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3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the Solution

3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the Solution

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Understanding when to replace or repair concrete issues around your home may require an inspection from a professional to determine which method to implement. Replacement is just that… a concrete company comes in and tears up your existing concrete and replaces it with new concrete. Obviously this is a more expensive option compared to concrete repair. Concrete repair is the process of fixing an uneven or crumbling concrete surface that has sunk over time, reducing the ability to sustain a level surface. Concrete repair is used for cracking, unevenness, chipping, and leveling.

So, one may ask… is my concrete fixable? Check out these 3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the Solution.

Reason #1 of 3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the Solution: Cost

If concrete repair is an option compared to replacement, the overall cost will be less. The tools, manpower, and materials needed for polyjacking and concrete repair are much less expensive and intensive compared to replacement. 

3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the SolutionConcrete repair is necessary to maintain a safe and level surface, reducing trip hazards around your property. Concrete is located on all residential and commercial properties, so when the concrete needs repair, the issues should be addressed immediately.

Reason #2 of 3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the Solution: Location of the Concrete

Concrete repair can be executed in a variety of locations, including

– Basement Floors
– Concrete Steps
– Driveways
– Foundation Slabs
– Garage Floors
– Patios
– Pool Slabs
– Porches
– Sidewalks
– Slab Homes

If the area of repair or replacement needed is a huge area and beyond polyjacking repairs, it may be more cost effective and aesthetically pleasing to replace the concrete. For example, if your back patio has crumbling concrete, over 10 areas needing lifting and has a severe trip hazard, replacement may be the best option. If a sidewalk has a few areas needing lifting and no crumbling concrete, it’s a perfect candidate for concrete repair, or polyjacking. 

Before we continue, let’s make sure we all understand the terms “mudjacking” and “polyjacking” as they are often used interchangeably. The two are different processes, and PolyMagic specializes in polyjacking.

What is polyjacking? 

Polyjacking is the method of raising and leveling damaged concrete. Instead of the traditional method of mudjacking (use of mud), polyjacking uses polyurethane which is evenly injected into the concrete and naturally raised back to the even state. Concrete repair companies use polyurethane foam to raise concrete, fill voids and stabilize soil on many surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches, garages, pool slabs, and stairs.

Step 1) Injection holes (tiny, 5/8″) are strategically drilled around the areas where the concrete is sunken and requires lifting.

Step 2) Once everything is prepped and the hose and materials are in place, the polyurethane foam is injected through the holes which fills the space underneath the concrete slab. This will use the concrete slab itself to drive the foam into the crevices. This will lift the concrete back to its original level.

Step 3) Upon completion of leveling the concrete, the injection holes are filled discretely with new cement. This allows you to use your surface immediately.

RELATED: What’s the difference between mudjacking and polyjacking?

Reason #3 of 3 Reasons When Concrete Repair is the Solution: Safety

A homeowner should utilize polyjacking for the following reasons:

  • Safety – Trip hazards can harm you, your family and allows your property to be open for unwanted liability
  • Cost – You can raise your concrete for less than half the price of replacing the concrete slab.
  • Time – Your slab problem will only worsen in time. Fix it now and avoid the hassle later. Raising concrete with poly foam often takes a couple of hours and is ready immediately upon completion.
  • Appearance – Eye sores and additional structural cracks can be the result of unlevel concrete.
  • Home Value – Trying to sell your home? First appearance is everything to a home buyer.
  • Structural Damage – When a concrete slab settles, consequently doors and windows stick and structures connected to the slab may crack and settle as well.
  • Water Damage – Water follows the path of least resistance and a settled or sunken driveway may end up costing a homeowner more money over time in foundation repairs.
  • Be Green – By raising your concrete you are saving your current slab from being torn out and deposited at a landfill.

If the main reason is safety, that should be taken into serious consideration and repaired/lifted immediately. The liability uneven concrete can have is serious. The #1 reason for an ER visit each year is because of falls around a property. As a homeowner, it’s important to limit your liability, and the amount of trip hazards around your home. 

