Is your beautiful Lake of the Ozarks property impacted by uneven, cracking concrete? Not only do these unsightly cracks detract from your property’s appeal, but they also pose potential safety hazards. Fortunately, there’s a solution for these problems that’s fast, cost-effective, and incredibly efficient — it’s called Polyjacking. Let’s look into the features and applications of this innovative technique, explaining why it could be the preferred choice for restoring your property to its prime condition. Say goodbye to costly replacements and disruptive excavation. 

Unlock the Potential of Polyjacking! 

Polyjacking is a cost-effective and efficient method for resolving various concrete issues caused by soil erosion or settlement. Some common applications include repairing uneven driveways, sidewalks, patios, and basement floors. Key features of Polyjacking include:

• Its long-lasting results.
• Minimal disruption to landscaping.
• Ability to solve underlying issues related to soil compaction and moisture retention.

Understanding Polyjacking

Polyjacking, also known as polyurethane foam jacking or slab lifting, is a revolutionary technique used in the construction industry to address issues related to settling concrete structures. Unlike traditional methods, such as mudjacking or replacing the entire concrete slab, polyjacking offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

To understand how polyjacking works, let’s look at the process:

• It begins with strategically drilling small holes into the affected concrete slab. These holes serve as entry points for injecting a specialized polyurethane foam material. 
• The foam, a two-component mixture of resin and catalyst, is injected under high pressure into the voids beneath the surface of the concrete.
• As the foam expands, it fills the empty spaces created by soil erosion or subsoil movement over time. This expansion exerts pressure on the settled concrete slab, gradually lifting it back to its original position. The foam hardens within minutes, leading to a quick turnaround time for project completion.

Ensures Precise Control

One of the significant advantages of polyjacking is its ability to ensure precise and controlled lifting of concrete slabs. Since the amount of foam injected can be adjusted and monitored during the process, it allows for accurate leveling adjustments. This adaptability is particularly useful when dealing with uneven surfaces or structures that have settled at varying degrees.

Provides Long-Lasting Results

Polyjacking offers long-lasting results due to the nature of the polyurethane foam material used. The foam does not shrink or deteriorate over time, providing stability and support to the repaired structure. It also has excellent compressive strength, ensuring durability and resistance against future settlement issues.

Wide Range of Applications

Considering the unique characteristics of polyjacking, it has a wide range of applications in various construction settings. From residential properties to commercial buildings, the technique can be used to repair settled foundations, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, and even roadways. This versatility makes polyjacking an attractive option for contractors and property owners seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions to address settlement issues.

A Stand-Out Solution

Now that you understand polyjacking let’s explore some integral features that make this technique stand out in the construction industry.

• According to a study published in Geotechnical Engineering Journal, polyjacking is effective for lifting sunken structures by up to 95%, making it a highly efficient concrete repair method compared to conventional methods.
• The American Society of Civil Engineers reported that polyjacking could extend the life of infrastructure by up to 30 years when correctly applied.
• A recent construction industry survey reported that polyjacking is used in more than 60% of commercial-level foundation repairs due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

Integral Features of Polyjacking

Polyjacking offers several essential features that set it apart from traditional methods of addressing settled concrete structures. These features contribute to its popularity among contractors and property owners alike:

• Minimal Disruption

Unlike traditional methods that may require extensive excavation or demolition, polyjacking minimizes disruption to the surrounding area during the repair process. The small injection holes are easily concealed, resulting in less mess and inconvenience.

• Quick Turnaround Time

Polyjacking allows for rapid project completion as the injected foam hardens within minutes. This means that repaired structures can be used sooner than alternative methodologies requiring curing or drying time.

• Cost-effectiveness

Polyjacking provides a cost-effective solution for addressing settlement issues by avoiding costly excavation or full slab replacement. It eliminates the need for labor-intensive procedures and materials, potentially saving contractors and property owners.

• Precision Leveling

The ability to control the amount of foam injected allows for precise leveling adjustments. Contractors can accurately raise settled slabs to match adjacent surfaces or create even slopes where needed.

• Outstanding Durability

The high-quality polyurethane foam material used in polyjacking offers long-lasting results. Its resistance to shrinkage or degradation ensures stability and support for repaired structures, reducing the likelihood of future settlement issues.

• Effective Solution 

Whether it’s a residential driveway, a commercial parking lot, or a municipal sidewalk, polyjacking provides an effective solution for settling concrete structures. Its integral features make it a compelling choice in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term durability.

