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Kreg Thornley

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Polyurethane Estimating Calculator & Leak Seal Material Selection Guide

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Oct 12, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Alchemy-Spetec App

The Alchemy-Spetec app now includes a Leak Seal Material Selection Guide, along with the Polyurethane Estimating Calculator.  The Leak Seal Product Selection guide asks you a series of Yes/No questions about your job and then provides product recommendations.  The Polyurethane Estimating Calculator takes the guesswork out of estimating material for Leak Seal, Geotech, and Floor Repair jobs. Here's a step-by-step guide...

Download the Alchemy-Spetec App & Create an Account

1. Download the app.
Search Alchemy-Spetec in your Apple App Store or Google Play Store to install the app.

Polyurethane-Estimating-Calculator-&-Leak-Seal-Product-Selection-Guide-1

2. Create an account.
After installing the app, create an account by clicking "Sign Up" at the bottom and following the prompts.

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Select a Leak Seal Product for Your Job

1. Tap the three lines in the top left corner to display the application options.  Choose Leak Seal Material Selection Guide.

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2. Answer a series of Yes/No questions about your leak seal job.

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3. Review the product recommendation screen (and/or click the Start Over button at the bottom to begin again). Call the Alchemy-Spetec support squad at 404-618-0438 for more guidance specific to your project.

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NOTE: You can also access the Leak Seal Material Selection Guide via this red button in the top right corner of our website home page...

Estimate Material for Your Leak Seal, Geotech, or Floor Repair Job

1. Tap the three lines in the top left corner to display the application options. Choose Material Estimation Calculator, then choose Geotech (Slab Lifting & Void Fill), Leak Seal, or Floor Repair for your job type.

Polyurethane-Estimating-Calculator-&-Leak-Seal-Product-Selection-Guide-2

2. Select the measuring system you want to use.

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3. The Slab Lifting calculator appears by default. You can switch to the Void Filling calculator by clicking the button at the bottom right. Choose your product and fill in the square feet of your slab, plus the inches it has settled (or inches of void if using the Void Filling calculator).

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4. View the recommended material quantities. Call the Alchemy-Spetec support squad at 404-618-0438 for more guidance specific to your project.

Alchemy-Spetec Estimator App Results

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, Lift Slabs, Seal Leaks, Business Tips, Floor Repair, Fill Voids

Reminder! Geotech Training: Oct 26th - 28th, 2021

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Sep 30, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Reminder Fall Geotech Training

SOLD OUT!

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 12th

AS-Training-Program---Fall-2021$695 Registration Fee
$615 for each additional participant from
the same company.

Get ready 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.

Tuesday, October 26th

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Geotech Applications & Case Studies
  • PolyBadger® Demo & Training
  • Estimating & Quoting Jobs

Wednesday, October 27th

  • PMC Pump Demo & Training
  • Leak Seal Issues on Geotech Jobs
  • Ground Penetrating Radar Demo & Training
  • Slab Lift Rig Demo & Training
  • Competing Geotech Techniques

Thursday, October 28th

  • PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization Demo & Training (On-Site)
  • Deep Lift® Demo & Training (On-Site)

Your Instructors:

Andy Powell (Southeastern Regional Manager), Erik Prinzing (Midwest Regional Manager), Colt Hullander (Director of Technical Services - Geotech), Patrick Zito (Eastern Regional Manager), Joel Bryant (Western Regional Manager).

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

Top Three Alchemy-Spetec Blog Posts

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Sep 21, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Top Three Alchemy-Spetec Blog Posts

Body - Top Three Alchemy-Spetec Blog PostsAs of today, the top three most viewed Alchemy-Spetec blog posts are:

  1. Slab Void Fill with Polyurethane Foam
  2. So You’re Thinking About Starting a Slab Lifting Company: Key Considerations
  3. Hydrophobic vs Hydrophilic: Polyurethanes

Given the amount of interest in these subjects, it's worth reviewing them again. In this article, we'll feature some intro text from each of these blog posts, along with a link to the full version.

