A L P H A F O U N D AT I O N S
Longevity of Sunken Concrete Solutions By MIKE FUQUA, PH.D., ON BEHALF OF ALPHA FOUNDATIONS
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e’ve enjoyed discussing The Skinny on Sinking Concrete (Winter Edition, page 16) and what to do about it (Spring Edition, page 19). Now, let’s talk about a common question that we get in regard to PolyLevel as a solution for sinking concrete: “How long will it last under the slab?” It only makes sense that this should give people pause; why would you want to invest in a product that offers a temporary fix, but over time only causes bigger issues with bigger price tags? The good news is that, unlike short-term options such as mudjacking, PolyLevel is a solution that will last. An extensive study in 2006 by Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois concluded that the longevity of rigid polyurethane foam (PUF) is more than 1000 years in landfill conditions (a similar representation of the environment PolyLevel resides in under a slab). In specific, it was found that polyurethane foam: »» Did not see degradation of strength under dry or wet thermal aging tests at temperatures as high as 195 degrees Fahrenheit. »» Did not see degradation of strength under dry and wet freezethaw cycle testing.
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»» Did not show degradation or gas generation when exposed to 1000 years worth of natural radiation dosing by gamma irradiation. »» Did not show biodegradation when exposed to microorganisms, resisting both microbial and fungal attacks. Even better news: since PolyLevel does not degrade under the slab, there is no need to worry about the contamination of soil or groundwater with dangerous compounds. Multiple studies have shown that, over the lifecycle of a buried polyurethane foam, there is no evidence of leaching of any dangerous chemicals that could cause health or environmental problems. What’s more, just because PolyLevel doesn’t degrade under the slab doesn’t mean it’s impossible to dispose of properly. At the end of PolyLevel’s service life, it can be recycled or reused in a variety of ways; ground polyurethane waste can be used as a filler in other materials, while incinerated polyurethane foam can enhance fuel-burning efficiencies of municipal solid waste furnaces. And, because it doesn’t leach chemicals, disposal in landfills is always a viable option as well. So, no need to pause on PolyLevel — it is the best long-term solution for slab lifting. With multiple options for disposal and no environmentally harmful chemical leaching, PolyLevel is the ecologically safe solution that will last (more than one) lifetime. Want more information or to discuss your sunken concrete woes? Contact Eric Sharkey at (850) 509-0540 or esharkey@ alphafoundations.com. ABOUT US: Alpha Foundations is a full-service foundation and concrete repair company established in Tallahassee, Florida. Since 2002, Alpha Foundations has served thousands of customers throughout Florida and Georgia. Visit AlphaFoundations.com to learn more about this award-winning company. FRL A .org
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F LO R I DA R ESTAU R A N T & LO D G I N G
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