Alchatek Blog

Signs of Seawall Distress

Do you own or manage waterfront property?  If so, you may have issues with your seawalls.  Check for the following signs of distress:

• Settled soil near the wall (a sign of water leaking through the wall and eroding the soil on the land side).
• Soil deposits near the seams on the water side of the wall (a sign of water leaks bringing soil through the seams into the lake).
• Visible rust colored cracks or stains in the wall (a sign of water leaking through cracks in the wall and rusting the rebar inside).

Polyurethane Seawall Repair

High-strength polyurethane foam can be injected through pipes directly into voids and loose soil around your distressed seawall. Concrete repair contractors use semi-rigid hydrophobic material that reacts with moisture in the ground and expands to fill voids while also permeating the soil to form a solid, strong, watertight mass.

Since this polyurethane is impermeable to water once in place, the likelihood of future erosion is vastly diminished versus refilling the void with soil or other material.  Originally developed over 30 years ago, and continuously improved since, this technology has one of the longest histories of success in the field.  

Efficient seawall repair with this material prevents the need for remediation processes that can be harmful to the environment, such as a complete wall replacement or the excavating of all loose soil.  If the contractor is using the appropriate Alchemy-Spetec products, they will be Phthalate free AND approved for contact with drinking water once cured in place.  So you don't have to worry any long-term averse environmental impact.

Alchemy-Spetec Can Help You Find a Seawall Repair Contractor

Would you like assistance finding a seawall repair contractor in your area?  Professionals everywhere rely on Alchemy-Spetec's industry leading products for reliable and lasting results.  We can very likely put you in touch with an Alchemy-Spetec approved installer nearby.  Call us at 404-618-0438 or fill consultation request form linked below.

Want to schedule a consultation for assistance finding a contractor?

Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products prevent leaks from occurring and are most often applied during construction. In this post, we discuss the following waterstop products: 

• Spetec WT400
• Spetec ITS Kit
• Spetec R-ITS
• Spetec SST500

Spetec WT400

Spetec WT400 is a caulk designed to swell and/or expand in the presence of water creating a water tight seal around pipe penetrations, cold joints and other water-stop locations. Read more about Spetec WT400 here.

Spetec ITS Kit

The Spetec Injection Tube System Kit is used in conjunction with the Spetec PUR F400 or Spetec PUR H100 as a primary waterstop in cold joints and pipe joints. This system can also be used in retrofit applications for expansion joints and other wide cracks or joints measuring over 3/8 of an inch. It includes four parts:

• 100 lf of injection tube.
• 20 lf of 3/8" reinforced PVC tube.
• 1/4" clips (100).
• 12 3/8" elbow hose barbs.

Read more about the Spetec ITS Kit here.

Spetec R-ITS

The Spetec Re-Injectable Tube System is a primary waterstop in cold joints and pipe joints. When used with acrylates like Spetec AG200, it can be flushed with water at a pre-determined set time, creating a clean tube ready for subsequent use. It can also function as a standard single-use injection tube system with polyurethane injection resins like Spetec PUR H100 and Spetec PUR F400. The Spetec R-ITS is compatible with combination grouting techniques involving microfine cement. Read more about the Spetec R-ITS here.

Spetec SST500

Spetec SST500 is a black hydrophilic synthetic waterproofing strip. It is simply fastened onto an existing joint. When in contact with water in a confined space, SST500 will swell and stop the infiltration. SST500 remains consistent in its performance throughout its life cycle and the flexibility allows it to fill voids and cracks in the immediate surrounding area. Read more about Spetec SST500 here.

For ultimate waterstop protection, call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438 for instructions on how to use all three of these products together.

Want more info on Alchemy-Spetec waterstop solutions?

The Custom Animation Process

Attention Alchemy-Spetec customers!  While we still offer you the use of our Leak Seal, Soil Stabilization, Slab Lift and Deep Lift animations, we are now also offering custom animation services in order to assist you with your marketing efforts.  Work with us to create a new and original animation in a similar style to those linked above, but specifically created for YOUR company.  For the sake of clarity, here's a thorough explanation of the process...

