Freshly poured concrete repair?

[pavulon]

A co-worker had a driveway poured and within a couple hours, it rained. The contractor did not cover the new pour and her pictures show the surface now has areas of exposed gravel aggregate. Her contractor claims he can "fix" it. Short of pulling out the entire driveway, how is something like that effectively addressed?

[rfuerst911sc]

I am no expert but I doubt a skim coat of cement would stand up to time . Tear out and repour is my guess .

[hcoles]

There are companies that can do a surface grind but there will still be holes left I would guess. This is were you find out what type of contractor you have. I hope she hasn't paid yet.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by hcoles

There are companies that can do a surface grind but there will still be holes left I would guess. This is were you find out what type of contractor you have. I hope she hasn't paid yet.

She paid half up front and believes the contractor is a new business. She is recently widowed with young kids. Her dad is helping her with the now more complex project.

[Cairo94507]

Do not pay another dime unless it is properly repaired. A thin topcoat will never hold up. Remove and re-pour.

[ltusler]

Go and see what www.garagejournal.com has to say.

[KFC911]

Were it my driveway ... remove & repour. No ??? about it... no BS either .... he screwed up

[hcoles]

The Dad needs to fix this project first. Get a quote for fixing the slab from the best concrete contractor you can get to come over. See what he/she says. No doubt this has happened before to an experienced contractor - what did they do? Start by calling the highest cost general house building contractor (built the fanciest houses in the area) and ask who does his concrete. Just say my driveway has holes forming - not sure what to do.

[hcoles]

I tried Google. There are a number of results regarding what to do with rain damage of fresh concrete.

[KFC911]

^^^ Makes sense .... do you park yer "expensive", exotic Porches out front for him to see as he gives his e$timate ?

Good luck!

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by hcoles

I tried Google. There are a number of results regarding what to do with rain damage of fresh concrete.

I viewed these as well. Long-term durability when exposed to ice, salt and snow removal would worry me. If they somehow resurface, they will no-doubt demand payment leaving her on the hook if it fails. The experienced second opinion recommendation seems a good angle.

This appears to be important too.

When resurfacing concrete, it is important to ensure that the concrete has completely cured for at least 14 days in summer and at least 28 days in winter.

https://news.allcongroup.com.au/how-to-deal-with-rain-damaged-concrete

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by ltusler

Go and see what www.garagejournal.com has to say.

Yes, there have been a few threads on this. Spitting out the statement it's all gotta come out is reckless internet babble. There are very strong compounds designed for this type of repair.

I agree that there is a problem with a concrete contractor that doesn't have rolls of 4 mil plastic on his truck in the event of rain. The older I get, and being a retired general contractor, the more I realize how many stupid people go into the trades.

I once fanaticized about building my own home based on plans I have of my grandparents custom home built nearby in 1938. Due to the labor force being what it is today I do not give that any more thought. The last few jobs I did using subs told me to GTFO of the business altogether.

[hcoles]

Originally Posted by pavulon

I viewed these as well. Long-term durability when exposed to ice, salt and snow removal would worry me. If they somehow resurface, they will no-doubt demand payment leaving her on the hook if it fails. The experienced second opinion recommendation seems a good angle.

This appears to be important too.

When resurfacing concrete, it is important to ensure that the concrete has completely cured for at least 14 days in summer and at least 28 days in winter.

https://news.allcongroup.com.au/how-to-deal-with-rain-damaged-concrete

Yes, I found that also. This is going to be a sticky situation. New contractors have gone broke and out of business for less.

[hcoles]

It was recommended by a lawyer friend to pay (even part payment) using a credit card. The card companies have more ability to get money back than you do.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by hcoles

It was recommended by a lawyer friend to pay (even part payment) using a credit card. The card companies have more ability to get money back than you do.

More great advice. Thank you!

[TimT]

Diamond grind to even out the peaks in the aggregate, then a colored epoxy coating with grit and UV additive.. should last a very long time

[Por_sha911]

Proper repair (with a written description of what will be done) with a big discount off the remaining balance IF the contractor is licensed and in business for a long while or remove and replace would be my choices.

How can you trust the repair to be done competently by a bozo who doesn't cover a recent pour? If he is that cheap to not use the plastic, what makes you think he will use the right materials and take the time to do it correctly?

[LWJ]

A different perspective.

If you have zero faith it will be repaired correctly. This is what you do. (If you have faith, DON’T do this!)

You can look up the contractor’s general liability carrier. Make a claim for the whole amount plus th cost of demo/removal.

Sort of a d1ck move, but you will get results and probably be made whole.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Yes, there have been a few threads on this. Spitting out the statement it's all gotta come out is reckless internet babble. There are very strong compounds designed for this type of repair.

I agree that there is a problem with a concrete contractor that doesn't have rolls of 4 mil plastic on his truck in the event of rain. The older I get, and being a retired general contractor, the more I realize how many stupid people go into the trades.
....

You gonna trust the bozo who did it poorly to "make it right"? If it can be "made right" .... who does it ... who pays, etc.? Not questioning you guys .... just curious...

CC makes perfect sense too... great advice too!

edited: I called him a bozo before I read Joe's post above .... we agree !

[Baz]

Got any photos you can share?