Alchatek Blog

Alchemy-Spetec is proud to announce that Charlie Lerman "The Grout Geek" will be shifting roles to start up our North American Leak Seal Technical Services Department. Charlie not only brings two decades of specialty waterproofing and construction experience to his new role as Director of Technical Services - Leak Seal Division, but he also brings nine years of service in the US Navy. He understands the value of teamwork and is dedicated to the mission.

While the trend in the last few years for chemical grout manufacturers has been to reduce or eliminate their technical service roles, Alchemy-Spetec understands the needs of the specialty waterproofing contractor and is committed to customer success. Leveraging Alchemy-Spetec’s quality products, strong distribution, and our rapid response technical service is what gives our contractors the edge they need in today's fast-paced market.

Please let us know how we can assist you with your next waterproofing challenge. Whether you need help with product selection, hands-on field training, or creative grouting solutions, Alchemy-Spetec is here for you.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec leak seal products?

Today, we’ll take a look at the specification Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane. The specification includes documentation on the following:

• Stabilization, consolidation, and binding of water bearing soils through permeation injection of polyurethane resin creating a solid mass of soil and rigid resin.
  
  
• Creation of a barrier in water bearing soils to reduce water migration through permeation injection of polyurethane resin creating a solid mass of soil and rigid resin.

Click this link, Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane, to view a PDF of the specification.  It thoroughly documents the installation process for one component, moisture activated, low viscosity, hydrophobic polyurethane (in our case, AP Soil 600 stabilization foam).  For a copy of the specification in Microsoft Word format, please call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438.

If you scroll to the bottom of the Alchemy-Spetec downloads page, you’ll see a list of engineering specifications for Concrete Repair with Polyurethane.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Don't forget to sign up for Fall 2019 Training!

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). 

The Alchemy-Spetec structural repair product line consists of products for joint filling, spall repair, anchoring, and bonding.

Poyurea Joint Filler

AP Joint Fill 800 is a two-component hybrid polyurea joint filler with fast reaction allowing for shave time in as little as 5 minutes. The fast reaction allows for minimal down time and facilities to be in operation quickly.  Read more...

Polyurethane Spall Repair

AP Fast Repair 850 is a zero VOC, two-component polyurethane system. The high-quality thermoset is designed for fast repair of concrete (spalls, cracks, etc.). Its low viscosity allows for maximum penetration into cracks and porous concrete. This product can be mixed with up to equal parts oven dry silica sand to increase product yield and compressive strength.  Read more...

Non-Sag Epoxy for Structural Anchoring/Bonding

AP NS950 Epoxy is a two component, non-sag structural epoxy designed to offer exceptional mechanical strength in anchoring/bonding applications. Due to its high bond strength to concrete, it is ideal to use for anchoring threaded rod or rebar dowels. The consistency of AP NS950 EPOXY is good for capping for crack injection or general surface repairs. AP NS950 EPOXY is 100% solids, VOC free and Butyl Glycidyl Ether (BGE)* free.  Read more...

Low-Viscosity Expoxy for Structural Bonding of Cracks

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Leaking concrete can be detrimental to safety and property values.  Pressure injection forces polyurethane resin into leaking cracks, joints, voids, and other defects.  After injection is complete, the polyurethane resin rapidly reacts with water to form a flexible, watertight seal.  Leaks in concrete structures can be permanently repaired with water-activated polyurethane and a few assorted leak seal accessories.

From hairline concrete cracks to gushing leaks, virtually any defect can be sealed with the Alchemy-Spetec series of leak seal resins and products.

Watch this animation for a detailed explanation of the polyurethane leak sealing process...

 Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec leak seal products?

Jump start your leak seal business at Alchemy-Spetec's Fall 2019 Training!  As stated in our blog post on Leak Seal Curriculum for 2019 Fall Training...

Get ready for a thorough education in polyurethane leak seal products and applications on Wednesday, October 9th (October 10th is geotech day), 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience. Registration includes both days, but we’ll take a close look at the leak seal curriculum in today’s blog post…

The schedule on Wednesday, October 9th includes presentations on the Alchemy-Spetec leak seal product line, crack injection, curtain grouting, permeation grouting, pumps & packers, leak seal accessories and municipal applications. There will also be live injection demos, product mixing demos, and open discussions for sharing job related tips and solutions from the field.

In addition, you'll get an overview of geotech (concrete leveling & soil stabilization) products and procedures!  Here's a complete schedule for both days...

