Alchatek Blog

As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes crisp with excitement, and retail establishments prepare for a surge in customer traffic. The festive spirit fills the air, but it also brings with it a set of unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining safety and stability on your property.

Retailers face heightened risks during the holiday season. Beyond the cheer, sunken and unlevel concrete slabs on properties can create tripping hazards when crowded with shoppers. This can lead to injuries, lawsuits, and damage to a retailer's reputation and profits. Proactive maintenance of concrete surfaces is critical for mitigating these liabilities and keeping retail environments safe. Addressing hazards arising from uneven slabs protects customers and the bottom line this holiday season.

Elevated Risks During the Holidays

Tripping Hazards: With more people rushing to make purchases or simply enjoying the holiday spirit, the chances of someone tripping over uneven or sunken concrete slabs are significantly higher. This not only poses a danger to your customers but can also lead to potential injury claims against your establishment.

Injury Potential: In the midst of holiday shopping, the last thing anyone wants is an accident. Trips, falls, and injuries can not only mar the holiday experience for your customers but also result in costly legal consequences for your business.

Lawsuits: In the unfortunate event of an injury caused by uneven slabs on your property, the risk of facing a lawsuit looms large. Legal battles can be financially draining and detrimental to your reputation as a retail establishment.

Operational Disruption: Dealing with accidents and injuries during the holidays can disrupt your daily operations and dampen the holiday spirit for both customers and staff. This can lead to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction.

Concrete Leveling with Polyurethane

The risks associated with unlevel and sunken slabs during the holiday season are clear and present. However, there are effective solutions available to address these challenges proactively. A specialized two-component expanding foam can lift sunken concrete slabs back into place in wet or dry conditions. When pumped under sunken concrete, the controlled expansion force of the concrete leveling foam can lift virtually any settled slab precisely 1/8” to restore level surfaces.

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You've now gained valuable insights into the world of driveway concrete leveling, understanding the issues caused by sunken slabs, the options for repair, and how to choose the right path for your home. As you ponder your next steps, consider this important aspect: the expertise and assistance you need to get your driveway back to its prime condition.

Why Expertise Matters

Concrete leveling, whether using polyurethane foam or other methods, requires precision and experience. It's not a DIY project and finding the right contractor can make all the difference. You want someone who understands the intricacies of the process, can assess your specific situation, and execute the repair flawlessly.

Alchatek: Your Trusted Partner

Alchatek, a leading manufacturer in the construction industry, specializes in innovative solutions for concrete leveling and repair. With a strong commitment to excellence and a drive for innovation, Alchatek has a track record of providing high-quality products and equipping contractors with the tools and knowledge they need.

How Alchatek Can Help You

Whether you're looking for more information, guidance on your project, or a referral to a qualified contractor, Alchatek is here to assist you. Our expert team understands the nuances of driveway concrete leveling and can connect you with experienced professionals who can get the job done right.

Contact Alchatek Today

Don't let your sunken driveway slabs continue to be a headache. Take action and reach out to Alchatek for the support and expertise you need. Your driveway deserves the best, and Alchatek can help you achieve it.

Call 404-618-0438 or fill out this form to contact Alchatek today!

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When hiring a company to level sunken driveway concrete with polyurethane, homeowners should look for certain qualifications and ask key questions. This helps verify the contractor has the right expertise to tackle the project. By selecting a reliable, experienced professional, homeowners can feel confident about the outcome.

Qualities of a Reliable Pro

Look for an established concrete leveling company with extensive experience specifically using polyurethane injection. They should be able to provide before and after photos of past projects demonstrating their ability to achieve quality results.

The crew should be specially trained in polyurethane concrete leveling. Ask about their training process. Trusted professionals will take safety seriously and follow all protocols during your project.

Seek recommendations from past customers. Reliable contractors will have a long list of satisfied homeowners they can use as references. Online reviews are another good source.

Questions to Ask

When evaluating potential contractors, key questions to ask include:

• How long have you been specializing in polyurethane concrete leveling?
• Are your technicians trained by the product manufacturer?
• Can you provide references from recent leveling jobs?

Their responses will help verify they have the right expertise for the job.

Ensuring a Successful Project

By selecting an experienced polyurethane injection company and asking the right questions, homeowners can ensure expert repairs. The result will be a level, stable, and long-lasting solution to sunken concrete driveway slabs using the most effective modern method.

