basement concrete leveling Archives - Page 2 of 7 - PolyMagic Kansas City, Columbia, and Jefferson City

Top 10 Best Polyjacking Companies

October 13, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

When it comes to home repairs, we all would prefer to have a referral from someone we know. Whether that’s your plumber, car mechanic, or even your concrete lifting and leveling company. Well, we have that list done for you! A recent article from Kansas City’s BloggerLocal website listed the Top 10 Best Kansas City Mudjacking Contractors & Polyjacking Companies. Proudly PolyMagic Kansas City made the list and continues to be proud of our 160+ 5-star google reviews.

Aside from this article, PolyMagic is equipped to handle your concrete lifting and leveling needs by the most effective and efficient method out there, polyjacking. This can be traditionally interchanged with the term mudjacking, but our polyurethane foam process will get the job done.

When you look at an overview of Google reviews, you’ll see that PolyMagic has a solid 5-star following. Yes, even listed as KC’s Top 10 Best Polyjacking Companies, we’ve corrected the uneven concrete on over 1,000 homes in Kansas City the past few years, so chances are you’ve seen our truck or crew around town. We offer free estimates, so give us a call at 816-765-4800 or fill out our form here!

Top 10 Best Kansas City Mudjacking Contractors & Polyjacking Companies

Are you ready for a free estimate on your uneven concrete?

What lifts your concrete better – polyurethane foam or mud jacking?

September 19, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

It’s almost winter in Kansas City and we’re in the midst of the dreaded freeze/thaw cycle. One aspect of your home that you shouldn’t neglect is the concrete. We’re talking about the concrete in your sidewalks, driveways, porches, patios, pool areas, basements, and driveways.

The freezing and thawing/precipitation cycles that happen in the Midwest from November to March can leave an impact on your concrete. One of the culprits that can damage your concrete is the salt used on the ice. As a locally owned and operated Kansas City concrete lifting and leveling company, PolyMagic has a few tips to determine if you have a need for concrete repairs.

What lifts your concrete better - polyurethane foam or mudjacking?

Once a homeowner starts to see the signs of concrete damage around their home, many will call a mudjacking company, as that’s the traditional process.

However, when it comes to the most effective way to lift and level your concrete, polyjacking is the best solution. As technology and equipment progressed, companies like PolyMagic have found a more effective and efficient way to raise and lift your concrete through polyjacking. One can ask… what lifts your concrete better – polyurethane foam or mudjacking? Some of the following terms can be interchanged with the process of lifting and leveling the concrete around your home.

Poly foam
Polyurethane foam
Mudjacking
Polyjacking
Foam lifting
Foam jacking
Slab jacking
Slab leveling
Poly lifting

Can Concrete Lifting & Leveling Be Done in Winter?

Yes. This process can be done throughout the winter months in the Midwest. This is the perfect winter to-do to remove from your list. If you’re in the Kansas City area and begin to notice signs of concrete damage (unevenness, sinking, shrinking, or crumbling), reach out to PolyMagic. We have over 15 years of experience in this process and can be in and out in a few hours. Reach out today to schedule a free estimate! 816-765-4800

Polyurethane Injection or Mudjacking: Which is Right for Your Concrete?

August 28, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

Due to various reasons, constructed concrete slabs, patios, driveways, decks, porches, sidewalks, pool slabs, or garage floors can settle or swell up in different parts, breaking the concrete. When this happens, the surface level of the concrete becomes uneven and can have serious cracks.

That’s when you’ll need to repair the concrete quickly, as leaving it untreated can lead to more structural damage and accidents. There are mainly two methods of repair: polyurethane injection and mudjacking. They have different characteristics, so let’s get to know them in detail.

Polyurethane Injection or Mudjacking: Which is Right for Your Concrete?

What Is Polyurethane Injection?

When parts of the ground concrete panels are settled down, we can use polyurethane injection to level the concrete surface by lifting the settled portion. The polyurethane mixture was developed as a solution to the disadvantages of traditional lifting methods. Specifically, it was at first made for large structures to deal with the settling problem as soon as possible.

Polyurethane is a lightweight foaming polymer that can harden after some time and is usually used to fill voids, displace water, increase soil loading capacity, stabilize thin or large slabs, repair damages and cracks in concrete, bind unstable soil layers, etc.

The process of injecting this frivolous foam into the voids or cracks to fill them and make the surface of the concrete the same as before is known as polyurethane injection. This method requires punching small holes in the concrete near the damaged area, and then you can insert the foam through a thin hose.

Since the holes are too small for this injection process, when they are patched, they can’t be easily detected, which is good for appearance. Also, you can repair a large area in a few hours.

What Is Mudjacking?

As we continue to look at Polyurethane injection vs mudjacking, which is right for your concrete, let’s explore mudjacking. Mudjacking is a widely known solution to foundation settlement problems. Unlike polyurethane, this method has been helping the construction industry for a long time since there are insufficient lifting methods for settled concrete.

In this method, heavy mixture machines are used to intermix different types of soil, clay, silt, sand, and cement using water to make a slurry. The ratio of all these mixing items varies from one contractor to another. However, the mixture is around 100 pounds per cubic foot volume, no matter what the mixing ratio.

