It’s usually pretty easy to tell whether or not you need mudjacking for a sidewalk. If a section of sidewalk has sunken into the ground, and the section hasn’t disintegrated too much, a concrete repair contractor or foundation repair contractor will drill a small hole through the slab. Subsequently, they will pump a slurry mixture into the void under the sunken concrete, raising it back to its even height and position.

The benefits of mudjacking are many. First of all, mudjacking is extremely cost-effective, compared to the classic “rip and repour” method. Apart from it being easy on the wallet, it’s also simply more effective in general, and can increase the healthy lifespan of the sidewalk by many years. Considering the large liability that’s involved with uneven sidewalk slabs, mudjacking has become immensenly popular in recent years.

Mudjacking is considered by many to be an eco-friendly concrete repair remedy, because it’s not disruptive to the surrounding landscape. When a section of sidewalk is ripped out and repoured, the grass is usually badly damaged from the heavy equipment and the removal of the old slab. With mudjacking, there’s virtually no waiting for the concrete to cure. With a rip-and-repour, it takes about a 24 hours for the concrete slab to finally cure.

Since sidewalks are in constant demand of usage, mudjacking is the preffered method, because it’s more inconspicious and doesn’t disrupt peoples’ daily goings-on. Slurry is mixed in a truck, dumped into a hopper, and wheeled into a pump. Then it’s pumped through a hose down into the slab, so dust and debris are minimal. This is a far neater alternative than dealing with the dust that’s created using the traditional method.

Guarantees differ from contractor to contractor, but most mudjacking contractors will provide a guarantee of their work for a year, though this is dependent on when the ground under the affected concrete slab is done settling. Some sidewalks will settle in increments for 6 to 10 years before finally settling. Nevertheless, this large time span is not typically common. If a portion of new sidewalk becomes uneven after a long winter, and a  building owner or the association wants to level it in order to avoid liability, most mudjacking contractors will take the job, but without a gurantee.

The price of a mudjacking job varies as well, but it’s usually calculated by square foot (slab being lifted). The cost is usually somewhere around $4 per-square foot of concrete slab. A four-by-four-foot section of sidewalk can cost between $50 and $80 to put back into position, but some variables may apply that can drive up the cost:  if the area to be mudjacked is difficult to access, if special care needs to be taken with surrounding vegetation, etc. Also, if a lot of slurry needs to be used, the cost can increase that way, as well. Still, it will probably still be less expensive than paying up to 50 percent more to have that same area ripped and repoured.

Although we’re making mudjacking sound like an all-purpose, miracle remedy, the truth is, it’s not for every situation. Mudjackingis widely used to remedy many different types of leveling problems, but in areas where there’s a sinkhole present, mudjacking simply won’t work. Also, when the concrete slab has broken into pieces, mudjacking can’t do much, because the actually is not only unlevel, but cracked. In this case, a complete sidewalk rennovation would be done.

If you’re interested in having a mudjacking procedure done, don’t hesitate to contact Extreme Technologys, your number one Atlanta concrete repair contractors!

“Mudjacking” Specifically For Sidewalks">Click Here For Original Article

When you Google “foundation repair contractors Atlanta,” or where ever you may live, chances are, you’re a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices. Also, it’s not uncommon for foundation contractors to try to convince you that your structure has foundation problems, when it might be just fine – a classic case of over-selling their foundation repair services. So, with all of these contractors to choose from, how do you know who’s honest, and who will do the best work on your foundation?

Read the insights below, and you’ll surely come away with a solid foundation on how to choose the best foundation repair contractors.

Your Structure is Allowed a Little Wear-and-Tear

Doors may stick, flaws in your plaster might be present, this does not necessarily mean that you have a foundation problem. It’s important to look out for split basement walls and basement floors that have some bounce to them – these things may need some closer professional attention.

Friend or Family Member with Construction Knowledge?

Before you run out and call a random foundation repair contractor at the slightest sign of foundation damage, ask a family member or friend with construction experience to take a look at your so-called foundation problem. Even if they won’t be able to fix the problem, they still might be able to tell you whether or not there is one. This could save you quite a bit of money in the end.

If Possible, Have an Official Damage Assessment Done With a Structural Engineer

Licensed engineers are empowered by the state to evaluate buildings for safe habitation, and no other construction discipline has this authority. Structural engineers are also held to a code of ethics to neglect on-the-side business deals that return money for referrals. All in all, engineers won’t try to sell you into having more work done than is necessary. They’ll simply give you their honest, professional opinion.

Ask Around For Referrals

Gather at least 2 referrals for local foundation repair contractors from trusted sources, or better yet, people you know personally. Call each of them, ask about their experience, licenses, and ask to see samples of their work, before they come check out your property.

Ask How Long the Foundation Repair Company Has Had Their Name

It’s important to remember that warranties are only as good as the company that offers them, so make sure you ask how long they’ve been around and what sort of mishaps they’ve had.

Check Up With the Better Business Bureau

Like any company that performs a service for you, it’s important to research each of these foundation repair companies with the Better Business Bureau, to make sure that they don’t have a sketchy past.

Do Not Pay Any Fees Up Front

Once you’ve chosen a reputable foundation repair contractor company, only agree to a payment system that begins with the delivery of materials, and ends after a job well done.