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When it comes to concrete leveling, homeowners may wonder whether polyurethane or mudjacking is the better method. Both can lift and stabilize sunken slabs without having to demolish and replace the driveway. However, there are some key differences between these two common repair techniques.

Polyurethane Concrete Leveling

Polyurethane injection involves pumping a liquid resin beneath the concrete that rapidly expands into foam. As it solidifies, it solidifies the soil under the slab and lifts the sunken section flush with the surrounding driveway.

The polyurethane bonds strongly to the underside of the concrete, forming a permanent support base. It also helps prevent further erosion by sealing out water and moisture. This innovative repair method has transformed concrete leveling due to its effectiveness and durability.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking uses a cement slurry that is pumped below the sunken slab. This pushes the concrete back up into position. Once dried, the cement offers support. However, it does not chemically adhere to the concrete like polyurethane.

Over time, the cement can re-settle or wash away. This may require repeating the mudjacking process periodically as the slab sinks again. Mudjacking also involves heavy equipment and a longer curing time before the driveway can be used.

Pros and Cons Comparison

When examining the pros and cons, polyurethane comes out ahead for most situations:

• Bonds permanently vs mud settling later
• Faster curing time with less equipment
• Doesn't require future re-applications
• Resists water and further erosion
• Lifts slabs evenly and controls direction/angle

For longevity and performance, polyurethane is the clear winner for leveling sunken concrete slabs.

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Should you repair sunken slabs or replace the driveway completely? There are pros and cons to each approach.

Concrete Leveling with Polyurethane

A popular repair technique is concrete leveling using polyurethane foam. This is injected below the sunken slab to lift and support the concrete back to its original position. The polyurethane expands to fill any voids or washed-out areas beneath the driveway.

The process can successfully level sunken sections ranging from a few inches to several feet. No digging or demolition is required. The concrete slabs are lifted back into place from underneath. This restores the smooth flat surface without having to rip out and replace the entire driveway.

Ripping Out and Replacing

For more extensive sinking across large areas, a full driveway replacement may be warranted. This involves ripping out all the existing concrete, preparing the soil beneath, and pouring new slabs. Replacement ensures you end up with a completely level and properly supported driveway.

However, it is costlier and more disruptive. Heavy equipment is needed to remove and dispose of the original concrete. The prep work also often requires excavating down a foot or more to create a stable base. Then forms must be set up, reinforcement added, and new concrete poured and finished.

Which Approach is Right for You?

The condition of your slab will determine whether polyurethane leveling or full replacement makes the most sense. Multiple, cracked sections spread across the entire driveway typically call for replacement. Isolated sinking of mostly intact slabs may be better suited for slab lifting.

Polyurethane injection offers a less expensive and less invasive repair option compared to wholesale replacement. It also uses fewer resources while producing less demolition waste.

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It's a scene that many homeowners dread: glancing out the window one day to discover large sunken areas in your once-smooth concrete driveway. These uneven sagging sections seem to appear out of nowhere, but in reality, are the result of a very common problem.

Understanding Sunken Slabs

Sunken concrete slabs occur when the ground underneath the driveway begins to settle or wash away. The weight of vehicles driving over the same area day after day also contributes to gradual sinking. As the support below the concrete erodes, sections of the driveway start to dip and crack. Water can then seep underneath and cause further erosion, leading to more pronounced sinking.

If left unaddressed, these sunken concrete slabs will only continue to deteriorate. The uneven surface also creates hazardous conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians. Tires, mufflers, and undercarriages get damaged from scraping against the raised edges of the sunk sections. Anyone walking across the driveway risks twisting an ankle or tripping.

How It Affects Your Driveway

In addition to safety concerns, sunken concrete slabs negatively impact your home's curb appeal. The uneven sunken appearance looks unkempt and diminishes the value of the property. The problem will likely only worsen over time without proper repairs.

Identifying the Problem

Homeowners will first notice sunken concrete slabs when large dips or cracks appear in the driveway surface. There may be audible clunks as vehicles pass over the uneven sections. Pitting, crumbling edges and pooling water are other telltale signs of sinking.

The issue can originate in small areas and spread or may occur simultaneously across large sections. Careful inspection when dry can help determine how much of the concrete is affected. Addressing sinking slabs as soon as the problem is spotted will provide the best repair results. Ignoring sunken concrete driveway slabs risks further deterioration and safety hazards. 