Part 1 - Get a Price Quote

1. We will send you a questionnaire about the services you want to advertise.
2. Our animation team will review your answers to come up with a visual concept and estimated running time.
3. We'll then schedule a strategy call with you to work out the remaining details.
4. After the call, we'll create a price quote for you.
5. You would pay 50% down with 50% due prior to delivery of final video.

Part 2 - Approve Each Stage of the Production

Our Production Process is carefully designed and well defined to deliver a high-quality animation.  Once we complete a step to your satisfaction, you give us written approval to move to the next step. This will maximize quality and complete your video within the agreed budget.

Scripting: 

A professional writer produces a script for feedback, and revisions are made until you approve final version of the script.

Storyboard:

1. Our animation team will use the approved script and visual concept to produce a scene-by-scene black and white storyboard. We will review with you and make revisions until you are satisfied.
2. After storyboard approval, we will provide color illustrations for final approval.
3. We record your script with professional voiceover talent. You can make up to two minor revisions of the voiceover track.

It is critically important to understand and agree that all major revisions must be made before animation begins in order to avoid additional charges.

Animation:

1. Our team creates the animation using your approved storyboard and voiceover.
2. Only minimal changes are allowed at this stage (and only if absolutely necessary).
3. We deliver a preview and can provide up to 3 revisions of the following:
   • Adjust where animation action isn’t matched to the voiceover
   • Adjust animation effects and timing
   • Sound revisions to audio quality, volume, sound effects
4. Any revisions to the actual animation or voiceover at this point will incur additional costs. We will estimate these costs based on the amount of content that needs to be changed.

Project Timeline:

Developing and creating a professionally produced video takes time. Plan on eight to twelve weeks from our questionnaire phase to delivery. Of course, staying on schedule depends timely feedback from you. It’s critical that all decision makers agree and provide written authorization at every stage.

Please Note:

Animations will feature this “Powered by Alchemy-Spetec” logo.

How to Get Started

If you already have an account with Alchemy-Spetec or one of our distributors, the next step is to click the button below and sign up for a brief phone consultation. We’ll provide more info on pricing rates and answer any other questions you have. (If you have not already signed a Marketing Materials Agreement, please be prepared to discuss that as well.)

Want to schedule a brief phone consultation?

Alchemy-Spetec's Fall 2019 training event is officially SOLD OUT!  If you're still interested in training, we'll be conducting another event in the Spring of 2020.  Click the button below and fill out the form.  We'll keep you updated on the Spring 2020 event an all other training opportunities!

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

Leak Seal Day

• Leak Seal Product Line Overview
• Curtain Grouting
• Permeation Grouting
• Leak-Seal Product Mixing
• Pump & Packer Overviews
• Leak-Seal Accessories
• Municipal Applications
• Live Injection Demos
• Open Discussions

Geotech Day

• Geotech Product Line Overview
• Soil Stabilization
• Geotech Product Mixing
• Rig & Mobile System Overviews
• Geotechnical Accessories
• Slab Lifting Live Demo
• Deep Lift™ Overview
• Soil Testing with the GPR & Penetrometer
• Maintenance Discussions
• Pricing / Estimating / Cost Savings
• Open Discussions

Want to be alerted when Spring 2020 training registration is available?

Elevator pit water leaks are very common. These pits can be open to flooding and leakage because they are usually at the lowest point of a building below the water table. Water can easily seep from cracks in the walls or through the floor wall detail.

There are many reasons why elevator pits leak.  This can include incorrect application, damage to existing elevators, pits that are very old, changes in the water table, and even shortcuts that have been taken such as non-installation of waterproofing materials. These are just a few of the causes.

So what happens when these elevator pits become consumed with water?

The solution is simple!

You would drill holes through the walls and floor using a grid pattern.  You would then pump water activated polyurethane chemical grout into the soil to create what we call a “curtain wall”.  This wall essentially stops the water from penetrating the area around the pit.  It creates a permanent seal and allows the elevator to function properly again.  (If you're a property owner, we can help you find a contractor to do this.  Just call us at 404-618-0438.)