Should you have specific questions about concrete repair vs. replacement or knowing when concrete repair is the best solution, reach out to our team. Get started on a form here or give us a call at 816-765-4800.

Garage and Driveway Concrete Lifting

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The PolyMagic team just finished lifting the driveway concrete meeting the garage concrete. The 3.5″ difference between the garage floor & their driveway posed a safety hazard and impacted resale value. Check out the before and after pics… all in the matter of a few hours! 
 
 

What is Polyjacking?

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Your home is typically your biggest asset. It is always alarming when you begin to see the first signs of concrete damage, including unevenness, cracking, crumbling, or trip hazards. You may panic thinking your only solutions are to disregard and think the issue will disappear (shocker, it won’t!) or to replace the concrete (not the only option!). We are here to tell you that other options exist, including one of the most effective and efficient methods of concrete repair – polyjacking. You’ve probably heard of the term mudjacking which is commonly interchangeably used with polyjacking, so you may be confused and wondering… What is Polyjacking? Let us further explain the process and when this would be a suitable solution for your concrete needs.
RELATED: 4 Commonly Asked Questions When It Comes to Concrete Leveling.

Polyjacking is the industry’s most effective method for lifting and leveling sunken concrete. Similar to the traditional mudjacking process involving lifting a sunken slab into place by filling the void underneath mud substance, polyjacking uses the same thought process, but with a high-density foam called polyurethane. Before we dig into the question of “What is Polyjacking?,” let’s explore the differences between traditional mudjacking and polyjacking to begin the conversation by identifying the top four differences: 

  1. Weight: Polyurethane weighs 250 to 300 pounds less per yard then traditional mudjacking material. Why is this important? The lighter the material, the less pressure on the soil under the concrete, resulting in less shifting. 
  2. Reliability: The extra weight of the mud may cause the soil to settle causing a return trip to readjust the slab.
  3. Curing Time: Polyurethane typically cures in 15 minutes after the injection. This allows all treated areas to have full availability in minutes, not days.
  4. Aesthetics: The holes used to drill for poly injections are tiny… 5/8″. You can’t even tell the holes existed, which is a much less, more aesthetically pleasing result than mud. Bottom line… mud is dirty. 

This infographic below easily showcases the differences between mudjacking and polyjacking. 

Mudjacking vs Polyjacking

Why all of the other names for concrete lifting?
Again, we mentioned that mudjacking and polyjacking are typically used interchangeably, but are a different process. Polyjacking is a two-part process that has evolved into the more efficient and effective way to repair sunken concrete. The traditional mudjacking process is the most common way that residents and homeowners search for the process of lifting concrete. In addition to polyjacking and mudjacking, some of the most searched terms referring to the poly process are poly foam, poly lifting, mud lifting, concrete lifting, and foam jacking. Reach out to the experts at PolyMagic for a determination on whether the use of mudjacking or foamjacking will best fit your needs.
 
Disadvantages of Mudjacking
Concrete slabs settle due to decomposing soils, erosion and groundwater migration. While mudjacking works, it has a few disadvantages. First of all, it requires heavy equipment, multiple trucks, large drill holes and most importantly, the results may only be temporary. At PierMagic, we’ve found something that works even better than mudjacking…polyjacking.
 
Advantages of Polyjacking
Polyjacking requires one truck, no heavy equipment, small drill holes and will last much longer. Benefits of polyjacking include:

– Longer lasting solution
– More durable
– Requires no heavy machinery
– Smaller drill holes
– Cures and dries in minutes instead of days
– Can be installed in any climate
– Will not shrink with weather changes
– Lightweight, will not burden the soil

 

 


Now that we’ve reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of concrete lifting process – mudjacking vs. polyjacking, let’s answer the question: How does the polyjacking process work?

As Kansas City’s leading concrete lifting company, PolyMagic has perfected the process and received incredible results. Here is the simple process in 3 steps. 