When the slurry is properly mixed, a hole of a few inches in diameter is drilled in the concrete slab that broke apart or settled down. Then, using a short hose, the thick water-based slurry is injected under the slab to fill the void area. In this method, you’ll need to drill many holes in the concrete to entirely fill up the void.

When the slurry overflows or the surface level of the concrete becomes leveled, the injection process is considered done, and then the drilled holes are patched. This whole process of repairing damaged slabs on the ground is called mudjacking.

Difference Between Polyurethane Injection and Mudjacking

The work of both polyurethane injection and mudjacking is almost the same. However, they have tons of differences too. Here are the main differences:

Weight

Polyurethane is super lightweight, weighing only 2-4 pounds per cubic foot volume, whereas the mudjack mixture weighs 100 pounds for the same volume.

Since the mud materials are 30 to 50 times heavier than the poly foam, the mudjack can contribute to the soil settlement under the concrete slab. Also, you’ll need heavy equipment to deal with the heavy material in the mudjack process.

Accessibility

For a long time, the mudjacking method was used to lift concrete parts; that’s why you’ll find many contractors offering this service. However, using polyurethane for concrete lifting is a new and expensive process, which is why it’s hard to get access to this process at the right time.

Versatility

The polyurethane material is more versatile than the mudjacking mixture. You can only use the mud mixture in the soil to level the surface and fill the void in the ground. On the other hand, poly foam can be used in many different applications, such as concrete crack repair, any type of void filling, making soil layers or concrete panels stable, disposing of water, and so on.

Application

Although the application steps for both of these materials are the same, the details of the process vary. For example, you’ll need large holes for mudjack but smaller ones for the poly foam. Also, the mud needs a few days for curing and finishing, whereas the other method can be finished within an hour.

Longevity

Due to environmental factors, the mudjacking area is more prone to erosion than the polyurethane-injected area. However, the mudjacking mixture has more than 2000 PSI of compressive strength, whereas the polyurethane’s compressive strength is around 100 PSI.

Because of this strength, the mudjack mix can’t be easily settled down or washed away over time. That’s why, in most cases, you’ll be offered longer warranty periods for the mudjack process compared to the polyurethane process.

Environmental Effects and Hazards

The polyurethane foam is made using chemical processes where the carbon count is higher, but the mud mixture is entirely natural, so the mudjaks have a less negative impact on the environment. Also, when you inject the poly foam and it settles down, it can sometimes explode.

Comparison

It’s easier to decide what’s best for you if you can see their differences and similarities quickly. Here is a comparison table of polyurethane injection and mudjacking with each other regarding different characteristics in brief:

	Polyurethane Injection	Mudjacking
Mixture	The same specific engineered mixture is used all the time.	The mixture varies from contractor to contractor.
Curing Time	15 to 30 minutes	At least 1 day
Control	Hard to control	Hard to control
Weight	2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot	100 pounds per cubic foot
Injection Hole Requirement	⅝ inch diameter	1 to 2 inch diameter
Equipments	Small, light equipment	Large, heavy equipment
Warranty	Short-term warranty	Long-term warranty
Erosion	Won’t wash out	Vulnerable to erosion depending on the mixture
Cost	Expensive	Inexpensive
Potential Hazards	Has risks	No risk
Availability	Typically unavailable	Widely available
Environmental Effect	Less environment-friendly	More environment-friendly

Both polyurethane injection and mudjacking have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to carefully weigh their differences to determine which one is best for your concrete repair. If you need quick repairs for any emergencies, it’s better to use poly foam; otherwise, mudjack is okay. For the best solution, you can consult with your contractor.

If you’re located in the Kansas City metro (Lenexa, Olathe, Liberty, Leawood, Overland Park, Parkville, Smithville, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Independence, Oak Grove, Raymore, Belton, Harrisonville, Peculiar, and Pleasant Hill), reach out for a free estimate, or give us a call at 816-765-4800.

The Ultimate Garage Upgrade: 9 Advantages of Choosing Floor Coatings

August 23, 2023 By PolyMagic

A garage or carport is a common space in most houses that is not only used storage for a car, lawn mower, tools, bikes, but also used for community gatherings, a gaming spot, an entryway to the main house, and so on. For all these purposes, a garage must be durable, pleasant, and well cared for.

The perfect way to take care of your garage is to take care of the floor first, since this surface deals with most work, and is the most trafficked area. One of the best ways to look after the garage floor, and to increase your home value, is to apply floor coatings. Floor coatings is a strong covering for the floor that seals the concrete below. Let’s get to know the details of garage floor coatings from this article.

9 Benefits of Garage Floor Coating

Garage floor coating has so many benefits that can help us throughout the ages. Some of the most prominent benefits are here:

Floor Protection

The floor of your garage faces so much pressure, wear and tear on a daily basis. The garage is not only used to keep the cars but also as a workshop so often. So, there will be more impact and loads of heavy equipment and tools alongside your vehicles.

An uncoated floor surface will get damaged from all the regular impacts, chemicals, and abrasions. The floor surface will become weaker and break apart easily. That’s why we need to use a coating to protect the garage floor. All the coatings are resilient and durable enough to protect the floor from all the above problems.

Enhance Safety

When the garage surface has dents and puddles, there are more possibilities for tripping hazards. Coated floors drastically reduce the chances of accidents and protect tires from wearing out or getting punctured. But when the floor is coated, the chances of accidents or other problems occurring decrease radically.

