Alchatek Blog

Leak Seal & Geotech Products & Procedures

March 18th & 19th, 2020 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

World of Concrete 2020 is scheduled for February 4th - 7th, 2020 in Las Vegas, NV.  Alchemy-Spetec will feature the Leak Seal Division & Product Line in the South Hall at location S11307 and the Geotech Division & Product Line in the Silver Lots at location O40551.

Live Slab Lifting Demos

The Geotech exhibit area features a fully equipped 20-foot lifting rig, a Polybadger compact slab lifting system, and a row of concrete slabs for live lifting.  Look for the following educational activities:

• Slab Lifting Demos
• Lifting Foam Product Mixing Demos
• MixMaster Gun Cleaning Demos
• Fully Equipped Rig Tours
• Polybadger Demos

The live slab lifting demos provide a chance for you to see Alchemy-Spetec's concrete leveling foam and equipment in action.  Technical experts will be on hand to answer all of your questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!  If you haven't already, click here to Register for World of Concrete 2020 now. 

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec slab lifting products?

Every once in a while, we will get a call from a frustrated contractor who has had a few jobs in a row where they used more foam than estimated.  Extra foam also means extra time on the job site so it's a serious concern with financial consequences.  

Although it's easy to think it might be the polyurethane not working right, that's usually not the case because formulations generally remain unchanged year after year.  Once a certain formula is dialed in and has gone through various approvals; it is unlikely to be changed.  So, what could be happening?

Site Evaluation Issues

I have been on more than a few jobs where the operator runs into a problem because the salesperson has missed something.  In cases where more foam than predicted is used it is usually because there is a big void that was not initially identified or there is very poor soil compaction.

When doing a proper site evaluation, you should start with bringing the right tools.  Bring a golf club or a piece of rebar to tap on the concrete and listen for voids.  Concrete makes a distinctly different "hollow" sound when there is a void beneath it.  Tap around the area to determine the extent of the void and then take measurements.  

I also like to have a cordless hammer drill with a 3/8" bit and a 1/2" bit.  If the customer will give you permission, ask to drill a small hole through the slab to check the void.  Make a mark on your drill bit when you break through the slab so you can determine the thickness of the slab.  Then I like to use a fiberglass driveway marker to stick through the hole and measure the amount of void.  If my drill bit is breaking through at 4" and my driveway marker goes in 7" before contacting the ground, then I know I have a 3" void.  When in contact with the ground, try to push the probe further into the ground to get an idea of compaction. If you can bury the probe by hand, then you know the ground is super soft or saturated and you need to account for more foam being used.

If you bring a borescope camera, you can drill a 1/2" hole in the slab and then insert the camera to have a look.  A good borescope will allow you to turn the camera head 90 degrees to have a look under the slab in a horizontal position.  These cameras plug into your smart phone or tablet so you can record video or take still shots.  This can be very compelling evidence to show a property owner and it also indicates that you know what you're doing.

So, what if you have all the cameras and probes, and you know how to sound out a piece of concrete with your piece of rebar; does that guarantee you won't go over on foam usage?  The answer to that is "No" because you may know how to check for a void, but you may not know where to check.  

Take, for example, a driveway slab that is down 2" from the garage slab.  It's easy for a salesperson to come out and measure the driveway slab, check for voids, and put together an estimate.  The experienced salesperson will also ask to go in the garage or carport to check for voids under that slab.  Polyurethane foam always tries to find the easiest path to travel when it is expanding.  If there is a washout under the driveway caused by a misplaced downspout; there is a good chance the void continues up under the garage as well.  Check the garage slab for cracking and tap on it with steel to listen for voids.  The point is to not get so focused on the obvious and take a look at the bigger picture.

Foam Issues

As I mentioned earlier, it's typically not going to be an issue with the foam unless you are using the wrong foam or sub-par foam in the first place.  However, you can still make a poor-quality finished foam with perfectly good raw materials and that will definitely affect the yield and the amount of foam that you will use on a job.  

