If you want to learn more about foam jacking foundation repairs, keep reading this article. We’ll explore the Polyurethane lifting process, its benefits, and the situations in which it’s appropriate.
After reading this article, you should be able to restore your foundation to its original state. Fasten your belt as we take off.
Concrete Jacking Foam for Foundation Repair
A concrete slab foundation often serves as the building’s primary support.
It helps maintain straight walls and equal flooring. A solid foundation can withstand ground movement that could collapse a building.
However, cracks, sinking, and settling may threaten the foundation’s integrity.
To solve these problems, consider employing foam jacking to raise a foundation. It’s an excellent and durable method of increasing and stabilizing your foundation without constructing inner pilings.
The solution is also efficient and reasonably priced.
Understanding Foam Jacking and How It Works
Polyurethane foam lifting, poly-leveling, polyfoam injection, poly-lifting, and slab jacking are other names for foam jacking.
During this procedure, high-density polyurethane foam is injected beneath the foundation.
A potent compound called catalyst polyfoam compresses the earth beneath a house, allowing the building to be raised.
The foam expands and solidifies, raising the foundation to its initial position.
Foam jacking is a simple and efficient method for fixing settled or sinking slabs. It can also be utilized to lift portions of highways subjected to thousands of automobiles and semi-trucks daily.
Poly-jacking can be applied to simple external concrete surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks in residential settings.
It dries to a stiff substance, similar to the hard Styrofoam used to package and protect electronics for shipping instead of shaving foam.
How to Repair the Foundation Using Foam Jacking
The procedure for lifting polyurethane foam is simple. Following the steps listed below can help beginners successfully address their foundation problems.
Before proceeding, tiny holes must be drilled into the foundation’s impacted area. The holes should be about ½ inches or nearly the size of a penny.
When lifting the slab from below, you must drill holes strategically. Once completed, seal the holes after inserting a row of nozzles and initiating the injection process.
They are now given an injection of a unique polyurethane foam. The foam expands and solidifies in seconds as it fills the spaces beneath the foundation. As the foam expands, the foundation is raised to its initial level. Make sure the foam is injected gradually and evenly.
The holes are sealed using a material that fits the foundation after it has been raised to the appropriate level. The foam takes about a day to dry completely, which gives foam jacking an advantage over other repairs.
Perks of Cement Foam Jacking for Foundation Repairs
Polyurethane foam injection has several benefits for foundation repairs.
As stated earlier, the method fully returns your foundation to its original state. It strengthens and resists moisture, improves structural integrity, and is precise, rapid, and flexible.
In addition, it is cheap, long-lasting, eco-friendly, and barely noticeable. For clarity, let’s go over a few of these benefits one at a time.
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The Procedure Is Fast And Precise.
Two of foam jacking’s benefits are its quickness and accuracy. Polyurethane foam is used, and it repairs structures 80% faster than other methods.
The material can fully dry in a few hours or days instead of days or weeks. Additionally, the injection technique ensures that the foam is injected where essential stability is required.
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Strengthened Foundation
A significant benefit of foam jacking is enhancing the strength and stability of your foundation.
Polyurethane is a thick foam. It offers the stability required to support the weight of the building. Thanks to its tensile strength and elongation features, it can help your home.
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Durable
Polyfoam injection is the number one choice for fixing foundation issues.
The material is highly durable compared to its counterparts. It’s designed to last for several decades without any foundation issues.
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Cost-effective
Consider foam jacking as a low-cost solution for your foundation problems. Compared to more typical repair methods, this method is less costly, making it perfect for frugal homes.
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Resistant to Moisture
A significant bonus is that poly foam injection is moisture-resistant. It forms a seal that prevents other foundation problems. If you live in Houston, consider using this kind of repair.
Homes in these areas tend to be affected by high humidity and groundwater seepage.
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Environmentally friendly
Polyurethane foam is an eco-friendly product made from recycled resources. It is also non-toxic and safe to use near humans, animals, and plants.
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Enhance structural integrity.
As already said, foam jacking will improve your home’s stability. The material may expand to cover spaces under your slab left by washout from flooding or heavy rains.
It is also water-resistant. These kinds of weather disruptions are common in tropical places like Houston. If you reside in these places, consider using this repair approach.
Troubles with Concrete Foam Jacking for Foundation Repairs
Although this form of foundation repair has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks or issues. That’s why choosing just one is so tricky.
Weighing these drawbacks is crucial before selecting this repair technique. This will enable you to decide whether the solution is appropriate for your house.
Potential plumbing hazards, flood damage, and erratic lifespans are some things to be wary of. Let’s discuss them in brief.
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Floor Damage
Recall that injecting polyethylene foam into holes is part of the foam jacking process. If such holes are drilled, your foundation may be damaged.
If the task is attempted by someone who isn’t qualified, the floor can sustain damage. You must employ a seasoned contractor or business to complete the work.
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Damaged Plumbing Lines
Another drawback of polyfoam injection is the potential harm to plumbing fixtures.
Under-slab plumbing carries risk, much like any other foundation repair project. As such, caution must be exercised when working near it. You must inspect every water line both before and after the jacking.
Look for leaks or existing cracks in the lines that the poly-jacking material could penetrate. If you fill them with foam, your plumbing lines will clog.
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Robustness Of Repairs
While foam jacking foundation repairs are strong, they will not endure as long as more traditional methods. Polyfoam, unlike piers, cannot penetrate the unstable soil layers beneath the ground’s surface.
Furthermore, unlike piers, polyfoam lacks any structural mechanism to resist uplift.
Although not a genuine stabilizer or anchor, polyurethane foam is a space filler and lifter.
That’s because it was not created in that manner. Instead of passing through the earth and grabbing hold of it through friction and resistance, it is practically floating on top of it.
However, the technique is a quick fix to raise your foundation correctly.
Foam jacking is an excellent method for dealing with foundation problems. As you can see above, it can return your foundation to its original condition.
Consider the benefits and limitations before selecting this course of action. As was already said, it will assist you in making the best choice.