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For contractors seeking productive work during the slower winter months, Alchatek is here to help every step of the way.

Our team can provide guidance on expanding your services to take on new projects during cold weather. When you’re undertaking new winter work, we're available to consult on important logistics like site evaluations, scheduling, equipment selection, and material adjustments for colder temperatures.

We offer personal consultation to equip you with any new skills required for off-season jobs. We also collaborate with contractors to build relationships with local engineers, associations, municipalities, and other potential lead sources. Our staff can assist with tailored presentations and outreach efforts to position you as the go-to contractor for these clients.

Properly winterizing your slab lifting equipment is equally crucial if you’re winding down for an off-season. Our technical experts can advise you on prepping your slab lifting rig and/or PolyBadger lifting system for winter storage.

Contact the Alchatek support team today to for assistance with your winter game plan.

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This guide outlines a step-by-step process for setting up your PolyBadger system for winter storage. Following these recommendations will not only preserve the integrity of your equipment but also make it easier to get it running when the warm weather returns.

Preparing a PolyBadger for Winter Storage

1. Establish power to the cabinet and heat the hose (A heater, B heater, and hose) to the target temperature of 130° F.
2. Introduce material to the cabinet.
3. Turn the air supply on and recirculate to heat up the ISO and resin.
4. Once the PolyBadger is up to temperature, turn off the air supply and remove the airlines from the stick pumps.
5. Remove the supply and the recirculation line from the A-side stick pump.
6. Drain all the remaining material from the pump and clean it with brake cleaner.
7. Place the stick A side stubby stick pump into a 5-gallon pail of AP Pump Flush.
8. Reconnect the supply line and leave the recirculation line to drain in a purge pail.
9. Repeat steps 5-8 on the B-side stick pump.
10. Reconnect the air supply to the stick pumps, hold the return lines in a purge pail, and slowly open the air valve on the stick pumps.
11. You will notice material slowly pushed out of the recirculation line into the purge pail. Continue to pump AP Pump Flush through the system until it comes out of the recirculation line clear, with no added color or debris.
12. Shut the air valve supplying the stick pumps. This will stop the flow of material.
13. Reconnect the recirculation lines to the appropriate stick pump and tighten.
14. Turn the recirculation pump valves to supply the hose.
15. You can remove the Handi Gun or leave it on for this stage, holding the hose in the purge pail. Turn on the supply valves on the end of the hose just before the Handi Gun. Slowly open the air valve on the stick pumps and pull the trigger on the gun.
16. You will notice material slowly pushed out of the hose line into the purge pail. Continue to pump AP Pump Flush through the system until it comes out of the hose line clear, with no added color or debris.
17. Shut the air valve supplying the stick pumps. This will stop the flow of material.
18. Remove the stick pumps from the AP Pump Flush. (Make sure to mark your pails A and B for future use).
19. Insert stick pumps into AP Pump Saver 195. (Make sure to mark your pails A and B for future use).
20. Push the AP Pump Saver 195 through the hose line. You will notice the AS Pump Flush slowly pushed out of the hose line into the purge pail. Continue to pump AP Pump Saver 195 through the system until it comes out of the hose line clear (you will notice a thick, clean fluid).
21. Turn off the supply valves on the hose just before the Handi Gun.
22. Disconnect the air supply to the stick pumps.
23. Move the hose supply valve into the recirculation position to depressurize the system.
24. Shut off supply valves to the cabinet.
25. Turn off heat zones.
26. Turn off the main disconnect.
27. Remove residual grease from interior cabinet pumps.
28. Replace with new grease.

If you follow these steps, your PolyBadger should be ready for secure storage during the winter months.

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As temperatures drop, contractors in certain areas need to winterize their slab lifting rigs for storage during the off-season. Below are the step-by-step guidelines to properly store your equipment.

Important Note

• Extra attention is devoted to the A-side of the system, which is standard practice.
• This guide assumes you're using a PMC pump for your slab lifting rig.

