Polyurethane Foamjacking Fixes Georgia Homeowner's Driveway

DOUGLASVILLE, GA – November 14, 2013 – When backing out of his garage, a Georgia homeowner noticed a large void at the top edge of his driveway and that the soil underneath an adjacent slab was being washed out with water. He realized that this particular nuisance could turn into a significant problem down the road, being that soil erosion could further crack the driveway and eventually cause it to break altogether. He wanted for a system that could support the damaged areas and prevent water from getting into them. Lately, SPF contractors have turned to foamjacking, which is a newer way of leveling concrete foundations and slabs via polyurethane foam injection, to resolve problems like the one the homeowner faced.

When it comes to concrete lifting the most common solution is mudjacking, which refers to the use of mud like cementitious material to fill and level the concrete. Polyurethane foam offers an equally cost-effective, yet exponentially better-performing solution. Foam cures faster and isn't prone to erosion, so it won't wash out like mud. Additionally, foam is considerably lighter than mud, which is advantageous because heavier materials can lead to settling and sinking over time. Considering these two options, foamjacking was a no-brainer for the homeowner.

Left: The void underneath the driveway prior to the foamjacking application. Right: The driveway leveled off after the foam was injected.

Concrete Corrections (CC) was contracted for the project, which entailed applying foam to fill the voids under the driveway. The project also included foamjacking a slab that was adjacent to the driveway. The two-man CC crew brought a box truck rig on site, equipped with a Revolution Machinery proportioner and a Graco Fusion AP spray gun that has been specifically modified for injecting foam under concrete. According to CC's Kelly Daugherty, the foamjacking project promoted a longterm solution for the homeowner's driveway.

"Polyurethane foam creeps around underneath the concrete finding every little spot to fill as it cures and expands," said Daugherty. "Since the foam is water-resistant, it won't wash out or settle. It's incredibly strong, as it can support approximately 7,200 lbs. per square foot, and critters won't dig through or deteriorate it. I'd say foamjacking provides a long-lasting fix, whereas mudjacking only offers a temporary solution."

The crew drilled 3/8 to 5/8-inch holes on the 3-by-19-inch void under the driveway and the smaller area underneath the driveway's adjacent slab. They wore goggles and gloves for the duration of the project. Daugherty noted that because the area of the driveway that they were working on was far enough from the house, minimal overspray management was required.

Left: The adjacent slab had no support and water was getting underneath it. Right: The slab with polyurethane foam supporting it.

"On this particular project, we did not need to mask anything off from overspray because we were neither close to the home or the garage," said Daugherty.

The crew then injected AP Lift 430, a two-component 4 lb. structural polyurethane foam made by Alchemy Polymers, into the voids. According to Daugherty, approximately four cubic yards of foam was used during the entire project, which took approximately four hours to complete. The CC crew achieved a complete void fill that will keep any water from fracturing the driveway. Additionally, polyurethane foam now successfully supports the adjacent slab area, which will prevent future cracking. Daugherty added that the homeowner was pleased with the results the foamjacking application provided as little or no maintenance will be required for his driveway from here on in.

"The edge of the driveway where the major void fill took place and the slab adjacent to the void is now fully supported with polyurethane foam ," said Daugherty. "With no water being able to seep through, there will be no chance of erosion and movement. There will be no chance of settling and breaking, which is way foamjacking is so effective."

About Concrete Corrections: Concrete Corrections, a division company of Innovative Spray Solutions, is based in the Southeast is dedicated to repairing and stabilizing settled, cracked, uneven or sunken concrete including problem driveways, sidewalks, pool decking, sunken steps, and void fills. For more information on Concrete Correction, please use the contact information and links provided below.