Because Alchemy-Spetec does not use recycled materials in our formulations, the B-side is almost clear in color and the A side is always the color of weak coffee.  A quick test shot of our foam will let you know right away if it's on ratio because it will be a nice off-white color with a smooth skin forming as it expands.  If there is too much A side the foam will look more yellow and the texture will be crunchy.  If there is too much B side the foam will be pale white and soft.  It will take longer to cure and, in both cases, it will take more product to get the job done.

Besides doing an occasional test shot to check for color and foam curing speed, it's also important to watch the pressure gauges on the machine to make sure they are equal.  Also make note if you are going through a drum set and you consistently have too much A or too much B left over while the other drum is empty.  It could be an adjustment needs to be made at the machine itself.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec slab lifting solutions?

Unstable Loading Dock Slabs

The soil beneath a loading dock slab needs to be stable and strong on a consistent basis.  Sinking or rocking slabs can cause injury and litigation risk that no property owner should have to deal with.  The good news is that you have a choice, even if your slabs are not sinking or rocking yet!

Loading Dock Slab Repair with Polyurethane

As the premier manufacturer of polyurethane lifting and stabilization products, we sell to slab repair contractors all over North America.  Wherever your property is located, we likely know a contractor in your area who can provide an estimate for repairing your loading dock.

Alchemy-Spetec's network of factory-trained contractors can fill voids, stabilize soil and lift sunken slabs with high-strength polyurethane foam.

If you own or manage a building with loading docks, do NOT ignore the risk of injury and litigation that stems from unsupported, unstable or sinking slabs.  We can help you find a well-trained contractor, specializing in loading dock concrete repair.

Call Alchemy-Spetec now at 404-618-0438 or...

Click below, fill out a form for a slab lift brochure & we'll contact you ASAP.

The Alchemy-Spetec PolyBadger mobile slab lifting system (named in honor of the mighty honey badger) is tough and compact. 

The Polybadger is Tough

The PolyBadger slab lifting system is built to last:

• The cabinet is constructed from powder coated carbon steel and the frame is constructed from carbon steel box tubing. 
• The durable hose is constructed with a Teflon core and a stainless-steel braid. (The system can operate with up to 200 feet of hose.)
• Essential elements (heaters, electronics, auto calibrator) are self-contained and protected in a metal cabinet.

The PolyBadger is Compact

The PolyBadger slab lifting system is durably built and designed to go where other lifting systems simply cannot venture:

• The PolyBadger is smaller in size than most of the competition, at 30" wide and 48" long. Now that's what you call portable!
• This is one of the few systems powered through a common 120-volt wall outlet (vs the usual 240-volt requirement). Compatibility with common wall outlets exponentially increases your location possibilities.
• The entire system is very maneuverable, resting on two swivel and two fixed 6-inch pneumatic castor wheels.  The wheels are are filled with light weight polyurethane instead of air, so they don't go flat. 

The Auto Calibrator

Another essential feature is the auto calibrator. It keeps the flow of A-side and B-side slab lifting material on ratio, eliminating the possibility of crossover clogging in the gun or the whip hose. The two low-pressure transfer pumps and auto calibrator are literally the only moving parts in the whole system. That means less downtime, less maintenance, and more productivity on the job. This system is easier to use and a more affordable than many options on the market.

Want more info on the PolyBadger?

Slab Lifting in Cold Weather

Contrary to popular opinion, as a contractor, you don’t have to put up your equipment and rigs due to cold weather. There are many jobs to be done and many ways to keep your material conditioned. Use this season to your advantage and gain valuable business.

Seasonal attractions such as theme parks, for example, are a great place to start looking for winter work. Many of these parks (the ones that aren’t in Orlando) shut down for the winter and this is the time they do maintenance and repairs. Think of all the concrete lifting and leveling that can be done.