Preparing a Slab Lifting Rig for Winter Storage

1. Remove and clean the A and B stick pumps. Clean the exterior of the pumps with brake cleaner to remove as much residual resin and polyol as possible.
2. Place the A-Side transfer pump into a 5-gallon pail of the AP Pump Flush.
3. Remove the recirculation hose from the A-Side drum and place it in a purge pail.
4. Open A-Side inlet valve and recirculation valve on your PMC machine.
5. Slowly open the air valve on the A-Side transfer pump to start introducing the AS Pump Flush through the A-Side of the machine.
6. You will notice iso material being pushed out of the recirculation line into the purge pail. Continue to pump AS Pump Flush through the system until it comes out of the recirculation line clear, with no added coloring or debris.
7. Shut the air supply feeding the transfer pump. This will stop all flow of material.
8. Un-cap the A-Side of the PMC whip hose. Once un-capped, place the hose into the purge pail.
9. Close the recirculation valve on the A-Side of the PMC machine.
10. Slowly open the air valve on the A-Side transfer pump to start the flow of AS Pump Flush through the heated hose.
11. You will notice iso material being pushed out of the whip hose into the purge pail. Continue to pump AS Pump Flush through the system until it comes out of the recirculation line clear, with no added coloring or debris.
12. Now that this process is complete, the A-Side has been completely cleaned of any iso material.
13. Remove the A-Side transfer pump from the pail of AS Pump Flush and place it into a 5-gallon pail of AP Pump Saver 195.
14. Slowly open the air valve on the A-Side transfer pump to start introducing the AP Pump Saver 195 through the A-Side of the machine. Continue to pump the AP Pump Saver 195 until you have pure and clean AP Pump Saver 195 coming out of the end of the whip hose.
15. Place the B-Side stick pump into a separate 5-gallon pail of AP Pump Saver 195.
16. Slowly open the air valve on the B-Side transfer pump to start introducing the AP Pump Saver 195 through the B-Side of the machine and heated hose. Continue to pump AP Pump Saver 195 through the system until it comes out of the end of the whip hose, with no added coloring or debris.
17. Once the entire system is full of clean AP Lube 190, slowly start to recirculate the AP Pump Saver 195 through the entire system. When doing this, it is best to let the PMC machine cycle while recirculating the AP Pump Saver 195.
18. Once all these steps are complete, close the air on each transfer pump and re-cap the heated PMC whip hoses.

If you follow these steps, your slab lifting rig should be well-prepared for the winter storage period.

For in-depth information on geotech polyurethane applications...

It's time to revisit the idea of remaining profitable during the winter months, but where does one begin?

Engaging with Engineers and Consultants

Networking with engineers is a cornerstone for securing a consistent flow of projects. Engineers are usually involved in any sizable geotechnical or waterproofing project. From industrial settings to property management companies and hydroelectric plants, an engineering firm is almost always the first port of call for problem-solving.

Alchatek offers presentations designed for engineers that cover a range of polyurethane applications like leak sealing, soil stabilization, and concrete lifting. These presentations often qualify for continuing education credits, offering engineers added value. We prefer to collaborate with local contractors for these presentations, creating a link between suppliers, contractors, and engineers.

With diligent follow-up, such activities typically yield smaller-scale projects, which, when successfully completed, pave the way for larger undertakings. Engineers are the go-to professionals for property owners facing issues. If you establish yourself as a reliable, punctual, and skilled contractor, you are more likely to secure jobs without having to go through the bidding process.

Networking Through Professional Associations

A wealth of professional associations exists across various fields and trades. Becoming a member provides an excellent platform for networking and discovering new opportunities.

Take, for instance, your local chapter of BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association), which represents the expansive commercial real estate industry. BOMA members are mainly property owners, facility managers, and building engineers—a perfect audience for discussions on topics like elevator pits, parking structures, and tripping hazards.

IFMA (International Facility Management Association) is another noteworthy association. While BOMA represents the "landlords," IFMA represents the "tenants," who are often the first to report issues. Presenting to IFMA allows you to inform facility managers about problem-solving polyurethane technologies.

Don't overlook ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) either. It's not just for engineers; they offer a category called Organization Partners for non-engineers. Your presentation here can also be facilitated by Alchatek.

Reaching Out to Government Agencies

Sometimes old-school techniques like making phone calls and doing online research are invaluable. Connecting with local municipalities and Departments of Transportation (DOTs) can give you insights into upcoming projects. Attend bid meetings to network with general contractors and engineers.

Don't ignore mass transit authorities in cities with train or subway systems. These authorities regularly release projects for bidding and have engineering departments that could benefit from your solutions in leak sealing and geotechnical applications.

The cold months are an opportunity if you're a contractor seeking winter work. Not only will these strategies help you find winter projects, but they will also positively impact your business all year round. Reach out to the Alchatek support team for guidance.

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