What does it cost to have a sunken concrete driveway section lifted with mudjacking or polyjacking in Ottawa?

Slab lifting is one of the most cost-effective concrete driveway repairs available in Ottawa, and you have two main methods to choose from — traditional mudjacking and newer polyurethane foam injection (polyjacking).

Mudjacking Costs in Ottawa

Traditional mudjacking uses a cement-and-soil slurry pumped under the slab through drilled holes. For a typical sunken driveway section, expect to pay $500 to $1,500 depending on the area being lifted. A full two-car driveway with multiple sunken sections might run $1,200 to $2,500. The per-square-foot cost generally falls between $3 and $8. Mudjacking has been the go-to method in Ottawa for decades and works well for most residential situations.

Polyjacking Costs in Ottawa

Polyurethane foam injection costs roughly 40-60% more than mudjacking — typically $6 to $14 per square foot. For a single sunken slab section, you might pay $800 to $2,000, while a full driveway project could reach $2,000 to $4,000. The premium buys you a lighter material (won't add load to already-weak soil), faster curing (driveable in 15 minutes vs 24-48 hours for mudjacking), and smaller injection holes (roughly 16mm vs 50mm).

Which Method Suits Ottawa Better

Both methods work in our climate, but there are considerations unique to the Ottawa Valley. Our Leda clay soils — prevalent in Nepean, Gloucester, and much of the south end — are notorious for shifting and settling. Polyjacking's lighter weight (about 2 pounds per cubic foot vs 100+ for mudjacking slurry) puts less stress on already-problematic clay. However, mudjacking's heavier fill can actually be an advantage on sandy or gravelly soils common in parts of Kanata and west Ottawa, where you want mass to resist further movement.

Why Ottawa Driveways Sink

Our 200cm of annual snowfall means massive water infiltration every spring. As the frost line retreats from its 1.2 to 1.5 metre winter depth, the soil underneath your driveway goes through dramatic moisture changes. Poor compaction during original construction, inadequate drainage, and tree root decay all create voids that the slab eventually settles into. The section nearest the garage is especially vulnerable because roof runoff concentrates water right at the slab edge.

When Lifting Won't Work

If the concrete itself is badly cracked, spalled, or broken into multiple pieces, lifting won't solve the problem — you need replacement. Slabs that have sunk more than 100-150mm are also poor candidates because the void underneath is too large for reliable filling. A contractor will assess whether your specific situation is a good fit.

Contact Ottawa Driveways to get quotes from local concrete lifting contractors who understand our soil conditions and can recommend the right approach for your property.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• RenoMotion Inc.
• The Fixer
• Steven Labelle - Your Complete Home Renovator
• Jaiko Cleaning Services