Easy Maintenance

Another advantage of the The Ultimate Garage Upgrade: 9 Advantages of Choosing Floor Coating is easy maintenance. The garage gets dirty, and there are so many strains caused by oils and other spills. When the garage floor is not coated, the rough surface is very hard to clean. Also, the stains can’t be removed easily because the uncoated surface absorbs most of the chemicals in the cleaner, making it hard to deal with the stains.

However, when you coat the garage floor, the surface becomes smoother, which makes stain and dirt removal easier and faster. You can quickly clean and mop on a better floor surface.

Property Value Boost

If you intend to sell your house, it’s a better idea to coat your garage floor to claim a higher selling price.

The coated garage boosts the value of your property, which helps not only to sell it at a higher price but also attract more buyers. It’s because the coating comes with all the positive sides that buyers want, and it’s also cost-effective for them to buy a coated house rather than coating the garage afterwards.

Also, the customers will be convinced that you took great care of the house, so they won’t face many problems in any part of the house. For this reason, they would want to buy the house even if the price was a bit higher.

Improved Appearance

A coated garage floor surface improves the overall appearance of the working space. Usually the garage looks untidy and dull, but when we coat the floor surface, it makes the place look tidier. Also, the coating is customizable, so you can make your garage have the same theme and color as your entire house or any way you want.

natural, brighter lighting

The garage usually looks a bit dim inside, as there’s not much opening to keep the vehicles safe. And to make the place look brighter, if we install more light bulbs, it takes more energy. However, this problem can be solved by coating the garage floor.

When we use coatings, the surface becomes smoother and also becomes more reflective. So, even when there’s not much light, the floor surface reflects the light and makes the surrounding area brighter. As a result, you don’t need to spend extra on electricity, but you can do work in the garage more effectively and clearly.

Decrease Dust

If the garage floor isn’t coated, it can be covered with thick layers of dust. Since the car tires bring dirt from outside, it can’t be helped to make the area fully dust-free. But the amount of dust can be decreased, and there won’t be residual dust after cleaning when the surface of the garage is well coated.

On a normal, uncoated surface, there will still be a lot of residual dust even after cleaning. If you have breathing problems, it can be a hassle. So you must coat the garage floor as soon as possible.

Cost Effective

Coating the garage floor eventually helps you save on extra costs. If you keep the uncoated surface, you’ll need to spend extra on lights to see better, extra chemicals to clean the floor thoroughly, extra costs if accidents occur, and eventually you’ll need to repair the concrete floor as it gets damaged or breaks apart.

But coating the floor beforehand can save all these expenditures in the long run.

Slip-Resistance

Coating the garage floor makes it slip-resistant, so there’s less chance of accidents because of trips and falls. The floor surface is uneven when uncoated, but it becomes leveled after coating. As a result, there’ll be no slippage or skidding of the vehicle.

Now that you know how important it is to coat your garage floor, don’t just randomly coat it. After reading this article, The Ultimate Garage Upgrade: 9 Advantages of Choosing Floor Coating, you’ll need to talk with an expert about what type of coating will be best for you, as the decision can differ depending on different criteria. Also, leave the coating application to the professionals, as doing it yourself may result in uneven application and the benefits of coating may diminish. If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to PolyMagic as the leading local company for concrete lifting/leveling, then floor coatings. We are in and out in a day, with storage available during the application process. Reach out today to chat about your floor coatings project. 816-765-4800 or fill out this form here.

3 Big Reasons It’s Unwise to Wait on Polyjacking and Crack Sealing

July 20, 2023 By PolyMagic

Don’t Risk Water Damage and More – Book a Free Estimate with the Leading Team for Concrete Repair in Kansas City

The Kansas City metro area is very fortunate to have many beautiful neighborhoods, complete with historic homes, inviting neighbors, and a community that rallies around our sports teams and proud Midwestern spirit.

As more and more people are settling down in Kansas City, homeowners are doing whatever they can to ensure their houses are as comfortable and valuable as possible.

Some homeowners want to make repairs to make their lives easier and happier in their forever homes. Others are looking at climbing real estate prices, knowing that they should increase their property value before they sell.

In both cases, making key repairs and remodeling are some of the most important considerations. However, in all the rush to make a house a home, there’s one part of the home that, if left overlooked, can end up costing homeowners big down the road – concrete.

Uneven concrete and cracks typically appear in your walkways, driveway, or basement floors. They may not be first on your to-do list, but it’s important not to delay the repairs. PolyMagic, the most trusted company for polyjacking services near you, spends a great deal of time educating homeowners all over Kansas City about the dangers of pretending concrete and foundation issues don’t exist.

As a local company dedicated to the safety, security, and value of Kansas City homes, we fix concrete issues before more costly trouble arises. Below, find several reasons why you shouldn’t delay on getting a quote for foundation crack repair, crack injections, and all our key services.

Reason #1 Why You Can’t Wait on Polyjacking and Crack Sealing: Slips and Trips!

If you have cracks or uneven, damaged concrete in your garage or on your driveway, patio, walkways, pool area, or another location, it’s more than likely that this is creating a trip hazard for your family and guests.