1. Drill a tiny dime-sized hole into the affected area. The hole is literally tiny… 5/8″. 

2. Inject a high-density foam into the ground underneath the failed concrete. The equipment needed fits right into a sprinter van and requires very little to setup at a residence or business. There are no large trucks, dirty mud, or large equipment pieces. 

3.  The technician will monitor the foam as it expands, raises, and stabilizes the concrete. 

Literally the process is simple, effective, and quick.

Ok, as residents are evaluating polyjacking, many Kansas City homeowners still want to know how long the process takes to lift the concrete with polyjacking? The average job takes an hour or two, from start to finishing… the actual procedure itself only takes about 20 minutes or so (depending on the severity of the sinking), but the setup and cleanup adds onto that time. 

Why do residents choose polyjacking over mudjacking? 

Polyjacking is effective and popular because of the ability to bring the concrete back up to a normal and even level, all while ensuring it doesn’t lose its current state of durability.  The polyurethane will also withstand water intrusion more than the mudjacking process.  

Check out this video that the team from PolyMagic captured from a resident’s garage being polyjacked. 

polyjacking process

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can Polyjacking be used in hard to reach places?

Polyjacking equipment and materials is much smaller than the mudjacking materials and equipment. Mudjacking carries a large weight from the volume of the mud, and requires additional employees to complete the labor, along with the necessary larger machinery and equipment. Mud weighs 30 times poly (as an example, 120lbs vs. 4lbs per cubic foot).

PolyMagic is the leading concrete repair company serving Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and the greater Kansas City area.  We are offering free assessments for our team to look at your concrete issues. Click here to get started now! 

 

PolyMagic’s Mission

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Customer ReviewTHIS is why we do what we do… we truly believe that our customers don’t need to accommodate for our schedule. We will accommodate for their schedule. Period!
 
“I was unable to be at home when I needed them to provide a quote. They accommodated me when others did not. They were able to schedule us in a reasonable timeframe and showed up when they said they would. Work was completed and there was no mess. I would recommend this company!” – Laura M., Kansas City resident
 
 

 

When Will Concrete Crack Injections Work

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There are several steps to take when assessing how to repair your damaged concrete. Just as concretenetworking.com reminds us, “As with any repair, the first step is to figure out the cause of the failure. For example, if a slab has cracked due to poorly compacted subbase, an overlay will simply crack again. But if the subbase is well compacted, then the repair should be durable.” There are three solutions listed below… and one question that continues to be asked by KC homeowners is… When Will Concrete Crack Injections Work? Let’s explore. 

When Will Concrete Crack Injections Work

When looking at concrete repair solutions, it’s imperative to receive an assessment from a reputable company. Companies like PolyMagic offer free assessments that look at each factor of the issue causing the damage, and of course a solution. Here are a few options that can be offered:

