Neither polyurethane foam nor mudjacking is better for every slab. Mudjacking costs about half as much ($4–$9 vs $8–$25 per sq ft) and fills big voids economically. Foam is far lighter, uses smaller holes and cures in about 15 minutes. On soft New Orleans soil or for same-day use, foam usually wins; on firm fill, mudjacking.
New Orleans Concrete Leveling connects you with independent contractors and doesn’t sell either method, so this is a straight comparison. Cost and cure figures come from HomeGuide (updated November 2025).
Side by side
| Mudjacking (slab jacking) | Polyurethane foam (foam jacking) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement, limestone or sand, water | Two-part expanding polyurethane |
| Cost per sq ft | $4–$9 | $8–$25 |
| Hole size | About 1–2 in | About 5/8 in |
| Weight added | Roughly 100 lb per cu ft | A few lb per cu ft |
| Ready to use | Set ~24 hrs; 2–3 days to drive | Cures in ~15 minutes |
| Water resistance | Can erode if water keeps reaching it | Waterproof, won’t erode (HomeGuide) |
| Typical life (HomeGuide) | 5–10 years or longer | No fixed figure given |
| Best at | Big voids on firm fill, budget jobs | Soft soil, fast reopening, finished surfaces |
Where mudjacking wins
- Price. About half the per-foot cost. On a full 450 sq ft driveway: $1,800–$4,100 vs roughly $3,600–$11,250 with foam.
- Big washouts on firm ground. Slurry fills large open voids economically.
- Outdoor flatwork you can stay off for a day or two.
More detail: mudjacking and mudjacking cost in New Orleans.
Where foam wins
- Soft, compressible soil. Much of the south shore sits on drained marsh that the City of New Orleans says keeps compacting. Adding 100 lb per cubic foot of slurry to that ground can feed further settling; foam adds almost nothing.
- Same-day use. Driveways, garages, storefront walks and pool decks reopen within the hour.
- Small, neat holes on stamped, coated or interior concrete.
- Wet locations — near pools, downspouts and leaking-prone lines.
More detail: polyurethane foam leveling and foam jacking cost.
How to decide for your slab
- Is the soil soft? On drained-marsh neighborhoods — Lakeview, Gentilly, Metairie, north Kenner — lean foam.
- How big is the void? Large open washout on firm fill: slurry is economical.
- When do you need it back? Same day: foam.
- What’s the surface? Finished, stamped, coated or indoors: foam’s small holes.
- What’s the budget? If none of the above force foam, mudjacking is the value choice.
A contractor who only owns one rig will recommend that rig. Ask why the method fits your slab — see how to hire a concrete leveling contractor.
Bottom line
Mudjacking is cheaper; foam is lighter, faster and neater. On New Orleans’ softest ground, foam is often worth the premium; on firm fill with a big void, slurry usually is the better buy. For an estimate that explains the choice, call (504) 517-8336 — free estimate within 24 hours.
Quick answers
Which lasts longer, foam or mudjacking?
HomeGuide puts mudjacking at five to ten years or longer and describes cured foam as waterproof and erosion-resistant. In practice both last longest when drainage is fixed and joints are sealed; soil conditions matter more than the material.
Is foam better for the environment than slurry?
They trade off. Slurry is mostly cement, limestone or sand and water; foam is a petroleum-based polyurethane but uses far less material by weight. Ask the contractor about the specific product.
Can a contractor use both on one job?
Yes. Some jobs use slurry to fill a large void cheaply on firm ground and foam near a pool, a house or a finished surface. A good estimate explains the choice for each area.
Get a written price for your slab
Free estimate within 24 hours. Two quick steps — or call (504) 517-8336.