Imagine having older guests or children over and having to cautiously walk them up the driveway and toward the front door. This is not only dangerous, but it can also pose a liability. The #1 reason for ER visits each year is due to falls around a home. You don’t want your visitors to experience any dangerous uneven areas. What’s more, you don’t want potential homebuyers to experience a maze of large cracks and sunken concrete as they tour your home.

The fact of the matter is, cracks and sinking concrete never get better – they only get worse. The sooner you book crack sealing or polyjacking services near you, the sooner you can fix these safety hazards and ensure your home is safe for everyone. Schedule an appointment and get a quote for our foundation crack repair and concrete repair in Kansas City today to get your concrete solution started.

Reason #2 Why You Shouldn’t Wait on Polyjacking and Crack Sealing Services: Decreased Value!

The more damaged your concrete gets, the more value you lose in your home. If your municipality does drive-by appraisals, eyesores like damage to your concrete are going to affect the value of your home.

Also, when private appraisers, home inspectors, and homebuyers visit your property when it’s time to sell, they’re going to ask for a price reduction due to the damage – or buyers may decide to pass on your property altogether.

Further, your home can potentially lose value because the worse the damage gets, the more likely it is that you’ll run into our final reason why you shouldn’t delay on concrete repair in Kansas City: water and structural damage.

The most trustworthy, affordable team for polyjacking services near you doesn’t want to see a small, easily solvable problem turn into a major one. Avoid more costly repairs later with our state-of-the-art crack sealing and foundation crack repair services to level out concrete, fill cracks, and improve the quality and safety of your home. Get a quote today from the experts at PolyMagic.

Reason #3: Beware Water and Structural Damage – Don’t Delay on Polyjacking, Crack Sealing, and More

When the concrete in and around your home has cracks, slopes, and other openings, you leave your home vulnerable to water. Water always finds the fastest way in, and if you leave your concrete exposed with openings, that’s where it will go, wreaking havoc along the way.

For example, water can get into your basement through cracks in your foundation’s walls and floors, causing damage to your foundation. It will also cause issues in other areas of your home, including cracks around door frames and sticking doors and windows. When too much water gets in and too much damage is done, foundation failure can eventually occur.

Water can also get into your home from other areas with damaged concrete, including your patio, front walkway, porch slab, pool deck, and more. To avoid the troubles that water can cause, contact our Kansas City concrete repair team to ensure all concrete areas around your home are protected with crack sealing and polyjacking services near you. Our foundation crack repair and concrete leveling team provides seamless, effective solutions when you need them.

Partner with PolyMagic for Polyjacking and Crack Sealing in Kansas City

If you’re ready to avoid trips, falls, damage to your property, and decreased value, now’s the time to get concrete repair for your Kansas City home.

Remember, cracked and damaged concrete will continue to worsen, but now you can get affordable, high-quality foundation crack repair and polyjacking services near you. When PolyMagic’s work is done, your concrete will look new again, and the root of the problem will be resolved.

It’s not just any kind of magic – it’s PolyMagic! Get to know our expertise, technology, and knowledge, so you can enjoy your home to the fullest. Get a quote from PolyMagic today by contacting us online or calling (816) 296-6759.

8 Reasons Behind Driveway Dropping in Front of Your Garage

June 29, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

Have you ever pulled up to your house, into the garage and suddenly notice that the driveway right in front of your garage is slightly down and uneven? You may even feel the drastic bump as you’re driving over the concrete approach from the driveway to the garage. This can be frustrating, and it is potentially dangerous for any homeowners. But what do you do next to address the situation?

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons for the driveway drops and what you can do about it to fix and prevent it.

Why Did the Driveway Drop Right in Front of Your Garage?

There are so many reasons behind your driveway sinking right in front of your garage. Below we discussed a few most common causes. They include:

Poor Drainage

Poor drainage at your home, specifically poor drainage beside your garage, is one of the most common reasons behind driveway sinking. When the drainage system is not functioning well, rain and water from other sources accumulate under the driveway. This can lead to soil erosion and eventually sinking the driveway.

To solve this issue, you should check your drainage system and address the leaks and cracks to seal them properly. Need an expert to take a look? Residents in the Kansas City area reach out to PolyMagic for their drainage concerns.

Heavy Vehicles

Over time, weight plays an important role in your driveway sinking. When you drive a heavy vehicle, such as a large truck or RV, and pass them over the driveway frequently, the driveway starts to sink and crack. It happens especially when the vehicle’s weight is higher than the driveway’s capacity.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are also responsible for your driveway cracking and sinking. When any big large trees are planted too close to the garage or driveway, their roots can spread and grow beneath the concrete. Those roots eventually grow bigger and bigger, pressuring the concrete to crack.

That’s why it’s better not to build your garage too close to the trees or landscaping shrubs. Their roots are powerful and can damage the surrounding property in the future.

Poor Construction

One of the 8 Reasons Behind Driveway Dropping in Front of Your Garage is due to poor driveway construction. If the concrete company didn’t use solid concrete, sufficient base preparations, or didn’t follow the correct reinforcement to build the area, then it’ll likely crack and sink over time. It’s important to choose the professionals to do the job so that you can rest assured your construction was built properly.

Soil Erosion

Most of the time, the soil beneath the driveway starts to wear down. This starts to create significant voids beneath the area, leading the driveway to sink and crack over time. The reason behind the soil erosion is the poor drainage system or improper grading.

