Looking for a Contractor?
Looking for a Contractor?

Alchatek Blog

Kreg Thornley

Recent Posts

How to Equip Your Spray Foam Rig for Slab Lifting

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jun 21, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - How to Equip Your Spray Foam Rig for Slab Lifting

Body - How to Equip Your Spray Foam Rig for Slab LiftingMany spray foam insulation installers are interested in adding slab lifting capability to their rig setup. If you're a spray foam installer considering slab lifting, we have all the info you need right here. With just four additional pieces of equipment and one set of material, you can add slab lifting to your service offerings. Let’s take a look at exactly what additional equipment and material are required to get started...

Slab Lifting Equipment

MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun
The MixMaster Pro is a two-component resin injection gun manufactured specifically for lifting concrete slabs, designed to handle back-pressure. 

Titan Impact 440 (Modified) Pump with Flush Hose
The Titan Impact 440 (Modified) pump is used for flushing the MixMaster Pro gun in between foam injections. (It's also used for pumping one-component material in soil stabilization and seawall repair applications.)

3/8” MixMaster Ports
These heavy-duty ports create an airtight seal for injecting foam into drill holes. 

Dial Indicator Crane
This precision tool is used to measure the lift of the slab within 1/10” of an inch.

Polyurethane Slab Lifting Material

AP Lift 430, AP Lift 440, or AP Lift 475 (100 Gallon Unit)
Sunken concrete slabs can be lifted back into place with these two-component polymer foams designed to work in wet or dry conditions. The expansion force of these concrete leveling foams coupled with the pressure of a specialized pump generate enough controlled force to lift virtually any structure back into position with 1/8” precision.

AP Flush 125 (5 Gallon Unit)
Water-based gun flush specifically used for flushing out the MixMaster Pro impingement gun. Also used to protect concrete from resin stains.

AS Pump Flush (5 Gallon Unit)
High-performance pump flush that is friendly to the environment and does an excellent job flushing out injection pumps.

Want to talk to a spray foam to slab lift conversion expert?

Request a "Spray Foam to Slab Lift" Consultation

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, Business Tips

Atlanta Contractors Lift It Rite Featured in Spray Foam Magazine

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jun 16, 2022 10:21:00 AM

Banner - Lift It Rite Featured in Spray Foam Magazine

Body - Lift It Rite Featured in Spray Foam MagazineAlchemy-Spetec customers Matt Chittick and Travis Germick of Lift It Rite LLC were recently featured in a Spray Foam Magazine article. SprayFoam Magazine is an industry-leading publication in the spray foam insulation sector. Because so many spray foam insulation professionals are adding slab lifting to their service offerings, the magazine is now covering this technology as well. The article featuring Lift It Rite is a profile of a sidewalk lifting job that was done in order to save an old tree in Winder, Georgia. The roots were disrupting the pavement. Here's an excerpt from the article...

Cities often hire a third party to take care of sidewalks, potholes, and wastewater management issues and it was this third party who contacted Travis Germick and Matt Chittick. They are the owners of Lift it Right LLC, and they were asked if they could help save Winder’s sidewalks.

Germick and Chittick went to Winder to review the situation and noted that several of the sidewalks around the town were obviously sunken. One of them was next to a very old tree and the roots were impacting the sidewalk. This had happened to another tree in the area, and the town took out the concrete and cut some of the roots of the tree. Once a tree’s roots are cut the tree will eventually die so they cut down the entire tree. After the tree was cut down, the residents of the town clubbed together and had a memorial for the tree. After that unhappiness, cutting down more trees in the future was not an option. There had to be another solution to save the additional old tree. Read more at SprayFoam.com!

Want more info on slab lifting with polyurethane?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

Quickly Cut Off High-Flow Leaks with Spetec PUR H200

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jun 9, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Quickly Cut Off High-Flow Leaks with Spetec PUR H200

Body - Quickly Cut Off High-Flow Leaks with Spetec PUR H200Municipalities across the country have widespread problems with water infiltration undermining the integrity of manholes, pipes, lift stations, water collection systems, etc. High-flow leaks in these structures add millions of dollars to maintenance and water treatment expenses every year.

Limitless Leak Seal Market

We believe every qualified leak seal contractor should be prepared to take advantage of this type of job opportunity. Alchemy-Spetec offers environmentally-friendly leak seal resins for applications ranging from hairline cracks to gushing high-flow leaks. Our industry-leading technical support team (with decades of experience) assists infrastructure repair contractors on a wide variety of projects every day.   

Spetec PUR H200 is a one-component, water-activated, hydrophobic, low viscosity, closed-cell polyurethane injection resin. When used with Gen ACC Fast, it is the fastest one-component Alchemy-Spetec grout. So it’s an ideal solution for quickly cutting off high-flow leaks.

Spetec PUR H200 Applications

The primary application for Spetect PUR H200 is cutting off high flow leaks quickly and effectively in manholes, pipes, lift stations, tunnels, mines, water collection systems, parking garages, and more. It's also great for curtain grouting projects. In addition, it can be used for filling water voids in the soil around all types of structures, cutting off underground water flows, and consolidating loose soil.

