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The primary difference between mudjacking and foam jacking is the material used to support the slab. Mudjacking uses some type of concrete, while foam jacking uses a polyurethane foam. Foam jacking also requires higher pressure to push the foam under the slab. Foam jacking performs better for structural support.

The most significant warning signs that your foundation requires leveling are growing cracks in your slab. Multiple doors and windows in your house that no longer close properly may also indicate that you need to level your slab. You may also see cracks in the walls and irregular slopes in your roof.

Surface leveling is generally restricted to some type of concrete. Mudjacking is most common for non-load-bearing surfaces, while foam jacking works best for load-bearing surfaces. However, you can level almost any type of solid surface so long as it has a concrete base, such as a tile patio with a concrete slab under it. 

You shouldn’t use mudjacking for load-bearing slabs because concrete is too thick to fill thin cracks. It also doesn’t compact the surrounding earth like foam jacking does. Retaining walls or other obstructions that are too close to the slab may also make mudjacking impractical. It’s also only feasible if the ground has completely settled.

Mudjacking lasts about eight to 10 years in total. It’s a great temporary solution. Long term, you’re probably going to have to use foam jacking or simply replace the concrete. When replacing the concrete, you’ll also want to relevel and redo the subsurface with compaction and gravel, which is one of the root causes of sinking concrete pads.

You almost never need a permit to level concrete unless it’s load-bearing for your home, garage, or some other outbuilding. However, permitting requirements vary from location to location. Always check with your local building code enforcement agency or your professional mudjacking company before starting. Load-bearing structures often need a permit.