Slab Void Fill with Polyurethane Foam

Voids beneath concrete slabs can be filled with two-component polymer foam designed to work in wet or dry conditions. AP Lift 430 foam can support up to 7,200 lbs per square foot and will cure to 90% full strength in 15 minutes.  (Of the most resilient concrete slab jacking foams, AP Lift 430 is proven to lift concrete slabs under harsh conditions. This two-component, high-strength, high-density, hydro-insensitive structural polyurethane foam is the top slab jacking solution for concrete slab foundation repair, soil stabilization, and compaction grouting. AP Lift 430 weighs 2.75 – 3.25 pounds per cubic foot.) Polyurethane foam conforms to void shape more accurately than cement grout, and - unlike cement - it doesn't shrink or sink over time. Read more...

So You’re Thinking About Starting a Slab Lifting Company: Key Considerations

If you want to corner the market in this potentially profitable business, begin by scoping out a specialized area, such as residential, commercial, or civic/municipal. Next, make a simple short written list of the assets you absolutely must have to get started. Do you need a full-sized slab lifting rig to get rolling? Or maybe just the portable PolyBadger lifting system? Are there any special licenses or certifications required for operation? Do you have a good relationship with an equipment and materials supplier? Having the right slab lifting equipment, top-of-line materials, vendor support, and deep expertise in this unique industry are the first keys to success for startup companies. Read more...

Hydrophobic vs Hydrophilic: Polyurethanes

The terms hydrophobic and hydrophilic may not mean anything to the average person. But, to a contractor, these terms can mean a world of a difference. Hydro means water while phobic means “to fear” and philic means “to love”.  Alchemy-Spetec offers both hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyurethanes, so it is important to be aware of the differences between the two types.  Read more...

Want more information about Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Fill Voids

Geotech Training: Oct 26th - 28th, 2021

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Sep 14, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Geotech Training Fall 2021

SOLD OUT!

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 12th

AS-Training-Program---Fall-2021$695 Registration Fee
$615 for each additional participant from
the same company.

Get ready 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.

Tuesday, October 26th

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Geotech Applications & Case Studies
  • PolyBadger® Demo & Training
  • Estimating & Quoting Jobs

Wednesday, October 27th

  • PMC Pump Demo & Training
  • Leak Seal Issues on Geotech Jobs
  • Ground Penetrating Radar Demo & Training
  • Slab Lift Rig Demo & Training
  • Competing Geotech Techniques

Thursday, October 28th

  • PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization Demo & Training (On-Site)
  • Deep Lift® Demo & Training (On-Site)

Your Instructors:

Andy Powell (Southeastern Regional Manager), Erik Prinzing (Midwest Regional Manager), Colt Hullander (Director of Technical Services - Geotech), Patrick Zito (Eastern Regional Manager), Joel Bryant (Western Regional Manager).

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

INJECTR Series 4 Pack: Complete Grab & Go Leak Seal Solution

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Aug 24, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - INJECTR Series 4 Pack

Compatible with a Standard Caulk Gun

Body - INJECTR Series 4 Pack Kit

INJECTR Series cartridges feature Spetec PUR F400 or Spetec PUR HighFoamer and GEN ACC Accelerator in two sides of the same cartridge. The grout mixes with the accelerator when injected. No need for a full crew or a grout pump. Quicker in and out - less labor.

Available in a Convenient 4 Pack Kit

Both the Spetec PUR F400 and the Spetec PUR HighFoamer kits Include:

4 - Cartridges
4 - Static Mixers
8 - 1/2” Drill Ports
4 - Large Push Connects
4 - Small Push Connects
1 - 10 ft Roll Flexible Tubing

12 Pack Cartridge Case Also Available

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec leak seal solutions?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks

Saving a Luxury Penthouse Suite from Costly Water Damage (Just in Time!)

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jul 20, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Saving a Luxury Penthouse Suite from Costly Water Damage (Just in Time)

Body - Saving a Luxury Penthouse Suite from Costly Water DaA contractor in Atlanta was recently called in to seal off a rain-induced ceiling leak in a new construction high-rise penthouse suite. Sealing off the water intrusion from the roof above was not an option, due to the rooftop swimming pool directly above the penthouse. So, they had to get into the ceiling from the interior of the suite and repair the leak from the underside.

