What is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting uses a high density Concrete Polyurethane Foam used to level and lift concrete slabs, fix and seal leaks, fill voids and stabilize slabs /joints. The process begins by drilling a small hole into the concrete and placing an injection port to fill the hole. The polyurethane foam is then injected into the hole expanding slowly to fill and stabilize the area of concrete. Once the concrete has been lifted or leveled, a concrete patch is placed over the injection site to fill the small hole. Using Polyurethane Foam to lift concrete proves to be more cost effective, less down-time, easy clean-up and lasts longer than other methods such as mud jacking or concrete replacement.
Why Polyurethane Foam for Concrete Lifting?
Polyurethane foam is the best choice in slab lifting and void filing due to its ability to go in as a liquid and fill any areas that are compacted or have been eroded by water beneath the concrete surface without much disruption to the environment and concrete itself. This method uses structural lifting foams that are resistant to water to prevent more damage to the area. Once the foam has filled the areas, it begins to expand and will stabilize and lift concrete in those areas. Other Methods do not last as long as Polyurethane foam and can cause disruption to the exterior area and leave a mess. The customer benefits aesthetically from concrete lifting applications, as the small is hole is typically 5/8 area that is then patched over. Concrete Lifting foams vary from 2-5 pounds based on residential, commercial or flow projects that are more for filling voids. Concrete foams weight less than replacing concrete of mud jacking, which means there is a lesser chance of concrete resettling.
How is Concrete Lifting Foam Different?
Concrete lifting foams are different form Spray applied polyurethane foams as there is a delayed reaction time. This reaction time allows the material to flow and spread evenly under the surface. Concrete lifting foams are usually darker in color than spray applied foams. Concrete lifting foam uses water blown blowing agents and is for use in the ground. It is important to have a trained concrete lifting contractor. There are different foam manufactures and multiple weights as opposed to spray applied foams. It’s important to look for reaction times in concrete foam and the adhesion as it will be lifting the concrete slab. A trained concrete lifting contractor will also be able to determine the best foam density for the area that is to be lifted or stabilized. If you’re looking for a concrete lifting foam machine, reach out to Spray Foam Systems or browse the rest of our spray foam equipment.