Raising Concrete with Confidence

When pumping a light-weight material beneath a slab, you need the confidence that it is strong enough for the application. How strong is strong enough? This is a commonly asked question by engineers that are new to slab jacking with polyurethane. Structural foams only need to be as strong as dirt, but they're actually stronger than crystalline bedrock.

The Right Strengths for Concrete Lifting

Slab lifting foams are rated on density (weight per cubic feet) and compressive strength. This testing and rating is based on the foam in a free rise state; the parts A and B are mixed together and allowed to expand freely. Our structural lifting foams, for example, will weigh 2.75 – 3.25 lbs to 4.75 – 5 lbs  per cubic foot. But they have a compressive strengths of 50 psi and 100 psi in a free rise state. That's equal to 7,200 to14,000 lbs per square ft of support, just in a free rise state.

Polyurethane Slab Jacking Compared to Clay and Bedrock

To put that into perspective, the National Home Builders Association and the International Building Code lists stiff clay at 4000 psf and crystalline bedrock as having 12000 psf of load bearing capacity. Consider the job site conditions where the foam will be injected into a confined area. Testing data in the lab shows that our lifting foams will increase in compressive strength: In a space confined 25% by volume there will be an increase of 31% in psi and in a space confined by 75% there will be a 79% increase in the psi.

Slab Jack for Any Job with the Right Foam

Today polyurethane lifting foams are used to level airport slabs supporting jumbo jets, equipment and building slabs supporting tremendous loads, and even railway sleepers that support the heaviest freight trains. So don't let the word “foam” fool you. These resins cure to strengths beyond what is needed to support any structure.

1. Improved Soil Stability: One of the key benefits of deep soil polyurethane injections is that they can improve the stability of the soil beneath your property. The injected material helps to fill voids and stabilize the soil, reducing the risk of foundation settling and damage.
2. Long-lasting Results: Polyurethane injections are a long-lasting solution to soil instability problems. Once injected, the material hardens and becomes a permanent part of the soil, providing a stable foundation for your property for years to come.
3. Cost-effective: Compared to other soil stabilization methods, such as excavation and replacement, deep soil polyurethane injections are often more cost-effective. They require less labor and equipment, and can be completed more quickly, resulting in lower overall costs.
4. Minimal Disruption: Polyurethane injections require only small, strategically placed injection points, minimizing disruption to landscaping and other property features.
5. Environmentally Friendly: Polyurethane injections are an environmentally friendly soil stabilization solution. The material is non-toxic and does not leach into the soil or groundwater.
6. Quick Curing Time: Polyurethane injections have a quick curing time, typically within 15-30 minutes after injection, allowing for a faster turnaround time and less downtime for your property.
7. Versatile: Polyurethane injections can be used to stabilize a variety of soils, including sand, clay, and silt, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of soil stabilization needs.
8. Non-Invasive: Unlike excavation and replacement methods, polyurethane injections are a non-invasive soil stabilization solution that does not require extensive digging or excavation.
9. Improved Property Value: Deep soil polyurethane injections can help improve the value of your property by providing a stable foundation and reducing the risk of future damage and costly repairs.
10. Preventative Maintenance: Polyurethane injections are an effective preventative maintenance solution that can help prevent future foundation damage and soil instability problems. By addressing soil issues early, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.

The point of proper drainage around your foundation is; to stop the active soils around your structure from swelling and contracting more than necessary. Water is a destructive force and when it rains, there is alot of it. There are many issues water can cause for your foundation but the bottom line is that, you should always protect your home by evaluating and installing good drainage for your home. You can always start by checking your downspouts around your home. These are the portions of the gutters that run from roof to ground. Make sure that when they discharge, it is away from the house/foundation. This can be done by simply adding longer extension at the base of downspout. More advanced options include french drains and underground drainage solutions. 

Structural issues or foundation settlement can be caused by many reasons but one thing is for sure, foundation cracks are not hard to locate. Often times home owners start to notice cracking in sheetrock on the corners of doors and windows. Others notice gaps and seperations in brick and siding on the exterior of their homes. Most structural movement will create cracks in two main directions. A crack that runs horizontally is usually a good sign you have structural movement. Also cracks that run diagonally. This goes for exterior brick/siding or inside sheetrock/drywall. Anytime the structure is shifting it lets the owner know by showing these signs. Repairing the cracks and not the structure will just lead to them getting worse and worse no matter the times repairs. However, once the structure is supported, you can repair the cracks and they will not return. Tulsa Foundation Repair