Powerful Polymers

The crew on this job injected Spetec PUR F400, a water-reactive, hydrophobic, flexible, single component polyurethane resin. This product is ideal for sealing off active leaks in cracks.

Painless Procedures

Leaking concrete structures can be permanently repaired with concrete crack injection & curtain wall procedures using water-activated polyurethane foam. Pressure injection of these liquid polyurethane resins forces the material into leaking cracks or behind leaking walls depending on the application. After the polyurethane injection is complete, the polyurethane resin rapidly reacts with water to form a watertight seal.

Rapid Results

In this case, the leak was shut down in less than two minutes. This all went down literally right before the new tenant was scheduled to begin moving in. (No pressure there!)

Want more information on polyurethane leak seal repair?

Download an Info-Packed Leak Seal Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks

Concrete Repair with Polyurethane -  Resources

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jul 6, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Concrete Repair with Polyurethane – Resources

Body - Concrete Repair with Polyurethane – ResourcesLooking 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.

Technical Data Sheets for Polyurethane Concrete Repair Products

Technical Data Sheets are available for the following product categories:

  • Leak Seal
  • Soil Stabilization
  • Slab Lifting
  • Water Stop
  • Structural Repair

Safety Data Sheets for Polyurethane Concrete Repair Products

Safety Data Sheets are available for the following product categories:

  • Sealing Leaks
  • Stabilizing Soil
  • Lifting Slabs
  • Structural Repair
  • Accessories

Procedures for Polyurethane Concrete Repair Applications

Procedures are available for the following applications:

  • Standard Application for Injecting Cracks and Joints
  • Railroad Ballast Rock Repair and Stabilization
  • Manhole Infiltration Control
  • Concrete Pipe and Corrugated Metal Pipe Joint Repair
  • Targeting Pipe Leaks with Point Grouting

Case Studies for Polyurethane Concrete Repair Projects

The following Case Studies are available:

  • Contractor Successfully Completes Unique & Challenging Driveway Lift
  • Deep Soil Stabilization with Polyurethane
  • Protecting a Building Foundation Next to an Excavation Site
  • Stabilizing a Foundation to Save a Valuable Two Story House
  • Protecting Drinking Water from Potential Flood Contamination
  • Leaks in Wastewater Treatment Plant Sealed to Prevent Environmental Contamination
  • Sealing Leaks in a Church Wall to Stop Costly Flooding of Elevator Pit
  • Leak Seal at Water Treatment Plant
  • Leveling Sunken Slabs in a Pole Barn
  • Massive Underground Leak in Aquifer Shut Down
  • Sealing Hairline Concrete Cracks with Acrylic Injection Resin
  • Seawall Repair at Base of Bridge
  • Slab Lift for Chinese Railway
  • Slab Lift at Seed Sorting Plant
  • Soil Stabilization at Busy Intersection

Environmental Safety Info on Polyurethane Concrete Repair Products

NSF Certificates are available for the following products that have been approved for contact with drinking water:

  • AP Lift 430
  • AP Lift 475
  • AP Soil 600
  • AP Fill 700
  • AP Fill 720
  • Spetec PUR F400
  • Spetec PUR GT500
  • Spetec PUR HighFoamer
  • Spetec PUR H100
  • Spetec PUR H200
  • Spetec AG200

Engineering Specifications for Concrete Repair with Polyurethane

The following Engineering Specifications are available:

  • Injection Grouting – Hydrophilic
  • Injection Grouting – Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic
  • Slab Lifting with AP Lift 430
  • Permeation Grouting

Want more info on polyurethane concrete repair products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts

Case Study: Contractor Successfully Completes Unique & Challenging Driveway Lift

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jul 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Challenging Driveway Lift

Body - Challenging Driveway LiftA homeowner called Home Energy Professionals in Tennessee with an interesting driveway problem. There was an 8-inch drop at the point where the driveway met the edge of the garage floor. That was enough to prevent the resident from getting their car into the garage at all. The homebuilders did not extend a nearby gutter downspout far enough away from the driveway. Rainwater caused erosion under the slabs, causing them to sink over time. What made this case unique was the fact that the final slab (closest to the garage) in this 20-foot-wide driveway was only two feet long. Slabs with such narrow dimensions are notoriously difficult to lift evenly. Due to the unusual nature of this job, they called in Alchemy-Spetec’s Colt Hullander (Director of Technical Services – Geotech Division) as a consultant.

