Location: Marsing, Idaho Problem: A homeowner built a concrete dam in a creek to create a pond for irrigation storage. During backfill, boulders and road mix were placed around the structure. Once the pond filled, water found paths around the dam and washed out the road mix between boulders. The resulting voids prevented the dam…
Location: Treasure Valley Penetrometer testing is one of our primary tools for making informed decisions about settlement related to deep soils. Without real data, it is easy to under-treat a problem or prescribe the wrong repair approach. Polyflow Solution: A penetrometer measures soil resistance to penetration, providing practical insight into compactness, hardness, and consistency at…
Location: Homedale, Idaho Problem: Cracks at the base of grain bins were allowing water to enter the silo, causing grain rot and financial loss. Previous attempts using surface sealants and even spray foam coatings failed to stop water migration through the concrete, so intrusion continued. Polyflow Solution: We removed the failed spray foam and thoroughly…
Location: Treasure Valley Problem: Many concrete leveling quotes are based on a quick visual inspection, a few measurements, and assumptions about the cause. In reality, settlement can be driven by deep soil issues, erosion, or sub-base failure, and the right fix depends on identifying the true mechanism. Polyflow Solution: We use a handheld steel probe,…
Location: Eagle, Idaho Problem: This site presented two related issues. Water was leaking around the main pipe entering the cistern, escaping through concrete at the penetration. Over time, the leak caused deep erosion, creating a large void beneath the pump house slab and contributing to slab settlement. Polyflow Solution: After draining the cistern below the…
Location: Meridian, Idaho Problem: Even with strong geotechnical planning, localized conditions can vary outside test areas. At this site, certain zones showed settlement in asphalt drive lanes and near storage unit foundations, likely linked to unknown organic decomposition below grade. Polyflow Solution: We drilled through the asphalt near the footings and drove steel injection tubes…
Location: Cascade, Idaho Problem: Improper drainage and insufficient compaction caused erosion beneath a shop floor, creating voids in the sub-base. The underlying soils were also not ideal load-bearing material. Although the floor had not yet settled significantly, the space was empty and the owner wanted the issue corrected before heavy use and equipment loading began.…
Location: Homedale, Idaho Problem: This older home had a stem wall that was crumbling due to age and deterioration, leading to settlement at one corner. The homeowner wanted a practical solution that improved stability without unnecessary demolition. Polyflow Solution: Although the stem wall was deteriorated, the basement contained a substantial footing that could be utilized.…
Location: Star, Idaho Problem: This is a common issue on new construction with basement foundations. After forming and pouring the basement walls, excavation spoils are backfilled against the foundation. If that backfill is not compacted in proper lifts, the soils will consolidate over time. In this project, the lack of compaction led to settlement and…
Location: Multiple Residential Applications Problem: In foundation lifting projects using helical or push piers, a void often remains between the footing and the ground after elevation is restored. If that gap is not properly filled, it becomes a weakness that can invite rodents and insects and create a path for moisture intrusion. We often see…