Reasons We Don't Offer Polyurethane Foam

Before considering polyurethane foam as a substitute for cementitious grout, the experts at Concrete Doctor Inc believe it's crucial for you to be aware of some essential information that may alter your perspective. Polyurethane foam, derived from crude oil, comprises polyols and diisocyanate, identified as carcinogens and labeled as toxic substances by the EPA. Additional components like toluene diisocyanate, methylene chloride, hydrogen cyanide, and isocyanates are known neurotoxins or carcinogens linked to cancer in animals. Moreover, even the highest-quality foam breaks down within 10-12 years under standard conditions.

At Concrete Doctor Inc, we do not provide polyurethane foam services for these reasons, as we believe you deserve the best long-lasting solutions for all your concrete needs. Learn more about the claimed benefits and realities of polyurethane below, and give us a call with any questions that arise.

• Excellent coverage within 1/32 of an inch
• Cement grout can meet or exceed coverage within 1/32-inch at higher PSI
• Cement grout offers compressive and tensile strengths of 600-5000 PSI
• Will not shrink
• Strengthens final grout placement
• 95 percent closed cell foam repels water (cement grout is not a petroleum-based material)
• Doesn’t stress the concrete due to uneven coverage
• Pressurized cement grout at proper slumps will not stress any concrete
• Small injection holes (5/8-inch diameter)
• Core-drilled injection holes can be repaired using same core plug
• Extreme lifting capabilities
• Meets or exceeds lifting capabilities of polyurethane
• Lightweight (125-250# per yard )
• Will not overburden soil
• Used by DOTs for over 30 years
• Cement grout has been used for over 60 years
• Sub-seals floor

Polyurethane, derived from petroleum, poses environmental concerns as it is a toxic and adhesive material that binds to concrete. This renders it unsuitable for recycling centers, as concrete with attached polyurethane cannot be accepted and must be disposed of at toxic waste facilities. Also, studies reveal that foam polyurethane breaks down due to slab deflection, making it unsuitable as a long-lasting solution.

The Construction & Demolition Recycling Association emphasizes that concrete containing hazardous materials, like polyurethane, won't be permitted for processing. Therefore, when removing concrete, it becomes the owner's responsibility and cost to safely dispose of the associated toxic polyurethane foam.

Some reliable sources you can check out to learn more include:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Construction & Demolition Recycling Association

Call Concrete Doctor Inc today to learn more about the risk of polyurethane foam and to find a more suitable solution for your concrete needs.