  1. Replacement: once your concrete reaches beyond the point of repair, a concrete company will cut out the damaged concrete. Then will replace the reinforcing steel and pour the new concrete. This is the most costly method of repair, as it requires larger machinery, more material, and more manpower. This is for the most damaged concrete situations. 
  2. Concrete lifting/Polyjacking: When the damage hasn’t exceeded repair, polyjacking is an exceptional source of repair. Polyjacking is the most innovative and effective process for repairing your commercial concrete issues. The high-density polyurethane concrete leveling process is known as the best solution for concrete repair, leveling, and lifting. PolyMagic specializes in commercial and business locations with little to no down time! Check out some of the below benefits of polyjacking your commercial location.
    1. Cost Effective – Concrete raising is typically about 33% less than replacing the same concrete at your commercial location. Ultimately, the cost of raising or stabilizing concrete is a direct reflection of how much leveling material the project will require. The experienced team at PolyMagic is equipped to offer a free estimate and walk you through each step of the process for the most cost effective solution that fits your needs.
    2. Time – Polyjacking has very little ‘rest’ time. Your business and commercial area is able to continue operation before, during and after the polyjacking process. Your business will experience little to no down time.
    3. Clean Work Environment – The polyjacking process does not require a wash down and will not have any concrete or grout splatter. The area is clean and can operate as normal immediately after.
    4. Smaller Holes – Polyurethane concrete raising drills a nearly invisible 5/8 inch hole and the process calls for considerably fewer holes than traditional mudjacking. The tiny holes require very minimal patchwork.
    5. Lightweight – This material will never lose density. It is permanent and weighs only about 2 pounds per cubic foot. Compared to traditional mudjacking that weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot.Check out the below comparison in the amount of product needed for mudjacking vs. polyjacking.
    6. Green – Polyurethane is environmentally friendly. It consists of 39-49%.
  3. Concrete Crack Injections: when repairs are not as deep or uneven requiring lifting, crack injections may be a suitable solution. Two solutions can be seen around the Kansas City area. One may ask… When Will Concrete Crack Injections Work? Take a look at these two options. 
    1. EPOXY: Epoxy injection should be used for cracks that need to be structurally repaired and serves more as a barrier that bonds and holds. Epoxies can add a great amount of strength to a foundation as they are known for their static condition. The epoxy injection process begins by cleaning the crack and the surrounding area of all debris. Injection ports are then inserted along the length of the crack. The epoxy is then injected through the ports until the crack is completely sealed.
    2. POLYURETHANE RESIN: Polyurethane resins are known for their flexibility.  Depending on the size and mobility of the crack, the poly resin will move with the wall during expansion and contraction of the surrounding soils.  This specially formulated polyurethane can even be injected into actively leaking cracks, stopping water within minutes. The advantages include:
      1. Flexibility
      2. Sealing qualities of foundation walls
      3. Eliminating air leaks
      4. Repairing made from the interior
      5. Stopping active leaks
      6. Reducing humidity and water vapor permeation

If you are considering the best solution for your specific issues, feel free to reach out to PolyMagic. They are a leading concrete repair company in Kansas City with over 90 5-star reviews. They specialize in all of the repair options listed above, including replacement, polyjacking, and concrete injections, so your solution will be under one roof, from the same team.

Should I Repair or Replace My Concrete

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When a homeowner begins to have issues with concrete around the house, the best option is  to address the issues immediately. The longer you avoid them, the worse the issues will become. Let’s explore 3 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Your Concrete for Repair or Replacement. Many concrete companies around Kansas City offer one of the two services (either replace or repairing, not both), but PolyMagic has both. The crew at PolyMagic will perform the polyjacking/concrete lifting services, while their sister company, DS Concrete, does the new concrete flatwork projects. 

Should I Repair or Replacement My Concrete

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. 

The third question is… does the concrete pose a safety issue? Is this area a major tripping hazard? If so, you have a liability on or around your property that could cause more serious issues. Within a short amount of time, materials, and expertise, PolyMagic, amongst many other expert concrete raising companies, can ensure your property is safe and secure.

As a leader in concrete raising and leveling in the Kansas City, central Missouri, and NE Kansas areas, the PolyMagic team has over 60 years combined experience within the construction industry. PolyMagic was initially established to address concrete lifting issues within basement floors, and has since expanded to cover problems areas including:

  • Basement Floors
  • Concrete Steps
  • Driveways
  • Foundation Slabs
  • Garage Floors
  • Patios
  • Pool Slabs
  • Porches
  • Sidewalks
  • Slab Homes

Are you ready for a quote on concrete raising? Simply fill out this form, and a rep will be in contact within the same business day.  www.polymagic.net/request-a-quote/.

3 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Your Concrete for Repair or Replacement

 

How’s Your Slope?

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how's your slope?This Spring has started off with some wet weather! The rain is definitely great for our grass, flowers, and landscaping, but can cause some serious issues around your home, basement, and foundation.
 
