The Problem

Unstable soil can be defined as soil that will not stay in place on its own, and therefore requires extra support. It should be noted that unstable soil can threaten the stability, security, and safety of property and can damage, degrade, and even destroy a number of structures, such as residential dwellings, garages, driveways, and pool decks. There are a variety of factors that can cause unstable soil including erosion, poor compaction, freeze/thaw cycles, and decomposition.

The Solutions

Soil can be stabilized with:
AP Soil 600
AP Fill 700
AP Fill 720
AP SoilGel 200

Once the bearing capacity of the soil has been increased with this process, then the structure can be lifted if necessary.

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As one of the most impenetrable permeation grouting products on the market, AP Soil 600 is a single-component, moisture-activated, hydrophobic, low-viscosity, soil stabilization grout. This permeation grout is ideal for stabilizing loose sand and soil around all types of concrete structures, as well as sinkhole remediation.

Applications

• Permeation grouting.
• Stabilizing loose sand and soil.
• Sinkhole remediation.

Advantages

• Encapsulates and strengthens loose soil.
• Very low viscosity for good soil penetration.
• Watertight.
• Adjustable set time.
• Pumped as a single component.
• Phthalate-free (more environmentally friendly).
• Certified To NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 (approved for contact with drinking water).

Check out this Soil Stabilization explainer video! 

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Single component, water-activated, hydrophobic, low viscosity, closed-cell polyurethane injection resin for stabilizing soil. Also good for filling voids and cutting off high-flow underground leaks, AP Fill 700 is a proven polyurethane soil stabilization solution.

Applications

• Concrete void filling for all types of structures.
• Consolidating loose soil.
• Filling voids under concrete slabs.
• Cutting off underground water flows.
• Cutting off high-flow leaks.

Advantages

• Very low viscosity.
• Water-impermeable polyurethane resin.
• Adjustable set time – as fast as 20 seconds.
• Injected as a single component.
• Phthalate free available (more environmentally friendly).
• Certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 (approved for contact with drinking water).

Check out the AP Fill 700 sample demo! 

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Geotech specialists from Ground Consolidation Services were called into a job by a general contractor in Atlanta. A property owner was restoring a very interesting pool house in an upscale neighborhood. The pool actually sits atop and in the center of the pool house itself. During the initial restoration process, they discovered voids under the pool house foundation.

Powerful Polymer

The GCS crew recommended Alchemy-Spetec's AP Lift 475, a two-component, hydrophobic, structural lifting polymer designed for airport, highway, and railroad applications. It can be used to stabilize structures, fill voids, and lift slabs supporting tremendous loads. The real beauty of this material is its ability to be traffic ready in less than one hour.

Painless Procedure

The technicians used the compact PolyBadger pump system for this job since the location was not easily accessible with a slab lifting rig. The PolyBadger, manufactured by Alchemy-Spetec, is a tough and compact mobile cart system for pumping polyurethane resin. Using this pump, the crew was able to fill the voids at a relatively quick pace.

Rapid Result

The GCS technicians were out of the way and the restoration crew was able to start backfilling the area in a few short hours.

Whether your focus is on soil stabilization, leak seal, or slab lifting, it’s a known fact that growing your contracting business is hard work. As an experienced consultant and advisor, I am aware that many contractors focus so much time on generating new leads that they may overlook another great source of new revenue: re-engaging past customers.

It costs about five times more money to attract a new customer than to sell to an existing customer. And it's 50% easier to sell to an existing customer than to a new customer. It has also been said that 80% of most business revenue comes from just 20% of its existing customers. (Source: Forbes Magazine's "Five Customer Retention Tips for Entrepreneurs".)

Owners and managers of these types of properties are likely to provide repeat business...

• Commercial properties
• Multi-unit residential properties
• Schools, universities, education departments/districts
• Municipalities/government agencies

If you put your mind to it, I'm sure you can think of a few more. You can also reach out to previous individual residential and small business customers occasionally.

Customer Retention Tips

Remember, customers do not owe you their loyalty, it has to be earned. You may be the most qualified and diversified contractor in the area, but if you want to get that repeat business you have to implement a retention program. Here are a few suggestions...