Spetec PUR H200 Advantages

Spetec PUR H200 is certified for contact with drinking water. The low viscosity allows for very effective soil permeation. It's water impermeable. The set time is adjustable – as fast as 20 seconds. It's also phthalate-free.

Your 3-Step Action Plan

Eliminate the risk to your client’s property and call our team of experts now to partner with the industry's leading technical support team. With our assistance, you can save your client’s property, save them money, and save their peace of mind.

  1. Start a conversation with one of our experts about your business and local market.
  2. We will work with you to create an action plan custom-tailored to your market’s needs.
  3. We will connect you with a local distributor and our technical service team to support you every step of the way.

Sign Up for a Consultation Now!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks

Resources for Infrastructure Repair Contractors

Posted by Kreg Thornley on May 31, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Resources for Infrastructure Repair Contractors

Body - Resources for Infrastructure Repair ContractorsAlchemy-Spetec offers a wide variety of online resources for current and aspiring infrastructure repair contractors. Let's take a look at what's available...

Literature Downloads

Looking for polyurethane concrete repair product Tech Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets, Application Procedures, Case Studies, Environmental Safety Info, or Specifications?  All of these documents are available on one convenient page at Alchemy-Spetec's Comprehensive Download Resource Center.

Educational Videos

Watch brief, info-packed videos on crack injection, curtain grouting, slab lifting, and soil stabilization on the Videos page.

Spray Foam to Slab Lift Conversion

With just four additional pieces of equipment and one set of material, you can quickly and easily add slab lifting to your service offerings. Take a look at exactly what additional equipment and material you’ll need to get started on the Spray Foam to Slab Lift Conversion page.

Training Center

The Alchemy-Spetec Training Center is a password-protected resource-packed page featuring video presentations and product/equipment demos. This page is only available to established customers who have requested access from their Regional Manager.

Injection Connection Podcast

The Injection Connection podcast features in-depth discussions with thought leaders and professionals in the infrastructure repair industry.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil

Introducing the PolyShark Version 2.0

Posted by Kreg Thornley on May 19, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Introducing the PolyShark Version 2.0

Body - Introducing the PolyShark Version 2.0The new and improved PolyShark 2.0 is here! 

Features

  • Stacked hose reels.
  • Smaller footprint.
  • More portable.

Benefits

  • Easy access to hose reels.
  • Can be shipped on a standard 40" x 46" pallet.
  • Easily fits on a barge, van, or trailer.

A Geotech Pump System Like No Other

The PolyShark system includes injection hoses, suction lines, flow meters, a custom solid steel frame, a skid-mounted setup, and top-of-the-line components. It is a complete turnkey unit, ready to go upon arrival. Let's take a closer look...

  • Two 350 feet injection hose reels are included, allowing an exceptional amount of additional reach for limited access and/or remote location jobs.
  • Suction lines make it easy to pump material from totes, drums, or even pails if needed. This type of flexibility is not common to all geotech pumps.
  • Flow meters make it easy to accurately track the amount of material pumped.
  • The custom solid steel frame, polyurea coated for excellent chemical resistance, is built to last and weather all types of environments.
  • The skid-mounted setup keeps all system components together, allowing for easy transfer from truck to trailer to the ground on a job site if necessary.
  • The Honda gas motor, Titan hydraulic pump, and Titan hydraulic fluid ram are top-of-the-line, tried, and true components. This means less maintenance and downtime when compared to competing systems.

Want more information on the PolyShark?

Download an Info-Packed PolyShark System Brochure!

Topics: Repair Seawalls, Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Stabilize Soil

Introducing the MixMaster Pro Version 7.0

Posted by Kreg Thornley on May 17, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Introducing the MixMaster Pro Version 7.0

Body - Introducing the MixMaster Pro Version 7.0The new and improved MixMaster Pro Version 7.0 is here, built with the now-standard stainless steel gun block.

Features

  • New CNC machined handle.
  • Custom machined nipples.
  • Less threaded connections.

Benefits

  • End-of-day cleaning time cut in half.
  • The handle is built to last through the toughest of jobs.
  • The nipples can be removed easily.
  • Less threaded connections = fewer leak possibilities.

Save Time, Hassle, and Money

Exclusively available to customers buying Alchemy-Spetec lifting foam, the MixMaster Pro slab lifting gun provides you with significant advantages over your competition.

Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight! Sprayfoam insulation guns are made for the simple process of spraying foam at constant pressures. Slab lifting requires a gun that is designed to deal with changing pressures and backpressure without backing up or crossing over. Issues like leaky port connections, constant cleaning, and constant fumbling around with a clamp can drastically reduce production - adding a lot of man-hours to each project. Not to mention long nights spent rebuilding and cleaning the gun after EVERY job. Did we mention that feeling in the pit of your stomach every time you have to call in yet another expensive replacement parts order? 

Want more information on the MixMaster Pro?

Download an Info-Packed MixMaster Pro Brochure!