Having improper sloping around your home can cause serious damage. According to the EPA, patio slabs, walks and driveways need a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot away from the house with back-fill to prevent settling. The final grade must be sloped away from the foundation by 1/2 inch per foot over a minimum distance of 10 feet. Keeping the proper slope allows water to drain away from the house foundation.

The consensus seems to be that a good slope to aim for when grading land extending out from a house foundation is about 6 inches for the first 10 feet (that translates to a “slope” of 5 percent).

The EPA presents two ways foundations are compromised by poor drainage. These include “surface water from rain and snow that drains from the yard toward the foundation because of incorrect grading” and “water that drains from the roof and is deposited next to the home’s foundation instead of being carried away.”

The International Residential Code or IRC does require drainage “around all concrete or masonry foundations that retain earth and enclose habitable or usable spaces below grade.” This includes your crawlspace or basement. Well-draining soils may be the exception. However, if your area has expansive clay soil, proper foundation drainage is essential. Read more here: https://www.polymagic.net/foundation-repair-grading/

Our team at PolyMagic can help you achieve the perfect slope, eliminating water concerns. Reach out for a free estimate and we’ll provide an honest, effective solution that addresses your problem areas. Give us a call today: 816-765-4800
 
 

Sidewalk Repairs – Before and After

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As the Kansas City weather takes yet another turn this week, we are reminded just how uneven our concrete really is. The thaw/freeze/rain cycles that KC is known for really damages our concrete surfaces. The team at PolyMagic provides an effective solution for those uneven concrete surfaces by using polyurethane in a simple, yet effective method. Why should you consider repairing your concrete now versus waiting to see if it gets worse? One major reason is that the longer you wait, the worse the damage will become, leading to replacement of concrete vs. repair (equating to more money….). 

Ask for a free estimate on your problem areas today! 816-765-4800

https://youtu.be/DxdoypAYnUA 

Mudjacking For Spring

Hi Garage… Meet Driveway

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Hi Garage... Meet DrivewayLet’s make an introduction… Hi Garage… Meet Driveway. The two areas shouldn’t be a drastic drop off, but rather a single transition that makes the areas look cohesive.  Hi Garage... Meet DrivewayIt is a normal process for your driveway to sink a little over time, as it settles, and as natural elements come into play. However, if you’re garage and driveway come together at a point that is a trip hazard, more than a 2″ drop, it’s time to start looking at concrete repair options. Don’t wait until it’s too late and your repair options are limited, and expensive. The experts at PolyMagic in Kansas City have extensive experience with this issue, as the KC weather can fluctuate drastically day by day. Request a free estimate today and see how we can help you bring your driveway back up to an even level with your garage.

 

Are you ready for our team to offer a free estimate? We will be happy to come out to your house and take a look, providing a thorough estimate of the assessment. Click here to schedule yours today!

Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking: Why Poly is The Most Effective Solution

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When homeowners are researching ways to repair uneven concrete, thousands and thousands of results populate, leaving a homeowner confused about next steps. One question that is repeatedly asked is… what’s the big difference between polyjacking and mudjacking. Let’s explore some reasons why Polyjacking is the most effective solution … 

Weight: Polyurethane weighs 250 to 300 pounds less per yard then traditional mudjacking material. Why is this important? The lighter the material, the less pressure on the soil under the concrete, resulting in less shifting. 

Reliability: The extra weight of the mud may cause the soil to settle causing a return trip to readjust the slab.

Curing Time: Polyurethane typically cures in 15 minutes after the injection. This allows all treated areas to have full availability in minutes, not days.

Aesthetics: The holes used to drill for poly injections are tiny… 5/8″. You can’t even tell the holes existed, which is a much less, more aesthetically pleasing result than mud. Bottom line… mud is dirty. 

Take a look at the below animation which shows an uneven driveway in need of repair. Polyjacking is utilized to lift the concrete, and bring it back up to its desired level. Take a look! If you’re ready for a free estimate, give us a call! 816-765-4800