• Create an email newsletter. Send out tips and advice that your customer base may find helpful. You can also include case studies or success stories from recent jobs. Holiday greetings are always good as well. Throw in a promotion or discounted service offer every now and then, but make sure your communications are always primarily focused on useful content.
• Gifts, holiday cards, and birthday cards are a nice way to express customer appreciation. Sending items like this via traditional mail will help you stand out from the crowd a bit, as more and more people are moving towards a "digital only" approach.
• Take a moment on a regular basis to check up on your past customers' social media accounts. Like, favorite, and share anything you find relevant or interesting. This is just another way to remind them that you're interested in how they're doing and that you're available should they need any further assistance.

Take some time to brainstorm and I bet you'll come up with some unique approaches of your own. If you're too busy to do this kind of stuff, hire a part-time assistant. The jobs you get as a result of these activities may pay for the assistant, and then some. Give it a shot and find out.

Want more contractor marketing tips?

Alchemy-Spetec is pleased to announce the promotion of Andy Powell to the newly created position of Geotech Division Manager. In this position, Mr. Powell will supervise the currently expanding team of Geotech Regional Managers and report to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. This change reflects our continuing efforts to serve our customers in the best way possible and build on our product and market expertise as the company grows.

Andy Powell has been with Alchemy-Spetec since the inception of the company in 2013. His experience includes manufacturing, application, equipment, estimating, field service, and training for the entire product line. Prior to employment with Alchemy-Spetec, Andy served as Sales Manager and Field Technician for HP Industries, a supplier/contractor for the Concrete Pipe and Precast manufacturing industry. He was responsible for sales, AutoCAD, equipment installation, and employee training for pipe machinery and reinforcement equipment. He has extensive domestic and international experience working in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and China.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec geotech products?

Many of the contractors I’ve worked with over the years have had to give a presentation at one time or another. In some cases, they need to make a pitch to a potential client (for example at municipality or state agency contract meetings). In other cases, they have the opportunity to market their services by giving presentations at trade shows, “lunch and learn” seminars, webinars, homeowner association meetings, professional association events, etc.

Presentation opportunities can sometimes arise on short notice. This is why you can benefit from creating presentations ahead of time. If you’d like, you can ask our marketing team to critique your presentation. You can also inquire about getting a member of our sales team to co-present when an opportunity does come along.

Incorporate the following tips to create a powerful presentation for your contracting business. Some of these suggestions may seem contrary to everyday conventional practice, but who wants a run-of-the-mill presentation? We’ve tested this approach time and time again, with consistently positive results. It will be worth your while to at least give it a shot.

Fewer Words

As a detail-oriented professional, you may be inclined to pack your presentation slides with lots of text in order to get all your important points across. This is not the most effective way to give a presentation. It can lead to information overload and a drowsy, impatient audience. When creating a presentation, you want to condense the information and only include text that is absolutely essential.

Powerful Images

Now that you have seriously scaled back your text use, the next step is to make the presentation livelier. The audience needs to be actively engaged rather than bombarded with data. If you associate a powerful image with each essential point, the audience is better able to visualize and remember the concept.

Engaging Stories

Once you have simplified your text and added visually striking images, you can add extra punch by incorporating stories to get your points across. As a contractor, you probably have many stories from the trenches. Telling a story is a surefire way to make sure a message sticks.

White Paper Instead of Note-Taking

One thing that dilutes the impact of even the most powerful presentations is audience note-taking. This habit guarantees that half their time is spent looking down at their desk rather than paying attention to you. That’s why it’s helpful to prepare a whitepaper (basically a multi-page essay with any essential graphics) that summarizes all the key points from your presentation. Inform the audience up front that there is no need to take notes, as they will receive a written summary afterward. Explain to them that they’ll get a lot more out of the presentation if they provide their full attention.

Conclusion

Since I believe in giving credit where credit is due, I'd like to acknowledge that most of these ideas came from the book Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds.

For more tips on how to create a powerful presentation for your contracting business, or to inquire about co-presenting with one of our specialists, give us a call at 404-618-0438.

Want more ideas for marketing your contracting business?

