Concrete lifting glossary
Concrete Lifting Glossary for Kansas City Homeowners
Clear definitions for the terms homeowners see when comparing polyjacking, mudjacking, concrete leveling, void filling, soil movement, and trip hazard repair.
Common concrete lifting terms
Use these plain-English definitions to understand repair options before choosing how to handle a settled slab.
PolyjackingLifting settled concrete by injecting expanding polyurethane foam beneath the slab.
MudjackingA traditional lifting method that pumps cement-based slurry beneath concrete.
Concrete liftingRaising a settled concrete slab back toward a safer and more usable position.
Concrete levelingCorrecting uneven concrete so slabs transition more smoothly.
Foam injectionThe process of injecting polyurethane foam through small ports in the slab.
Void fillingFilling empty space beneath concrete so the slab has better support.
Slab settlementDownward movement of concrete caused by soil movement, erosion, compaction, or voids.
Expansive clayClay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry, which can stress concrete.
Freeze-thaw cycleRepeated freezing and thawing that can worsen movement, cracks, and surface damage.
Trip hazardA raised or uneven concrete edge that creates a walking hazard.
Driveway apronThe transition area where a driveway meets the street or garage approach.
Garage lipThe uneven transition where a garage slab and driveway no longer meet smoothly.
Control jointA planned joint in concrete that helps manage cracking.
SubgradeThe soil or base material beneath a concrete slab.
Hydrophobic foamFoam designed to resist water absorption after it cures.
Cement slurryA cement-based mixture used in traditional mudjacking.
Related guides
These pages explain how the terms apply to real repair decisions.
Mudjacking vs polyjacking
Compare the methods, materials, and long-term fit for Kansas City slabs.
Concrete lifting FAQ
Read short answers to the most common slab lifting questions.
When lifting will not work
Learn where replacement or drainage work may come first.