Alchemy-Spetec products that are used for curtain wall grouting include:

• Spetec PUR H100
• Spetec PUR HighFoamer
• Spetec AG200

Want more information on curtain wall grouting?

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

Save Time, Hassle and Money

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 back pressure 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? 
- MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun Means Less Hassle and More Production.  Read more!

Stainless Steel Gun Block Available

The new stainless-steel block for the MixMaster Pro concrete leveling gun is an option you may want to consider. This stronger, more durable gun block was developed to prevent stripping of injector ports (which can sometimes happen with the aluminum block if the ports are over-tightened). 
- Bigger, Better, Stronger - The Stainless Steel MixMaster Gun Block. Read more!

Want more info on the MixMaster Pro concrete leveling gun?

Alchemy-Spetec is offers a customized version of the popular Estimate Rocket invoicing, client management and CRM tool for contractors.  The custom version includes material estimating calculators for Alchemy-Spetec geotech polyurethanes.  These calculators make it easy to figure out the amount of material you'll need for any given job.  Sign up now via this Alchemy-Spetec link to get the customized version!  (Visiting the Estimate Rocket site in any manner aside from the links we provide will get you the generic, non-customized version.)

Paperless Workflow

Creating impressive proposals has never been easier with Estimate Rocket’s easy-to-use business templates. Leave a lasting impression with professional paperless estimates and invoices you can create and deliver to clients in seconds. 

Job & Client Management

Keep your clients most important information organized and at your fingertips 24/7. The system automatically saves and organizes current and previous jobs, contact information, notes, and more.

Powerful CRM Tools

Stay connected with customer relationship management tools that keep you more responsive than ever before. Automated reminders and appointment scheduling let you know when to take action. Automated Follow-Ups stay in touch with your customers automatically.

Team Collaboration

Bring your entire team with an easy to use web-portal where crews can view appointments, field estimators can build estimates, and accountants can send out invoices.

Financial Reports

View up to the minute reports and know exactly where every job stands. Advanced reporting gives greater depth with detailed job statistics. Easily export to QuickBooks or other accounting software that imports CSV files.

Access on Any Device

Whether you’re on site with a customer or back in the office, you always have complete access to all features. Estimate Rocket works on Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Blackberry and any other web-enabled device.

AS Material Estimation Calculators

As mentioned previously, the Alchemy-Spetec customized version of Estimate Rocket features AS geotech material estimation calculators built in!

Register NOW before the September 25th deadline!

October 9th & 10th, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Get ready for a thorough education in Leak Seal, Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization and the Alchemy-Spetec Deep Lift™ process. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Wednesday - Leak Seal

• Leak Seal Product Line Overview
• Curtain Grouting
• Permeation Grouting
• Leak-Seal Product Mixing
• Pump & Packer Overviews
• Leak-Seal Accessories
• Municipal Applications
• Live Injection Demos
• Open Discussions

Thursday - Geotech

• Geotech Product Line Overview
• Soil Stabilization
• Geotech Product Mixing
• Rig & Mobile System Overviews
• Geotechnical Accessories
• Slab Lifting Live Demo
• Deep Lift™ Overview
• Soil Testing with the
• GPR & Penetrometer
• Maintenance Discussions
• Pricing / Estimating / Cost Savings
• Open Discussions

Participants receive a Samsung tablet loaded with training material.

Your Instructors:

Stephen C. Barton (President/CEO), Jim Spiegel (VP Sales & Business Development), Andy Powell (Southeastern Regional Manager), Anthony Sandone (Eastern Regional Manager), Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager), and Michael Binyaminov (Western Sales Representative). 

If you've been following the news lately, you are well aware of the devastation caused in the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian.  This disaster is hitting home with us here at Alchemy-Spetec, as one of our board members has friends in the Treasure Cay area who have been adversely affected.  We would like to use today's blog post as an opportunity to provide information on how to donate to relief efforts for the Bahamas.

