Just like with any construction project, customers are going to have a variety of questions to help them understand how their project is going to go and what to expect from the contractor. This is no different when trying to determine if slab leveling with polyurethane is the right solution for their project. Here are a few common questions that customers have when evaluating the slab leveling process.
1. How does slab leveling with polyurethane work?
Slab leveling with polyurethane is a relatively simple procedure to understand. The polyurethane is a specialized geotechnical system that is formulated to compact and densify soils with enough expansive capacity to lift concrete. When the polyurethane is injected below a slab it reestablishes contact between the slab and the soil, helping to transfer the load of the slab back into the soil. Once the soil beneath the concrete is fully compacted and densified, injections are continued while closely monitoring the surface for movement. The expansive force of the polyurethane then pushes upward and lifts the slab.
2. Does polyurethane slab leveling require excavation?
No excavation is required with slab leveling. The process works by drilling 5/8″ holes, less than the size of a penny, through the slab to give access for the polyurethane below the slab. Once injections are complete, the holes are filled with a non-shrink grout to help deal with potential aesthetic issues.
3. How long does polyurethane slab leveling take?
Polyurethane slab leveling is a fast process. Geotechnical polyurethanes range in expansion and cure time, but they typically cure up to 95% capacity within 25 minutes. This means you can drive a car over the treated area within 25 minutes after injections are completed. The project length is dependent upon the size and scope of your project, but typical residential projects are completed in less than a day.
4. Does polyurethane harm the environment?
Since polyurethane is injected into the soil, it is reasonable to have concerns about the environmental impacts of the polymer. Our geotechnical polyurethanes are environmentally inert, meaning they do not leach chemicals into soils or water. In specialized formulations, our polyurethanes meet NSF-61 ANSI safe drinking water standards, meaning the polyurethane can be put in contact with drinking water without concern for contamination. Polyurethane slab lifting also uses less energy thank rip out and replace and reduces greenhouse gas and landfill waste by extending the useful life of existing concrete.
5. What is the cost of polyurethane slab leveling?
It goes without saying that polyurethane slab leveling costs are dependent on the size of your project and site conditions. However, in most cases when compared to the cost of replacement, polyurethane slab leveling is significantly less expensive. When comparing with the cost of older slab lifting methods or rip out and replace, ancillary costs such as down time, removal of landscaping or irrigation systems, and interrupted access should be considered.