About Alchemy-Spetec and the Geotechnical Division

Alchemy-Spetec is an international leader in the manufacture and supply of chemical grouts for Geotechnical, Seawall Repair, and Leak Seal applications. Geotech is the largest division of Alchemy-Spetec. Our focus: Controlling water movement through permeable soils and improving soil-bearing capacity for construction and remediation projects.

About the Opportunity

Permanent full-time positions are available in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and South-Central United States.

We are expanding the Geotechnical Division. The Northeast/Mid-Atlantic/South Central regions are critical to our successful expansion. We are searching for a leader to facilitate this growth opportunity. You will report to the Geotech Division Manager and take responsibility for locating and converting selected prospective clients, expanding existing clients, and networking with established Regional Managers to grow the Geotech Business in your region.

Responsibilities

• Generating new sales opportunities by finding and developing new customers in key markets.
• Contacting prospective customers who have sent inquiries and converting them into customers.
• Establishing relationships with local governments and engineering firms to develop new opportunities.
• Delivering rapid growth and business revenue in the region through proactive sales activities.
• Working with existing Regional Managers and Technical Support to meet territory goals.
• Building Regional Networks of Referral Partners in support of our customers.
• Working closely with the marketing team to provide content and leverage existing opportunities.

Location & commitments

• Remote-based office with Travel throughout your region.
• Periodic Training and organizational meetings in Tucker, GA, and Reno, Nevada.
• Estimated travel: 50-70%

Candidate requirements

• Proven experience in business development and networking.
• Experience in this industry sector (Environmental, Geology, Civil, Foundations, Engineering).
• Strong business, communication, and budgeting skills.
• Professional, engaging, technical, and determined personality that is also comfortable learning geotech equipment.
• Goal-oriented self-starter who requires little supervision.
• The ability to track and achieve KPIs.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Contact us to apply

If you have a passion for business development and the geotechnical and environmental industry, then we would like to meet you. Consider becoming an important teammate of a growing organization that is dedicated to saving and developing property and infrastructure. Send your resume and cover letter to Andy Powell at apowell@alchemy-spetec.com.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

This post is part of the Alchemy-Spetec Contractor Lens series, featuring views, news & case studies written by our customers.  This article was written by Morgan Helms of Helms Polyfoam.  If you're an Alchemy-Spetec customer and you'd like to discuss writing content for our blog, please send an email to marketing@alchemy-spetec.com today!

Railroads are an integral part of our nation’s infrastructure, and Helms knows how important it is to maintain their structural integrity and operability. Unfortunately, soils beneath railroads and railbeds are subject to settling from water intrusion.

With our structural polyurethane resins that support over 14,000 lbs. per square foot, Helms Polyfoam can stabilize and lift railbeds back to their normal and safe levels. In fact, Helms recently succeeded in solving a railroad repair problem for one of our clients, Gulf Coast Sand, in Picayune, Mississippi.

For this client, a 75-foot section of railway approaching their railcar scale had settled 5-6 inches. This settling was causing inaccurate scale readings due to uneven weight distribution along the scale. When there’s a soil stabilization or settling problem, Helms has the solution!

In order to ensure an even distribution of lift and stabilization, it was determined that varying depths of injections should be made. These injections were spaced on 4-foot centers, at a span of 4 injections wide per track (one injection point on each outer rail and two injections inside of the rail track) for an approximate injection total of 80 injection points.

At each of the 80 total injection points, ½-inch galvanized tubes were probed to a depth of 6 feet and 4 feet, alternating at each injection point. Expanding resins were then injected into the shell mixture at each injection point for stabilization without adding additional lift to the track.

The result? Our injection pattern for Gulf Coast Sand created a soil squeeze where each injection point compressed against the adjacent points to create a solid, rock-hard mass below the surface!

If you need concrete lifting or soil stabilization work done in the Mississippi area, click here to contact Helms Polyfoam today!

Want more information about soil stabilization with polyurethane?

This post is part of the Alchemy-Spetec Contractor Lens series, featuring views, news & case studies written by our customers. This article was written by Brian Dalinghaus of Dalinghaus Construction. If you're an Alchemy-Spetec customer and you'd like to discuss writing content for our blog, please send an email to marketing@alchemy-spetec.com today!