Wednesday Oct. 9th - 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 Oct. 10th - 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

• Sealing cracks in concrete structures through pressure injection.
• Sealing hairline cracks, expansion joints, wide cracks, pipe joints, pipe penetrations.
• Saturating dry oakum to create a flexible gasket for sealing pipe penetrations, joints and larger defects in concrete structures.

If you’re unfamiliar with the terms hydrophobic and hydrophilic, please read the blog post Hydrophobic vs Hydrophilic Polyurethanes.  In that post we clearly explain the differences between the two types of leak seal resins…

Hydrophobic Polyurethanes:

Hydrophobic polyurethanes naturally repel water (similar to the way oil would repel water and stay separate if you were trying to mix them in a glass).  These products push water out of the area in question as they expand.  Hydrophobics are used with catalysts which allow you to adjust the set time.  They also have zero shrinkage after curing.

Hydrophilic Polyurethanes:

Hydrophilic polyurethanes naturally mix with water before curing (similar to the way gin and tonic mix thoroughly in a glass).  This characteristic allows for a very strong chemical and mechanical bond, as water helps pull the material into the pores of the concrete.  These products do not require a catalyst.  You can pump them straight out of the pail.

Click this link, Injection Grouting – Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic, to view a PDF of the specification.  It thoroughly documents the installation process for these two types of products (in our case, the hydrophilic Spetec PUR GT500 and the hydrophobic Spetec PUR F400).  These are both flexible polyurethanes.  For a copy of the specification in Microsoft Word format, please call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438.

For more Alchemy-Spetec specifications, scroll to the bottom of the Alchemy-Spetec Downloads Page. 

Would you like to speak to an Alchemy-Spetec consultant regarding specifications?

Jump start your concrete leveling business at Alchemy-Spetec's Fall 2019 Training!  As stated in our blog post on Starting a Slab Lifting Business...

We can start you on the journey of total preparation for success in slab lifting. Our experienced technical consultants can educate you on the causes of settled slabs, the process of repairing them, and critical facts about the polymer material on which your jobs will rely. You'll learn about trailer rig options, the MixMaster slab lifting gun, pump options and accessory equipment. We also offer tips on markering your business, estimating materials for jobs, and essential techniques for avoiding on-the-job problems.

In addition, you'll get an overview of polyurethane leak seal products and procedures!  Here's a complete schedule for both days...

Wednesday Oct. 9th - 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 Oct. 10th - 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

We’re often contacted by spray foam contractors looking to add slab lifting to their skill set.  One of the first questions we’re asked is “what new equipment do I need?”  The answer is “not much”.  With just a few pieces of new equipment, an existing spray foam rig can be converted for slab lifting.  Here’s all the equipment you need:

• MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun with Ports
• Titan 440 Flush Pump with Hose
• Dial Indicator Stand

Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight! Spray foam insulation guns are made for the simple process of spraying foam at constant pressures. The MixMaster Pro slab lifting gun 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. Kiss all that goodbye, with a leak-proof gun that handles back pressure and is bulit to last! The Titan 440 is a pre-grout injection water flush pump for flushing Alchemy-Spetec’s MixMaster slab lifting gun. The Dial Indicator Stand provides real-time lift measurement during the concrete slab leveling process.

For more guidance on getting into the slab lifting business, contact Alchemy-Spetec’s industry-leading tech support team at 404-618-0438.

Want more information on equipping a rig for slab lifting?

Alchemy-Spetec is pleased to announce that our VP of Sales and Business Development, Jim Spiegel, recently completed Tier 1 of ICRI's Concrete Repair Technician Program.  As the industry leaders in technical support for contractors, distributors, and engineers, we pride ourselves in a company culture that encourages ongoing technical training for employees and executives. 

More on the ICRI Concrete Repair Technician Certification Program from ICRI website...

This online certification program was developed based on industry demand and...outlines repair inspector qualifications for the inspection of concrete repairs, and designates an individual who has been certified as an ICRI Concrete Surface Repair Technician, as a qualified inspector.

The Concrete Surface Repair Technician Certification Program is a competency-based program using current best practices for online training and evaluation. The Educational component is presented and tested online while the Performance component is tested both online through a knowledge exam and assessed by observable criteria (video submission or live recorded).

Tier 1 only applicants are those who may not be regularly engaged in concrete surface repair inspection and testing, yet have an active interest in learning more about the inspection and tests, be introduced to types of concrete deterioration, understand the requirements for a quality concrete surface repair, be aware of repair materials and methods, and be qualified to perform pre and post-placement inspections and testing.

Learn more about the ICRI Concrete Repair Technician Certification Program...

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