| GROUT VS. POLYEURETHANE | |||
| ITEM | POLYURETHANE | GROUT | COMMENTS |
| COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH |
71 psi | 80 - 2,400 psi | As a foam, polyurethane can only harden to approximately 71 PSI. Grout, on the other hand, contains fine aggregate (rock) which is itself very hard. Without any cement added, the PSI is approximately 80 or greater, however, the total PSI can exceed 2,400 depending on how much cement is used in the grout mixture. |
| CURING TIME | Immediate | Immediate | Since both polyurethane and grout are injected under pressure to raise slabs, it is the pressure alone that keeps the slab in position. Concrete surfaces can be used immediately after raising with both materials. Grout, however, will continue to harden as time elapses. |
| SHRINKAGE | 1% upon injection and 3% after 10 years | 1% during curing and no volume change thereafter. | |
| ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT |
Companies using polyurethane claim the chemical is "environmentally neutral" | No environmental impact | Grout is simply materials from the ground, often just sand and clay. Polyurethane is a chemical mixture that can break down over time or when exposed to organic materials. Long term environmental studies have not been produced to show that the polyurethane will not negatively affect the environment and specifically drinking water when it breaks down. |
| EFFECTIVENESS | Effective at void filling and raising slabs. | Effective at void filling and raising slabs | Both materials work equally well in these functions. |
| SPEED | Both processes are equally fast. | Both processes are equally fast. | |
| COST | Priced by pounds of material used | Priced by job quotes | Polyurethane is priced substantially higher than grout and typically quotes do not include clear pricing and are based on the amount of material that is actually used. |
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