Why Do Concrete Slabs Become Uneven?

Concrete slabs such as sidewalks, driveways, and patios, usually become uneven for one of the following reasons:

• Expansive soil – Expansive soil is clay-rich and for this reason expands as it soaks up moisture, and then shrinks as it loses moisture and dries out. This swelling/shrinking – which can be caused by drought/non-drought periods – causes movement in the soil under the slab, and will often cause a slab to become uneven over time.
• Erosion under the slab – Some types of soil are prone to erosion and if there’s poor drainage under the slab, this could cause voids to form and an uneven slab eventually.
• Soil not tamped down – Soil always needs to be properly compacted before anything gets placed or built on top of it, including concrete slabs. If this isn’t done, the slab could settle into the soil and end up uneven.
• Tree roots – We’ve all seen examples of tree roots pushing up on a slab and causing it to become unlevel.
• Dead leaves decaying leave voids – Leaves and other organic matter should be removed from the soil before a concrete slab is poured. If this isn’t done, voids could form under the slab. If the slab sinks into the voids, it will become uneven.

Uneven Concrete Slab Repairs Using Polyurethane Foam Injection

Fortunately, an uneven concrete slab can be repaired (i.e, leveled) in just a few hours using polyurethane foam injection, a waterproof material that’s injected under the slab in order to level it. Polyurethane foam injection can lift and level sidewalks, driveways, patios, pool decks, and more.

The general polyurethane foam injection procedure to perform concrete slab repairs is as follows:

• Dime-sized holes are drilled into the affected slab.
• A nozzle is inserted through the holes and the polyurethane foam is injected under the slab.
• The foam immediately begins to expand, fill any voids, and raise the slab.
• The holes are patched using a compound that matches the color of the concrete.
• Fifteen minutes after the repair is complete, the slab is ready for use.

Is Polyurethane Foam Better Than Mudjacking?

Yes, we believe polyurethane foam injection is better than mudjacking. Mudjacking is an older method for leveling an uneven concrete slab. Today, most concrete leveling jobs are done using polyurethane foam injection for the following reasons:

• The mudjacking slurry used to raise the slab is heavy because it contains cement, sand, soil, etc. Because of this, it has the potential to make the problem even worse because the slab might have become uneven due to weak soil that is unable to support it. If so, adding more weight to the soil in the form of a cement slurry isn’t going to help.
• The mudjacking slurry is prone to erosion if there’s poor drainage under the slab.
• The holes used to inject the mudjacking slurry under the slab are at least 2 inches wide. Compare this to the dime-sized holes used with polyurethane foam injection.
• Mudjacking is a messy process that takes 2-3 to dry and harden. This means downtime.

Yes, mudjacking is still being done today. However, we view it as a temporary fix, at best.

Are Concrete Slab Repairs Better Than Replacing The Slab?

Unless the concrete slab is severely damaged, yes, lifting the slab via polyurethane foam injection is better than digging up and replacing the slab. Concrete leveling using polyurethane foam is a quick procedure taking usually no more than a few hours and then the slab is ready for use. Pouring a new slab and then waiting for it to dry and harden takes time. Replacing a slab is also more expensive. Therefore, severely damaged slabs are typically the only cases that are not a good fit for leveling with polyurethane.

How Much Do Uneven Concrete Slab Repairs Cost?

The cost to fix an uneven concrete slab using polyurethane foam injection depends on where you live and the size of the affected area (this determines how much lifting foam is needed).

How To Help Prevent Concrete Slabs From Becoming Uneven

You can help prevent a concrete slab – such as a sidewalk or driveway – from becoming uneven, by doing the following:

• Make sure the soil is adequately tamped down before the slab gets poured on top of it.
• Ensure that any organic material (such as leaves) is removed from the soil before the slab gets poured.
• Make sure there’s good drainage under and around the slab.
• Keep trees with invasive root systems away from the slab.

If you have an uneven concrete slab that needs to be lifted and leveled (and you’re in the Dalinghaus Southern California and Arizona service area) click here to contact Dalinghaus today and schedule an evaluation.

Want more information on uneven concrete slab repair?