Products Made in the U.S.A.

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Apr 14, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Products Made in the U.S.A

Body - Products Made in the U.S.AAlchemy-Spetec products are proudly made in the U.S.A.  Manufacturing at the Tucker, GA, and Reno, NV facilities (rather than outsourcing abroad) provides three distinct advantages to you and to the country we all call home: consistent quality, reliable supply, and more American jobs.

Consistent Quality

With our industry experts overseeing the production process, products are manufactured to the exact same specs with the exact same equipment every time. Outsourcing to a rotating line-up of the lowest overseas bidders would force us to sacrifice these advantages.

Reliable Supply

Being in complete control of the facilities in which our products are made ensures a reliable supply of products (within the boundaries of raw material availability of course). Outsourcing would leave us (and you) at the mercy of overseas facilities conditions, which we have no control over. 

More American Jobs

One of Alchemy-Spetec's core company values is an appreciation for, and a desire to benefit, the United States of America. If manufacturing superior products in a controlled, reliable manner also happens to create more jobs for American citizens - all the better! That is what we call a win-win situation!

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts

Spring 2022 Geotech Training Report

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Apr 5, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Spring 2022 Geotech Training Report

Body - Spring 2022 Geotech Training ReportOn March 29th - 31st, Contractors from around the world traveled to Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA for a thorough education in Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization, the Deep Lift® process, equipment, and applications. They received hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

This three-day geotech bootcamp featured presentations and demos on the following subjects:

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Geotech Applications & Case Studies
  • PolyBadger® Demo & Training
  • Estimating & Quoting Jobs
  • PMC Pump Demo & Training
  • Leak Seal Issues on Geotech Jobs
  • Ground Penetrating Radar Demo & Training
  • Slab Lift Rig Demo & Training
  • Competing Geotech Techniques
  • PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization Demo & Training (On-Site)
  • Deep Lift® Demo & Training (On-Site)

All of us here at Alchemy-Spetec would like to thank everyone who participated! and extend an invitation to those who missed this event to sign up below for notifications on future training programs.

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Deep Lift, Fill Voids

Why You Should Sign Up to Be Notified of Future Training Events

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Mar 22, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Why You Should Sign Up to Be Notified of Future Training Events

Body - Why You Should Sign Up to Be Notified of Future Training EventsAlchemy-Spetec's Spring 2022 training event is officially SOLD OUT!  If you're still interested in training, we'll be conducting another event in the Fall of 2022.  Click the button below and fill out the form.  We'll keep you updated on the next event and all other training opportunities!

Don't miss this opportunity for a thorough education in Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization, the Alchemy-Spetec Deep Lift® process, equipment, and applications. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Alchemy-Spetec two-day geotech training events typically consist of the following...

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Geotech Applications & Case Studies
  • PolyBadger® Demo & Training
  • Estimating & Quoting Jobs
  • PMC Pump Demo & Training
  • Leak Seal Issues on Geotech Jobs
  • Ground Penetrating Radar Demo & Training
  • Slab Lift Rig Demo & Training
  • Competing Geotech Techniques
  • PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization Demo & Training (On-Site)
  • Deep Lift® Demo & Training (On-Site)

Want to be alerted when Fall 2022 training registration is available?

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Deep Lift, Fill Voids

Filling Voids with Polyurethane Foam

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Mar 15, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Filling Voids with Polyurethane Foam

Body - Filling Voids with Polyurethane FoamFilling voids is one of the most common applications for polyurethane concrete repair foam. Geotech contractors use specialized foam to fill voids in the soil under slabs, behind retaining walls, and around municipal infrastructure. In this post, we'll review some of the most popular Alchemy-Spetec blog articles on the subject.

Filling Voids Under Concrete Slabs

In his blog post Filling Dangerous Voids Under Slabs, Alchemy-Spetec's Geotech Division Manager Andy Powell covers the following key points:

  • The dangers of soil voids under slabs.
  • Signs of a possible void under a slab.
  • How polyurethane is used to repair voids.

Click here to read more...

Filling Voids Surrounding a Structure

In his blog post Filling Voids with One-Component Polyurethane, Alchemy-Spetec's Geotech Director of Technical Services Colt Hullander discusses the materials used for this specific application...

Alchemy-Spetec's AP Fill 700 and AP Fill 720 are one-component polyurethanes used for filling voids in supporting soil surrounding a structure. Situations in which these materials might be used for void fill include soil adjacent to retaining walls, basement walls, seawalls, and infrastructure boxes.

Click here to read more...

Filling Voids in a Municipal Leak Seal Context

In his blog post, Sealing Leaks & Voids in Concrete Infrastructure, Alchemy-Spetec's Leak Seal Director of Technical Services Charlie Lerman outlines the causes of and remedies for leaks and voids in concrete infrastructure...

Causes of Leaks and Voids:

  • Imperfect construction.
  • Weather and wear.
  • Unstable soil.

How Injection Grout Helps:

  • Water activation.
  • Pressure injection.
  • Flexible, watertight seal.

Click here to read more...

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Fill Voids