When the soil erodes, the water starts to flow beneath the concrete, slowly washing away the soil. And when the soil support starts to fade away, the concrete weighs down on the unsupported area and eventually sinks. Soil erosion can also happen because of significant weather conditions, such as a drought.

Poor Soil Compaction

During your building’s initial construction process, if the soil beneath is not prepared and compacted correctly, the soil will shift and settle over time, creating a void and causing the driveway to sink. It happens more on the driveways that were newly constructed.

That’s why it’s important to prepare and compact the soil before you start the construction on it or laying down concrete. This prevents the future possibility of any construction problems, such as driveway sinking in the long run.

Aging Infrastructure

We all know everything starts to show signs of wear and tear as it ages, and the driveway is no exception. The concrete beneath starts to deteriorate over time due to multiple things exposures, such as temperature, rain, snow, etc. The aging of infrastructures can cause driveway cracks, sink, and even potholes, which makes it hard for pedestrians and vehicles to go over it.

Poor Maintenance

Without proper maintenance of the concrete area, homeowners can expect to see big or small cracks, potholes, or drainage issues. That’s why it’s important to regularly keep an eye on the sight and address any cracks and unevenness quickly. That’s how you’ll get to fix them in the earlier stages and save the costly repairs in the future.

How to Prevent the Driveway Sinking

Fix Drainage Problems

Bad drainage issues are a top reason for your driveway surface deterioration and soil getting washed away, leading to driveway sinking. That’s why it’s essential to have a proper drainage system on your property so that no water can sweep in and cause harm to your driveway and other property.

Avoid Using Heavy Vehicles

Every driveway and construction have weight-bearing limitations. While they’re building, the constructor designs their structures to accommodate a certain amount of weight. When someone uses a vehicle that weighs way more than the driveway is designed to bear and runs it on the surface daily, then the driveway starts to sink or get cracks here & there.

That’s why you should avoid using heavy vehicles in your driveway, such as trucks, cranes, etc.

Fill in Any Gaps

The gaps in your driveway can cause soil erosion underneath by water seeping in from time to time. To prevent this, you need to fill any gaps you see on the surface with the necessary sealants or materials. It’ll stop the water from entering the area through those gaps.

Tree Maintenance

Tree roots can grow and spread over time, leading to pressure on the concrete under the driveway. These exerted pressures can cause cracks and gaps in the driveway. That’s why it’s important to not build your driveway too close to trees or trim them from time to time to stop them from growing way too close to your driveway.

Have you started to experience any of the 8 Reasons Behind Driveway Dropping in Front of Your Garage? It isn’t an expensive repair if you address the situation quickly. Don’t wait until the issues worsen, reach out today to schedule a free estimate!

Why is my concrete sinking?

April 26, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

Homeowners around the Kansas City area have used PolyMagic for decades for their concrete lifting and leveling solutions. As the list of homeowner responsibilities continues to grow, it’s imperative to keep the concrete around your home (sidewalks, driveways, garage approach, patio, porch, pool area) even to reduce trip hazards. This article will address the many reasons to the question homeowners are constantly asking… Why is my concrete sinking? We wish this was a one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s not. That’s why concrete lifting and leveling experts like PolyMagic are equipped to find the source of the issue and provide an affordable solution.

How Can Kansas City Soil Cause Concrete to Sink

Kansas City and the surrounding metro area are known for their clay soil. As explained by Kansas State University, Clay is a soil component that goes from one extreme to the other. During periods of heavy rain, clay holds a large amount of water in its small pore space between particles. Saturated clay soils hold so much water the oxygen is excluded. We often say the plant drowned out from all the rain. But in reality the plant suffocated from lack of oxygen to the roots. So, during the dry weather, the soil shrinks and that can lead to cracks in the ground. The cracks will then cause the concrete on top of that area to sink. As the opposite happens weather-wise in the Kansas and Missouri areas, the flood-like rains we can get in Spring can provide the clay soil with expanding mechanisms to push the soil upward, causing uneven surfaces along the concrete. Some areas may be pushed up, which looks like other areas are sinking.

Top Reasons for Why Concrete Sinks

The top areas that homeowners notice the concrete sinking or settling is around the garage approach (area where the garage meets the driveway), driveways, porches, patios, sidewalks, and pool areas. You may not discover the sinking until it has become a trip hazard, as the process can be gradual. Let’s explore the top reasons that may answer the question… Why is my concrete sinking?

Reason #1: Weather.

The Kansas City/midwest weather continues to reference the “don’t like the weather now? Wait an hour…” theory. The summers are dry, sometimes drought-like, and very hot and humid. The fall and spring are typically wet, sometimes flood-like, and the winters are a freeze/thaw cycle. The weather can certainly wreak havoc on your home’s concrete, as the concrete contracts and expands with the weather patterns.

Reason #2: Water Intrusion.

Kansas City has clay soil, which is the perfect mix for the freeze/expand and heat/contract cycles to produce voids. The home’s downspouts are a common place to see the water intrusion take place. Companies like PolyMagic suggest downspout extenders, and even offer burying downspouts to further the water from the home. Water can also seep into the home (traditionally the basement) through cracks in the walls or foundation. The concrete cracks are again caused by the clay soil’s settlement due to the external factors. At the first signs of wall or foundation cracks, reach out for a free estimate on crack sealing, crack injections, or we can even suggest foundation repair or waterproofing solutions from our sister company, PierMagic Foundation Specialists.

