Sinking Concrete? Here's Why Polyjacking Is Your Best Bet
Why Choose Polyjacking for Concrete Lifting
Sinking of concrete slabs located in your patios, driveways, garage, or basement is natural over time. We can’t always prevent it, but there are always solutions to fix this problem. There are several methods available now to properly fix the sinking of concrete slabs and prevent further problems for a long time, and polyjacking is one of the solutions.
Polyjacking is not very common yet since it’s comparatively a new method and there are not many professional or contractor experts with this solution. However, it’s not hard to hire a polyjacking contractor and this method is more perfect than other methods. Let’s know more about this solution from this article.
Why Is My Concrete Sinking?
There are several reasons for concrete slabs on your property to start sinking. They are:
● Incorrect soil preparation before installing concrete slabs
● Wrong concrete mix and/or installation process
● Changes in soil composition for any reason
● Excess load on the concrete slab
● When soil dries and shrinks due to drought
● When soil below the concrete shits due to earthquakes or invasive tree roots
● Soil washout because of drainage problems or excessive rain
Basics of Repairing SInking Concrete
If you leave sinking concrete the way it is, it’ll get worse every day. This can lead to accidents or damage more of your property. That’s why you need to take measures to deal with the sinking concrete slab. The basic steps to solve this problem are:
● Contact with professionals to do a full inspection to find out the root cause behind the problem. Don’t try DIY as it poses more danger.
● There are various methods on the market to level the concrete such as concrete replacement, mudjacking, and polyjacking. Research about these methods in detail.
● Collaborate with the professionals to come up with the method and plan you want to apply.
● Choose a contractor you’re familiar with or ask for quotations from different contractors to choose the most cost-effective one.
● Execute the plan as soon as possible.
● Do regular inspections to prevent future problems.
Polyjacking Concrete Repair
Polyjacking is one of three common methods to repair sinking concrete. This section is dedicated to all about polyjacking.
What Is Polyjacking
Polyjacking is also known as poly foam injection or polyurethane foam injection. This popular concrete slab-raising method is quite similar to another popular method of mud jacking. As the name suggests, a foam mixture of polyurethane material is used to lift and level the concrete slabs whereas mud slurry is used in the mudjacking method.
How Does Polyjacking Work?
Polyjacking is a simple method. Usually, very tiny holes are drilled into the slabs and polyurethane foam mixture is injected through the holes beneath the slab. Then the foam mixture expands, fills the gaps and voids beneath the slab and in the soil, and then the expanded foam begins to solidify. When the foam expands and solidifies, it lifts and levels the sunken concrete slab to the desired or original position.
Although some people think that polyjacking is a temporary fix, it’s actually the opposite and provides a very long-lasting solution if the process is done with a skilled contractor and high-quality material. Also, if you think that polyjacking can damage any component of plumbing or other utilities nearby, it does not usually happen as polyjacking is a carefully controlled process.
Benefits of Polyjacking
There are many benefits that the polyjacking method offers over the other methods. Those benefits are:
● Polyurethane is used in this method and this material is super strong and durable as it’s resistant to chemicals, moisture, water, erosion, or other environmental factors.
● This method is an environment-friendly method as it doesn’t produce much waste like other traditional methods. The material used in this method is non-toxic and environment-friendly too.
● Compared to materials used in other methods, the polyjacking process utilizes lightweight polyurethane foam. That’s why, the overall weight of the soil under the slabs reduces and prevents future settlement more or less.
● This method is quick and easy as you don’t need to use large machines and the curing time is quicker. That’s why it decreases disruption to your house and surrounding area.
● Since polyjacking is very accurate and precise, the finishing of the work is more visually appealing and increases the overall aesthetic value of your property.
Process of Polyjacking
The usual process of poly jacking is typically like this:
Evaluation
Before starting the work, the working staff will need to assess the situation and roughly determine the spots they’ll inject the foam into.
Drill Holes
After the evaluation, it’s time to drill tiny holes of ⅝” to ¾” diameter into the sunken concrete strategically based on the requirements.
Foam Injection
Then a polyurethane foam mixture is prepared using two separate components of catalyst and resin in specific proportions. When the mixture foam is ready, it will be pumped under the concrete slabs through the pre-drilled holes.
Lifting Concrete
Injecting the polyurethane foam will gradually fill the voids and lift the concrete by exerting pressure on the underside of the slabs. The injection of foam is precisely controlled so that the slab doesn’t lift more than the desired height.
Finishing
When the slabs are perfectly leveled, you need to wait around half an hour to let the foam cure fully. If you see there is still some unevenness visible, do the previous processes again until everything is leveled. Now it’s time to seal the concrete with cement or other binding material. For the final finishing, excess foam is trimmed and the surrounding area is cleaned.
Final Assessment
Although the whole polyurethane process will take only a few hours, the contractors may stick around for another few hours or simply ask you to keep an eye on the slabs for the final assessment.
Hire a contractor and determine the reasons for sinking concrete for the best-suited method because sometimes polyjacking isn’t the suited one. Also, if you want to save overall cost, you can try asking for quotations from different contractors. Do some background checks and hire a contractor that offers skillful operations at affordable rates. Give PierMagic a call if you're in the Kansas City or Mid-Missouri areas. 816-765-4800.