Here are a few options to choose from:

Treasure Cay Community Foundation
The Treasure Cay Community Foundation is an established US 501(C)(3) charitable organization and is approved to accept donations that are deductible for US taxpayers. Donations sent directly to TCCF are not subject to any collection fees, so more money goes directly to the relief effort.

Treasure Cay Emergency Services (TCESO) will be distributing relief supplies. The initial efforts will be humanitarian relief only, e.g. medical, food, water, shelter. The focus will be getting relief to Treasure Cay and surrounding communities where many of those who work in TC live.

There is no online option for donations.  To Donate:

1. Make your check out to TCCF and write “hurricane Dorian relief” in the Memo section. 
2. Mail it to Tom Wheeler, PO Box 305, Mentor, OH 44060.

(Funds received will be acknowledged by email and deposited in TCCF’s account at PNC bank. A donation acknowledgement and receipt will come from TCCF via letter.)

Bahamas.com
The official website of the Bahamas Islands also has a variety of donation options listed on this page.  This link was recommended to us via the Embassy of the Bahamas of the United States.

American Red Cross
You are most likely already familiar with this organization.  From their mission statement: "The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​"
Click here to donate via the Red Cross.

Alchemy-Spetec Seeks Field and Phone Support Technician

We are a manufacturer of geotechnical soil and concrete repair foam and we use the same equipment to lift concrete slabs as you have been using to spray foam insulation. 

General Duties:

• Conduct hands-on in-field training of contractors and participate in evaluation of potential projects.
• Perform slab lifting and void fill projects.
• Manage customer service activities and support the technical sales team at Alchemy by becoming an internal expert on the company’s products, applications and customers with the goal of being able to answer most general and technical incoming questions from customers, prospects, and engineers.
  More specifically:

• Answer incoming calls and respond to website inquiries
• Coordinate customer orders and related documentation
• Be a proactive and hands-on learner about Alchemy’s products, customers, partners and processes so that candidate can properly and independently respond to questions in a timely manner.

• Develop positive working relationship with all parties by properly representing the company.
• Participate in other marketing related activities such as trade shows and industry events for the purpose of furthering company’s profile in the industry.
• Other activities and duties may be assigned. 

Are You Right for This Job?

1. Are you mechanically inclined and detail oriented?
2. Do you have an entrepreneurial personality?
3. Do you thrive on producing professional results?
4. Are you comfortable with a casual dress code?
5. Do you like occasional travel?

Are We Right for You?

1. We maintain a laser-like focus on serving our customers.
2. We care more about the results you achieve than how you achieve them.
3. We enjoy our work and we work hard.
4. We are a small team doing big business on a global scale.

Overview:

Alchemy-Spetec is headquartered in Tucker, GA outside of Atlanta. We manufacture polyurethane grouting technologies for the construction and engineering industries. As part of our growth both domestically and internationally we have a need to bring on an additional support technician.

This customer support position represents an excellent opportunity for a career-minded, technically oriented individual who is an outgoing self-starter, enjoys multi-tasking and wants to deliver results with accountability in an entrepreneurial environment.  This role is a career development position best suited for savvy candidates who are interested in professional growth with a growing company.

General Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience with technical industrial products is a must - reference industries include spray foam application, general construction, materials, engineering or automotive.

• Ability to easily interface with technically oriented people at all levels of a company, domestically and internationally.

• Friendly, outgoing personality that must be able and comfortable to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain a can-do attitude.

• Possess a strong focus on customer service and teamwork.

• Solid written and verbal English communications
• Flexibility to travel (up to 50%) as well as work on some weekends when needed

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications.

• Other key skills: quick study, thoroughness/attention to detail, deadline-oriented, ability to resolve problems and find creative solutions.

Competitive compensation and benefits available based on relevant professional experience.  

Application Instructions:

Please contact Jim Spiegel via LinkedIn and/or email him at jspiegel@alchemy-spetec.com for job descriptions or questions.