Reason #3: Construction

Not all reasons for concrete sinking is caused by mother nature. There are many times when construction of the home, sidewalks, driveway, porches, patios, and basements isn’t done properly and the concrete settles, or sinks.

Reason #4: Soil.

Depending on what your home was built upon, you may be dealing with clay soil. This is especially true around the Kansas City metro area. As we’ve explained in the previous sections, clay soil isn’t the most conducive to the extreme temperatures, so homeowners must keep an eye on the deterioration. Another side of soil that shouldn’t be overlooked is poorly compacted soil. During the construction and building process, even before the concrete is poured, a crew is responsible for compacting the soil very well before the actual pouring begins. If not done properly, the weight of the concrete over time will lead to sinking, settling, cracks, and more.

We’ve identified four reasons that answer the questions… Why is my concrete sinking? As a homeowner, if you begin to see any of the issues explained, reach out today for a free estimate. We have a local team who knows and understands Kansas City clay soil. We are equipped to handle the most severe situations. We are also equipped to handle preventative care to ensure your home and concrete surrounding it stays safe, stable, and solid.

Increasing Your Home’s Value with Floor Coatings

April 12, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

Spring brings the laundry list of home improvement projects. Everything from planting flowers and cleaning gutters to repairing uneven concrete or leaky windows, the to-do list is never-ending. There are ways to increase your home’s value with floor coatings, which are truly a transformative project that can be done in one day. In and out in one day, immediate home value improvement, and a room transformation… sign me up!

Columbia, Jefferson City, and the Lake of the Ozarks all have options when it comes to epoxy floor coating companies. However, residents now have an option that includes a company that offers a process that is 10x more durable than epoxy. PolyMagic offers polyurea/polyaspartic floor coatings, which can be used on any concrete surface. The benefits outweigh those of epoxy, and are comparable in pricing. Let’s explore the reasons for Increasing Your Home’s Value with Floor Coatings.

The installation of floor coatings can immediately increase your property value. Areas that typically utilize the floor coatings include:

Garage floors
Pool areas (slip-resistant formula)
Basement floors
Porches
Patios
Sidewalks
Commercial and Residential Applications

But before we discuss Increasing Your Home’s Value with Floor Coatings, we should note that all concrete is not in pristine condition. There are typically blemishes, uneven concrete, holes, voids, or gaps in your concrete. Not many epoxy floor companies in Columbia, Jefferson City, or the Lake of the Ozarks focus on repairing your concrete prior to coating it. PolyMagic does. We offer in-house concrete lifting and leveling services, polyjacking, that is more effective than mudjacking. Polyjacking is also less invasive than mudjacking, and quicker. We will lift, level, and coat your concrete for an entirely new look within hours.

Many homeowners around the mid-Missouri area are finding the value in floor coatings as an extension of space. From man caves and garage floors to industrial and commercial flooring, PolyMagic™ has the experience and team to tackle these projects. Allowing the flooring to resemble a livable, hypo allergenic, and clean surface is ideal for a new garage space, outdoor living area, or basement floor. The chemical that PolyMagic uses, polyaspartic, is superior to the standard epoxy floor coating. PolyMagic has extensive experience with homeowners all across Kansas City when it comes to your uneven concrete. From driveways, sidewalks and patios to pool areas and garages, our crew is equipped to handle your concrete issues.

Let’s compare Polyaspartic vs. Epoxy Floor Coating:

Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coatings won’t peel or flake like the epoxy floor coatings (especially the DIY jobs)
Epoxy curing time is length… up to a week…. Polyaspartic only takes about a day (you are able to walk on the surface in SIX hours!)
Polyaspartic has evenly distributed color flakes across the flooring – epoxy usually has the base coat show through
Polyaspartic is 10x MORE DURABLE than epoxy. This is crucial for areas such as the garage where you have vehicles driving in and out, have oil and chemical spills, etc.
100% UV stable (no yellowing)
Scratch resistance
Stain and chemical resistance (especially helpful in a garage with oil and chemicals)
Heat resistance (helpful for those hot July and August months in Columbia, Jefferson City, and the Lake

As we approach the summer season, we’ve seen many homeowners begin to transform their pool areas with a slip-resistant surface, floor coatings. With over 100 color combinations to choose from, the floor coatings create a more inviting and aesthetically bright area. The below resident’s pool area had some obvious uneven concrete, and voids. The homeowner decided to not only repair the concrete areas, but to also apply floor coatings. Check out the transformation. It’s quite incredible, and offers the homeowner peace of mind in knowing the surface is non-slip and super durable.

You may have heard our commercials on 810 Sports. We transformed Steven St. John‘s garage floor a few months ago. Steven St. John is the host of Border Patrol on 810 WHB Sports Radio. Before beginning the garage floor coatings, the PolyMagic team repaired the uneven concrete and problem concrete areas in his garage. Check out this video on the transformation.

OK, now that you’ve reviewed the many reasons why Increasing Your Home’s Value with Floor Coatings is a great option, let’s explore the process.

POLYMAGIC’S CUSTOM FLOOR COATING PROCESS

Our five-step process is perfect for an indoor or outdoor application, including garages, man caves, porches, patios, medical or food service buildings, and more!

