Polyurethane foam has become an essential solution in foundation repair, providing numerous advantages over other repair methods and complete replacement. The expanding polymer lifts and stabilizes sunken slabs, including driveways, sidewalks, floors, and commercial and residential foundations. Explore what makes foundation repair foam unique to learn why the URETEK Method is a standout choice.
Rapid Application and Cure Time
One of the most significant advantages of URETEK’s polyurethane foam is its rapid application and cure time. Polyjacking does not require excavation. Instead, after analyzing the damaged concrete, the trained technician drills penny-sized holes into the concrete to create injection sites. These holes take a fraction of the time of excavation.
After drilling, the technician pumps the liquid polymer under the slab. The two-part mixture undergoes a chemical reaction that causes it to expand and harden. Within 15 minutes, the foam will reach 90 percent of its strength.
How Long Will the Repair Take?
In most situations, URETEK can complete the restoration project within a day. The scope of work affects the project timeline, as larger foundations and heavier structures often necessitate more comprehensive repairs. For instance, using the URETEK polymer in a large-scale foundation repair may involve additional time for drilling more injection sites and adjusting elevations.
The extent of the damage also affects how long the repair process takes. The more severe the damage, the more extensive the repairs. Structures with severe water damage may require beam and floorboard replacements and cosmetic work. Fortunately, while the timeline might vary, applying the foam is a faster project than methods that require digging or tunneling.
Material Expansion Simplifies Repairs
The polyurethane foam’s unique way of expanding is a significant advantage in foundation repair. Because it starts as a mixture, it’s easy for the technician to apply the foam where needed through small openings, minimizing disruption to the surrounding area. Once injected, the expanding foam effectively compacts the soil beneath, filling any voids and providing the support necessary to lift the concrete slab back to a safe position.
The predictable expansion of the foam allows technicians to accurately control the lifting process. Control is crucial for bringing the concrete to the right level rather than over-lifting.
Lightweight Yet Strong
Polyurethane foam is lightweight because it features numerous tiny air pockets within the polymer matrix. Thanks to these air bubbles, the foam does not add significant weight on top of the supportive soil beneath the foundation. This lightweight structure is important because excess weight on the soil can cause further damage and sinking.
Despite its lightness, polyurethane foam is a strong, structural-grade material. Its high compression strength of the foam means that it can withstand significant pressure without deforming. This durability ensures long-term stability for structures, preventing future settling or shifting. Its exceptional load-bearing capacity provides stability and support, even under heavy loads such as vehicles on a driveway or machinery in a commercial setting.
Environmentally Inert
URETEK’s patented geopolymer is formulated to be environmentally inert and is NSF/ANSI 61 certified. The foam will not leach harmful chemicals into the soil or water sources and can even be used in potable water.
Polyjacking also minimizes environmental harm in other ways. The process requires minimal equipment and eliminates the need for extensive digging or heavy machinery, reducing both the carbon footprint and physical disruption to the environment. Additionally, it requires few materials, resulting in less waste and resource consumption.
Versatile Applications
Polyurethane foam exhibits remarkable versatility, making it suitable for a wide array of applications across both residential and commercial settings. It is effective for repairing various types of concrete structures, including driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and industrial floors. Polyurethane foam void filling is particularly beneficial in areas with unstable or weakened soil because it can offer structural integrity and longevity.
The method’s adaptability to different environments is a compelling advantage, as it works effectively in confined spaces and locations where traditional repair methods fall short. Whether deployed in urban landscapes where excavation might cause significant disruption or remote locations with limited access, the foam’s easy application process shines through as an advantage. It’s a preferred solution for a diverse range of infrastructure projects, extending from residential properties to expansive commercial complexes.
Preventing Future Problems
Polyurethane foam effectively addresses immediate foundation repair needs, but it also protects against future problems. Uncompacted soil beneath structures is susceptible to erosion, water infiltration, and subsequent settling, which can lead to cracks and structural damage over time. By injecting polyurethane foam into these voids, the soil becomes compacted as the foam expands, filling gaps and reinforcing the ground beneath.
Void filling with polyurethane foam improves the soil’s overall strength and reduces its permeability, which prevents water ingress and soil washout. As a result, the foam improves the soil’s load-bearing capacity. This kind of soil reinforcement prevents further settling issues and the resultant structural damage, such as alignment problems in walls or floors.
Long-Lasting Durability
URETEK’s polyurethane foam is suitable for long-term use. Once applied, the foam maintains its integrity for 20 years or more. This longevity means that property owners can avoid repeated repairs and associated costs.
The durable nature of the foam also ensures that it can withstand various environmental conditions. Through temperature fluctuations, exposure to moisture, and changes in pressure, URETEK’s geopolymer remains resilient.
Cost Savings
Finally, polyurethane foam’s characteristics make polyjacking a cost-effective solution.
See how the URETEK Method of foundation repair can help you save money:
- Reduced labor costs: Polyjacking does not require large teams of technicians, minimizing workforce expenses.
- No heavy machinery: Since excavation is not necessary, there are significant savings on equipment operation costs.
- Less time-intensive: The faster installation process reduces labor hours, leading to lower costs associated with prolonged project timelines.
- Avoids extensive landscaping repair: Because polyjacking causes minimal disruption to the surrounding area, there’s no need for costly landscaping restoration.
- Long-term stability: The long-lasting durability of polyurethane foam minimizes the need for future repairs, saving costs on repeated maintenance.
- Decreased downtime: For commercial properties, the quick application and cure time lead to minimal business interruption.
Polyurethane foam emerges as an outstanding foundation repair material due to its swift application, lightweight strength, and environmental inertness. Its versatile use across various applications and ability to prevent future structural issues make it a popular solution. By minimizing downtime, simplifying installation, and using an environmentally inert geopolymer, the URETEK Method maximizes efficiency while minimizing environmental harm. Residential and commercial property owners enjoy substantial cost savings and long-lasting results.