Frequently Asked Questions

We get this question all the time. It’s also arguably the most important. Yes, both of our foams are expanding foams, but otherwise, they’re nothing alike! There are nearly one thousand different types of expanding foams and every one serves a different function.

HMI is the ONLY company that makes polyurethane foam for concrete raising from recycled material. HMI manufactures an environmentally friendly, dual component polyurethane foam for raising and stabilizing concrete. Our patented materials (U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/583,295) are made from recycled and biobased components, making it the “’greenest”’ polyurethane foam on the market. Available in 2, 4, 5 and 6 lbs. per cubic foot density (free spray). HMI has developed this revolutionary new foam that is setting new standards in polyurethane foam quality. ASTM tested, this recycled material is the best foam available for raising and stabilizing concrete.

Concrete raising is half the cost of replacement, but the amount of work needed depends on how much leveling material the project will require. Our team in Wichita will give you a free on-site estimate for all residential or industrial concrete repairs, including poly foam.

With residential concrete repair work in Wichita, the vast majority of projects can be completed in less than a day, usually in a few hours or less. With industrial or municipal concrete repair projects, the duration depends on the scope.

The foam we use is manufactured from non-toxic and environmentally safe materials. The polyurethane develops an outer layer to maintain the chemical reactions process, which makes it completely inert. There are no environmental restrictions on this material whatsoever. HMI is the ONLY company that makes polyurethane foam for concrete raising from recycled material. They manufacture an environmentally friendly, dual component polyurethane foam for raising and stabilizing concrete. HMI Foams are made from recycled and biobased components, making it the “’D2greenest”’D3 polyurethane foam on the market. Available in 2, 4, 5 and 6 lbs. per cubic foot density (free spray). They have developed this revolutionary new foam that is setting new standards in polyurethane foam quality. ASTM tested, this recycled material is the best foam available for raising and stabilizing concrete.

Machines that we use are permanently mounted on our vehicle and the noise they generate is contained. The injection gun we use to inject the material under the concrete is very quiet.

Our vans are parked in the street or right of way and lightweight, flexible hoses are pulled across the hardscape without disturbing any landscaping.

Polyurethane is a great material because it doesn’t wear down or break. Polyurethane is a completely inert, solid material that is impervious to water, chemicals, insects and rodents. It can be applied to substrates like wood and concrete and will last as long as the substrate stays intact.

Our Wichita-based company has poly foam that sets up in minutes. The material is fully cured and ready to use within 15 minutes. You can use your concrete by the time we drive away!

Polyurethane concrete raises are a much more controlled process than other methods, and the chance of over-lifting is less likely. The process is monitored very carefully by our technicians, who administer injections at precise intervals. Each injection takes only 10-15 seconds to fully expand. Injections are administered in 25-30 second intervals allowing time for maximum expansion. Once the desired amount of polyurethane is injected and the proper lift is achieved no more material is administered.

Polyurethane systems inject under the concrete and into the soil to form a solid structure. It is not susceptible to fracture or failure, but there are instances that can cause failure even after repair. If the cracks and joints on the surface of the concrete are not properly sealed, it can allow moisture into those open cracks and joints under the concrete and undermine repair. Grading and drainage are critical to the long-term stability of a site. If grading is not maintained, water can pool where it can cause continued settlement. Avoid using sprinkler or drip line systems in areas surrounding walkways. All water sources should be at least 5 feet away. Taking these necessary steps following the residential or industrial concrete repair will ensure that the concrete will last a lifetime on your Wichita property. We can help you recognize anything that would present a potential problem in the future.