1. Surface Preparation
2. Diamond Grinding
3. Apply Base Coat
4. Color Chip Broadcast
5. Apply Clear Coat Finish

A big difference that PolyMagic offers that many companies do not is our limited lifetime warranty. In order to compare our quote and process to a competitors, make sure you are asking about their warranty and comparing apples to apples. Columbia, Jefferson City, and Lake of the Ozarks has options for epoxy floor coatings, however we are confidence in our application and back it to ensure the customer remains satisfied!

Are you ready for a free estimate? Fill out our contact form, or all us at (573) 708-7551

New Year’s Resolution: Increasing Your Home Value

January 3, 2023 By Jaclyn Nikodym

As we embark on a New Year, we hear all of the traditional resolutions… lose weight, eat better, less screen time, read more, etc. However, one New Year’s Resolution we can actually accomplish is increasing your home value during the winter months. Many Americans are eager to list their home in the spring, and are trying to find ways to increase the home value before listing. According to The New York Times, Some real estate economists are projecting that mortgage rates will start to fall sometime in 2023, perhaps by the second half of the year. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors thinks mortgage rates already peaked in November, and will hover around 6 percent, or edge lower, in 2023. “That could open the gates for buyers who are priced out to re-enter the market,” he said. This is great news for homeowners who are considering listing… and definitely something to encourage you to make small investments now in your home to ensure you are getting top dollar during resale.

As we look at the first New Year’s Resolution: Increasing Your Home Value, we can consider curb appeal. Not only does this include painting, landscape, tree/limb removal, it can also mean looking at your concrete. Consider your driveway, garage, sidewalks, patio, and porch areas… do any of these spaces have crumbling or uneven concrete? As a potential buyer, you will notice this as “one more thing to repair” and even decrease the aesthetic value. We know repairing concrete is less expensive than replacing, so we should know when to do what. This article, Pro Tips: Lifting Concrete to Eliminate Trip Hazards, highlights some information that is helpful when analyzing and reviewing options.

One of the first questions to ask is… can the concrete area around your home be lifted? If the concrete in your troublesome area has broken into small three to four square foot pieces, it becomes difficult to control the lifting process. It really comes down to leverage, or lack there of. PolyMagic utilizes a process in which poly is injected through the concrete, then reacts to form a 3-4 foot circular lifting area. Therefore, the technician is forced to inject into the center of the small piece and hope it lifts evenly. PolyMagic has mechanical means that gives us an advantage over other Kansas City concrete lifting companies, with their (two) 15-ft hosts that get to those hard to reach slabs.

The next question to consider is cost… what is the price difference between replacing the concrete and repairing the concrete? One of the main benefits of concrete raising compared to concrete replacement is cost savings. Obviously the ability to repair an existing area is a less expensive option. PolyMagic concrete raising is typically about 33% less than replacing the same concrete. Ultimately, the cost of raising or stabilizing concrete is a direct reflection of how much leveling material the project will require. To replace a concrete slab, you must hire a crew to demolish the slab, remove and discard it, stabilize the foundation below where it used to be, repour and let cure the new cement. This is a much more costly process that requires more manpower, materials, and time. Concrete repair could be the difference between two hours vs. two days. However, as repairing seems to be the best (most affordable solution), you have to consider that some damage is beyond repair, and will need to be replaced.

Continue reading the article here to learn more.

Another way to increase your home’s value is to improve and update your lighting. Consider walking into a new home… the one thing you notice is the bright lights, even the natural lighting. A relatively inexpensive way to update your home is to install new lighting fixtures. Your local home improvement stores, like Lowes, Home Depot, or Menards, all have extensive light options. You can even consider online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, or Amazon for additional options. Just a quick search on Amazon brings up thousands of lighting options, many of which are inexpensive.

Another option for improving your home’s value with lighting is adding an egress window to your basement. This has many benefits, including:

– Safety Feature: Easy Emergency Exit
– Increased Natural Light in a Basement
– Immediate Return on Investment
– Additional Livable Square Footage (Adding an Office or Bedroom)
– Better Ventilation
– 1 Day Installation Process; Immediate Value

PolyMagic has a sister company, PierMagic, and they specialize in egress windows. All windows are built to code and compliance standards. For the small investment, adding an additional window increases the bedroom count, which will add a return of $50,000+.

New Year’s Resolution: Increasing Your Home Value can come in other forms such as building out that man cave in the garage, or customizing the concrete around your pool, patio, or porch area. PolyMagic has helped thousands of Kansas City residents with their floor coating needs. Our process is 10X more durable than epoxy, and comes in hundreds of color combinations to fit your style. We even have extensive commercial experience with floor coatings (warehouses, walk ways, bathrooms) to enhance the functionality and professional look of a space. The process we use also has a slip resistant formula which is imperative to many commercial and even residential applications. Check out our gallery of past projects: https://www.polymagic.net/floor-coatings/.

We can also look at other options to increase your home’s value, including:

New Windows
Updated Crown Molding
New carpet/hardwood
Back-up Sump Pump

We know the market can be intimidating to enter as both a home buyer, and seller. We hope the above tips, New Year’s Resolution: Increasing Your Home Value, can help you list your home for top dollar. Reach out to our team in Kansas City for an additional questions or resources. Call us today at 816-765-4800.

