t have to mean demolition, debris, and delays. With polyurethane lifting, you get a fast, effective, and environmentally responsible solution that lasts for years.
Want to raise your slab the sustainable way?
Schedule your free estimate with Ogburn Concrete Leveling and Resurfacing today.