Read all about cold weather slab lifting markets, conditioning materials and more in our blog post Slab Lifting in Cold Weather.

Leak Sealing in Cold Weather

You have a variety of options for seeking leak seal jobs that are inside, out of the elements, during the winter months. (See the linked article below for a list of ideas.) If you’re still up for working outside during the winter months, you’re in luck because concrete contracts during colder weather. The contraction makes cracks open wider (thus easier to seal). One important point to understand is that cold weather requires you to make an extra effort to keep your materials and equipment warm.

Read all about cold weather leak seal markets, conditioning materials and more in our blog post Polyurethane Leak Seal in Cold Weather.

Want more info on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Safety is the number one priority for factory and warehouse managers across the country.  Emphasis is most often placed on training employees to wear the right personal protective equipment and observe safety procedures when operating machinery - and rightly so!  In addition, it's also important for management to consider the state of the concrete slab floors.  Sunken or rocking slabs can cause trip hazards and damage equipment.  Undetected voids underneath seemingly solid slabs create the risk of sudden collapse.

Alchemy-Spetec sells high-strength polyurethane resin to slab repair contractors all over North America.  We can help you find a well-trained contactor to inspect the concrete in your warehouse or factory. 

Call Alchemy-Spetec now at 404-618-0438 or...

Click below, fill out a form for a slab lift brochure & we'll contact you ASAP.

Maintenance managers at schools and universities should be keenly aware of the dangers posed by sunken concrete slabs.  Campus walkway slabs can settle and create trip hazards for students and teachers.  Sunken concrete parking lot slabs can create trip hazards and damage vehicles.

Alchemy-Spetec provides high-strength polyurethane concrete leveling foam to contractors all over North America.  These highly trained professionals can spot danger areas during a routine inspection and lift concrete back into place if the slab is still intact and the conditions allow.  Given our extensive customer base, we can very likely help you find a contractor.

Wherever your campus is located, we'll do our best to connect you with a contractor in your area who can perform an inspection and provide you with a repair estimate.

Call Alchemy-Spetec now at 404-618-0438 or...

Click below, fill out a form for a slab lift brochure & we'll contact you ASAP.

Are you in the market for a tough and compact slab lifting system?  The PolyBadger is a reliable entry-level choice for new lifting companies focusing on small jobs.  It's also a great system for larger companies facing out-of-the-way jobs that may prohibit the use of a large rig. 

Benefits of the PolyBadger over a standard rig:

• Lower Initial Investment
• Less Equipment Needed
• Easily Fitted To Truck, Trailer or Cart

In addition, the PolyBadger has considerable advantages over competing mobile cart systems.  Talk to an Alchemy-Spetec rep for comparisons to any other cart system you are considering.

Want more info on the PolyBadger?

Why Voids Under Your Slabs are Dangerous

If you own or manage a property with concrete slabs, you need to understand the danger posed by voids in the supporting soil. Large gaps in the soil beneath your slabs are a red-alert problem for a couple of key reasons:

• Any equipment or vehicles on your slab are at risk. We have linked to this video before, but it is very relevant here: click to view cars falling through a collapsing floor. You definitely do not want this happening in your warehouse, parking area, showroom or garage.
• People are more valuable than any vehicle or piece of equipment could ever be. Don't put your employees, tenants, customers, friends or family at risk.

Signs You Might Have a Void Under Your Slab

There are a few key indicators you should look for when trying to determine the stability of soil underneath your garage:

• Are there cracks in your slab?
• When you gently tap on your slab with a hammer, does it sound "hollow"?
• Is your slab sinking?

Filling the Void and Repairing the Slab

The good news is that filling voids with high-strength polyurethane is generally an efficient fix when you're dealing with a qualified contractor. And you can use the slab in as little as 45 minutes after the repair job is done. If you find any of these signs of distress, call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438 or fill out the form linked below for help finding a geotech contractor in your area. 

Want to schedule a consultation for assistance finding a contractor?