5 Tips to get your house ready for winter

December 21, 2022 By Jaclyn Nikodym

The midwest is ready to take on some winter weather. It’s the week of Christmas, families are traveling, houses are full, and we are heading into a New Year. It’s important to not only enjoy this time with family and friends, but to also make sure your house is safe and healthy for all of your guests. As the leading concrete lifting and leveling experts in Kansas City, PolyMagic wants to offer 5 tips to get your house ready for winter. These insider tips can help you throughout the coldest and snowiest days ahead.

Tip #1: Check Your Chimney and Furnace

As we make the switch from the air conditioner to heater, many families are utilizing their chimneys and furnace more now than ever. The heat is imperative during this sub-freezing weather, so make sure you perform any cleaning and maintenance needed.

RELATED: How to Clean a Chimney

Should you begin to detect cracks or issues with your chimney, you may have a foundation repair need on your hands. Luckily, PolyMagic’s sister company, PierMagic offers chimney repair services, which typically are related to your home’s foundation. If you see any of the below signs or symptoms surrounding your home’s chimney, reach out to PierMagic for a free estimate. The cool part… it’s PolyMagic’s sister company, so if you have any concrete repair or foundation repair needs, it can be evaluated on the same appointment!

Cracks in the bricks (interior or exterior) near the chimney
House pulling away from the chimney
Leaning walls
Water or air coming out from areas in the wall or near the chimney

If you see any of the above issues, you should call a professional and get a free estimate.

Tip #2: Check your sidewalks, driveways, porch, patio, or garage concrete

This is the season for ice, sleet, snow, and even rain, so now is a great time to check your sidewalks, driveways, porch, patio, and garage concrete areas. One way to find out if an area is sinking is to walk around your house after a rainfall and look for pooling water. You can do the same after a snow or ice storm… walk around your home and look for icy patches. This can be an indicator of pooling water that has settled into a sinking concrete area. Another huge indicator of concrete issues is uneven areas. Have you noticed trip hazards around your sidewalk or driveway, even garage area? This is a trip hazard that can end up costing the homeowner a lot of money and insurance hassle should someone step trip and fall on the uneven concrete. Did you know the #1 leading reason for ER visits is because of falls? Those falls are typically seen on concrete or stairs, so protect yourself and your assets.

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Tip #3: Clean your gutters and add downspouts

Your home’s gutters are literally the vessel carrying water away from your home. Think about it for a second… during the fall, leaves are falling and cluttering the gutters on your home.Without property maintenance and cleaning, the gutters will continue to fill with leaves and debris, inhabiting the flow of water away from your home. According to Grey Water Action, an example on a 2,000 square foot roof, you can collect 2,000 x 0.56 = 1,120 gallons/inch of rain. If your average rainfall was 25 inches/year, your annual collection potential is 1,120 x 25= 28,000 gallons/year. So, we don’t want the thousands of gallons of water sitting on your roof, causing excess weight and damage… the gutters will kick into work and push the water away from your home. So, be sure your gutters are clean for easy water flow, and have extenders and downspouts added onto them. The further away the water can be carried from your home’s foundation, the better.

Tip #4 of the 5 Tips to get your house ready for winter: Insulate, insulate, and insulate

One way to decrease your heating and electric bill is to ensure the areas around your home with direct exposure to the elements are insulated. For example, your home’s crawl space, attic, and garage are all directly exposed to the exterior walls of the home. Without proper insulation, the heat and cold air will have direct access to the inside of the home, causing the heating element and air conditioner to run constantly. PolyMagic’s sister company, PierMagic, offers encapsulation and waterproofing services for your crawl space. The benefits of this include:

Greater energy efficiency
Reduce moisture, mildew, and condensation in the crawl space
Reduce spots for pests and rodents to enter the home
Increase your resale value for future homeowners
Keep your warm and cool air inside of the home
Extend the life of your HVAC system

Reach out for a free estimate on your crawl space encapsulation!

RELATED: Crawl Space Insulation – What Your Should Know

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/crawl-space-insulation-what-you-should-know

Crawl space insulation, as a part of overall home air sealing and insulation, helps maintain your entire home’s energy efficiency. Without insulation, heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor. Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs. There are two types of crawl spaces – ventilated and unventilated – and each requires its own form of insulation. The goal, however, is the same: to enclose the space in a thermal envelope.

Tip #5: Check for low-hanging tree limbs

As tree limbs grow heavier and heavier with ice and snow throughout the winter, the branches will weaken, causing them to potentially fall. If a limb falls it can cause physical harm to residents or visitors to the property. In addition, loose tree branches can fall and damage your house, roof, torching, siding, or personal property. According to Consumerreports.org, before the first snow, have a reputable tree service, landscape contractor, or arborist remove any dead or ailing tree branches. If you need any help finding a reputable landscape or tree service company, we can provide some trusted companies. As a local Kansas City business, we rely heavily on other local businesses to know and understand the clay soil and landscaping structure around this area. Oftentimes referred to as “widow makers,” don’t let the trees around your property become a liability for yourself and visitors to your home.

As we wrap up the 5 Tips to get your house ready for winter, we hope you will find the transition to the cold weather nice and peaceful. However, if you experience any foundation cracks, chimney issues, or concrete unevenness, please reach out to our team. As always, we provide free estimates. 816-765-4800

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