Powerful Polymers

The Home Energy Professionals crew used AP Lift 430, a two-component, high strength, high density, hydro-insensitive structural polyurethane foam. They chose AP Lift 430 because it’s one of the most consistently reliable lifting foams in the industry. This high-density foam is extremely strong, providing concrete slabs and structures with reliable and lasting support.

Painless Procedures

The crew drilled their first injection hole about 3 feet from one edge of the slab, right in the middle of the 2-foot length (about 1 foot in from both edges). They lifted this end of the slab for about 2 inches and then stopped. Lifting any further at this point would likely have cracked the slab. Next, they drilled another hole about 6 feet in from the edge and repeated the process. When they reached the end of the 20 feet, they started again – redrilling that first hole and lifting another 2 inches. With this gradual injection process, they carefully raised the slab 8 inches and leveled it off with the garage floor. They then moved on to lift the other, conventionally sized slabs in the rest of the driveway.

Rapid Results

This challenging slab lift job was completed in just 3 hours. Fifteen minutes after the injections were completed, the homeowner was able to drive their car across the newly leveled driveway and into the garage. The crew at Home Energy Professionals had another successful job in the books!

Want more information on lifting slabs?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

Case Study: Protecting a Building Foundation Next to an Excavation Site

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jun 29, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Case Study Protecting a Building Foundation Next to an Excavation Site

Body - Case Study Protecting a Building Foundation Next to an Excavation SiteA general contracting company working on an excavation job for a new sea turtle habitat at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida needed specialists to protect the foundation of the adjacent building from potential destabilization. Underground Services of America was called in to create a polyurethane grout wall for this very purpose.

Powerful Polymer

The crew used AP Soil 600, a single component, moisture activated, hydrophobic, extra-low viscosity, polyurethane soil grout. This is the premier product for stabilizing soil via permeation grouting. It's also NSF-approved for contact with drinking water. Using an environmentally safe repair material in a marine habitat is extremely important.

Painless Procedure

Underground Services of America professionals drove injection rods into the ground next to the building foundation in a staggered pattern (see photo). The rods were 18 inches apart from each other to ensure consistent, thorough permeation of the soil with the high-strength grout. They injected at a rate of one gallon per foot. A total of 500 gallons was used to form the grout wall. The project was completed in just two days.

Rapid Result

The resin was cured within 24 hours of completion. The job was finished on a Friday. On the following Monday, the GC began excavation on the future sea turtle habitat without any fear of damaging the adjacent foundation.

Want more information on soil stabilization products and procedures?

Download an Info-Packed Soil Stabilization Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Stabilize Soil

Rising Judgements in Slip & Fall Cases Relevant to Sunken Slab Liability Risk?

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jun 24, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Rising Judgments in Slip & Fall Cases Relevant to Sunken Slab Liability Risk

Body - Rising Judgments in Slip & Fall Cases Relevant to Sunken Slab Liability RiskA couple of recent judgments in slip and fall cases should concern any property owner with slip OR trip risks on the premises. 

On July 12, 2019, WTXL TV in Tallahassee posted an article on their website about a near 2 million dollar judgment for a slip and fall case at a local convenience store:

On Thursday, a Leon County jury ruled that Siraji Inc., the owner of the USA Grocers convenience store in the 2600 block of Roberts Avenue, was responsible for causing the 2016 slip and fall of 47-year-old Stephanie Jenkins. Jenkins was awarded $1.9 million for the permanent and severe injuries she sustained.

On January 8, 2021, Daily Report posted an article about a 1 million dollar judgment in an Atlanta slip and fall case:

Nearly a year after a judge awarded a woman injured in a slip-and-fall accident at an Atlanta restaurant more than $1.1 million in damages, the parties have settled for just over $1 million.

These are record judgments against property owners for these types of accidents. If you have a trip and fall litigation risk on your site, contact us for a qualified slab lifting contractor referral today!

Want more information on leveling concrete slabs?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Business Tips