• Withstands Heavy Loads and Extreme Weather

Polyurethane foam is lightweight yet strong, providing a durable solution that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for outdoor applications vulnerable to moisture damage.

• Cost Effective 

For instance, a homeowner has a settling porch due to poor soil compaction during construction. They could opt for polyjacking as a cost-effective and efficient way to restore their porch’s functionality and safety without replacing it entirely.

Advantages over Alternative Methods

The polyjacking process offers numerous advantages over alternative methods. Some benefits include the following:

• Unlike mudjacking, which utilizes a slurry mixture of cement and soil additives, polyjacking uses less invasive injections of foam that result in smaller drill holes with minimal disruption to the surface. 
• The foam’s quick expansion also allows for faster curing times, reducing project timelines and minimizing inconvenience to homeowners or businesses.
• Polyjacking is a beneficial and innovative technique for repairing and stabilizing sunken or settled concrete surfaces. 
• Compared to traditional methods like mudjacking, polyjacking offers advantages such as efficient and cost-effective repairs, minimal disruption to the surface, and faster curing times. 
• Expanding polyurethane foam enables precise lifting and stabilization while addressing underlying settlement causes, providing a durable solution that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. 
• Overall, polyjacking is a preferred solution for homeowners and businesses looking for a long-lasting and reliable concrete repair option.

Practical Applications of Polyjacking

Polyjacking is a versatile technique that offers a wide range of practical applications in various industries. This innovative method utilizes expanding polyurethane foam to lift and stabilize concrete slabs, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for many repair and improvement projects. Below are four examples of polyjacking applications: 

• One of the primary applications of polyjacking is concrete leveling. Concrete slabs can experience settlement over time due to soil erosion or improper compaction during construction. This can result in uneven surfaces, trip hazards, and structural instability. Polyjacking effectively addresses these issues by injecting the specialized foam beneath the slab, expanding to fill voids, and lifting it back to its original position. This process is quick, minimally disruptive, and restores the flatness and stability of the concrete.
• Imagine a commercial parking lot that has experienced significant settling, causing sections of the pavement to sink and create uneven surfaces. This not only poses a safety risk but also diminishes the curb appeal of the property. By utilizing polyjacking, contractors can easily lift the affected areas without major excavation or disrupting the parking lot’s functionality. This allows for a faster turnaround time and reduced costs compared to traditional methods like replacing entire slabs.
• Another practical application of polyjacking is foundation repair. Houses and buildings may develop foundation issues over time due to soil movement, water infiltration, or poor construction practices. These problems often manifest as cracks in walls or uneven floors. Polyurethane foam injection offers an effective solution by stabilizing and lifting sunken foundations. The foam expands beneath the foundation, filling voids and providing support to restore structural integrity.
• Consider a residential home with noticeable wall cracks caused by foundation settlement. By adopting polyjacking techniques, homeowners can address this issue by injecting the foam beneath the affected areas. As the foam expands and lifts the foundation, it simultaneously fills any voids that may have contributed to the settlement. This can prevent further damage to the structure and eliminate sources of potential water infiltration.

Civil and Residential Uses of Polyjacking

Polyjacking finds extensive use in civil and residential projects, offering efficient and durable solutions for various applications. Polyjacking offers long-term solutions by providing superior load-bearing capacity and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and soil movement. This ensures that the repaired structures maintain their integrity over time.

• In the civil sector, polyjacking is vital in infrastructure repair and improvement. It is commonly used for repairing sunken or uneven concrete roadways, airport runways, bridge approaches, and sidewalks. By rectifying these issues promptly, polyjacking helps ensure safer transportation routes while reducing maintenance costs compared to traditional repair methods.

• On the residential front, polyjacking is an excellent choice for addressing foundation settlement problems, stabilizing retaining walls, and leveling uneven concrete surfaces such as driveways, patios, and pool decks. Homeowners can benefit from cost-effective repairs that restore functionality and enhance their properties’ aesthetic appeal.

Trust RT Construction for Concrete Lifting Services

RT Construction is proud to partner with Alchemy-Spetec to offer home and business owners concrete lifting services. If you live in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area or the Lake of the Ozarks, call RT Construction at  573-261-5225 to schedule an inspection and free estimate. 

RT Construction has completed residential and commercial projects in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas, all with the same high precision and quality. With over 25 years of experience, we take pride in our work, and your satisfaction is guaranteed. We are licensed, insured, and bonded for your protection.