After completing the above steps, there is a good chance you’ll come away with properly repaired foundation damage, and if there was actually no problem in the first place, at least you’ll know how to search for good foundation repair contractors in the future.

If your structure is resting on an unstable foundation, don’t hesitate to contact Extreme Technology’s. Extreme Technology’s are leading Atlanta foundation repair contractors, ready to get you back on solid ground!

Finding The Best Foundation Repair Contractors">Click Here For Original Article

Ground isn’t always stable enough to build on. Unfortunately, people do it anyway, and sometimes they end up with foundation problems down the line. Granted, the topic of “foundation problems” is a very complicated one, with varied causes:

Ground composition: sometimes certain ground is inherently more prone to stability issues than others; Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky, and Missouri are the states where you’ll find this most.

precipitation and weathering: sinkholes can form when rain water seeps down and loosens the already unstable earth below. They can also form when water drainage patterns change, and new drainage patterns develop. Sinkholes in Georgia are brought on by the slow, natural process of erosion in the underground limestone caves. While this erosion takes place over a period of thousands of years, when it reaches its climax, the land within a few hundred feet above the limestone collapses – sometimes very rapidly.

human activity: Substrata instability can occur from abandoned mines, as well as from errors in construction from civil engineers and foundation contractors.

Whatever the cause of your foundation problem, one of the most effective methods of fixing the foundation of an existing structure is “pressure grouting.”

Pressure grouting is a common foundation repair technique that involves pumping a cement mixture into the ground underneath a structure, to make the foundation on which it rests, more stable. Although pressure grouting is sometimes used to treat unstable foundations of buildings, it’s generally used in smaller foundation projects. Specifically speaking, the whole point of pressure grouting is to seal off bedrock and prevent soil from further seeping into the cavities made within it (also known as sinkholes). To explain further, pipes are injected deep into the earth, all the way down to the bedrock. They then carry the cement filling mixture until these cavities are filled. The depth at which the pipes must be pushed down, may vary quite a bit depending on the size of the structure, the nature of the soil, etc.

Pressure is another factor that tends to vary from project to project, and is determined by a pressure gauge (which is used between the concrete pump and the injection pipes). The mixture or “grout” is pumped into the pipes, while the structure at hand is closely analyzed for movement. Once the pressure reaches 300 psi (for example), the grout pipe is usually extracted in 5′ increments, the process then starts from the beginning, until the ground has been stabilized within about 10 feet of the surface.

Some critics of pressure grouting argue that it isn’t as effective a method of foundation stability as helical piering might be – which may explain why it’s sometimes more cost effective than its counterpart. Nevertheless, pressure grouting is the perfect foundation stability solution for concrete structures that aren’t “raised.” Helical piers can attach themselves to a building, but if you have a structure like a patio, this can become a bit more complicated, and many opt for pressure grouting in this circumstance.

If you’re in search of a foundation stability method for your sinkholes, etc, don’t hesitate to contact Extreme Technology’s. We’re your top of the line Atlanta pressure grouting contractors!

The Power of Pressure Grouting">Click Here For Original Article

From a distance, helical anchors from manufacturer to manufacturer look similar, but are they? In simplest terms – No they are not the same. As a matter of fact, there can be huge differences in helical anchors. Some suppliers use old oilfield pipe (known as J55 pipe) and this can make a huge difference in longevity and structural safety of the helical anchor.

First of all, the used oilfield pipe available for the helical anchor market is pipe that is deemed no longer fit to be used in the oil rig. With the high oil prices and the pipe shortages, the oil rig operators are wearing it out before they sell it.

Let’s talk about salt water in oil production. Most of the existing wells in Texas, Oklahoma and the Midwest are classified as stripper wells. These are wells that produce a 90% / 10% mix of fluid on a daily basis. This means that if the well produces 10 barrels of oil a day, it also produces 90 barrels of saltwater per day. The affects of saltwater on steel pipe does not need explanation. Furthermore, periodically, acid is drawn down the wells to help the flow of fluids into the well bore. Once again, not much explanation needed.

Last but not least, the most destructive effect on oil field pipe is known as rod wear. Inside the oilfield pipe, which is known as drill stem, are the sucker rods. Now very quickly, a brief lesson on oil production. The pumping unit sits on the surface. Attached to the horse head on the pumping unit is the bridle. Attached to the bridle is the polish rod. Attached to the polish rod are the sucker rods. Down deep in the hole is the rod pump. To pump this fluid (saltwater & oil) out of the hole, the horse head, the polish rod, the sucker rods and the pump have to go up & down constantly. These rods, going down through this pipe are rubbing against something and that something is the used casing pipe (J55 pipe). Oilfield operators generally will not stop using this pipe until they have determined that 30% or more of the wall thickness is gone.

To spell it out, these super hard rods, rubbing constantly against the casing pipe, causes some very thin spots inside the pipe. So, pipe that was nice and thick when it was new, has salt-water corrosion, acid corrosion and very thin spots due to “rod wear”. Does this sound like pipe that should be used to manufacture helical anchors that provide structural support?

Obviously not all helical anchors are the same. Manufacturers that use old oilfield pipe may be putting your structure at risk. Why would they do this? Cost is the only reason. New structural steel pipe cost a bit more but is certified to specifications and is designed to provide years of structural support. Not all helical anchors are the same, as a matter of fact, there are major differences between helical anchors.

Not all Helical Piers are the same">Click Here For Original Article