HELP.....Rained Damaged Concrete!

9452

Recently we poured a driveway/walk. We used a 3000psi concrete mix with fiber and 2% non-chloride accelerator. It was necessary to "pitch a tent"/plastic over the hardening areas because of the threathening rain.

My problem is this.....the next day we discovered that part of the plastic blew off, thus removing a portion of the broom finish. No rocks are showing, but the finish is weak and needs a sealer for improved strength against abrasion, dusting, and losing fines. This is day 5 since the pour and the color is still changing. The days since the pour have been wet and damp. At this point I am not really sure what solutions to present to improve the overall appearance of the concrete.

I always like to bring solutions to any problem.... but for this one I am stumped on which way to go. Outside of staining the area and the added expense what other options do you think I could present/ and or consider. I am open to all suggestions !

Rained out...
Razi

concretemasonry

Can you satisfy the owner with an option?

Is it possible to cut out he bad panel and repour? Since you used fiber mesh, I don't imagine you also used wire so remove would not be too tough. You have used a minimal strength concrete and it is easy to reduce the durability, not to mention the effects on the appearance. If can do this and offer it to the owner as an alternate, he becomes a part of solving the problem that will not go away.

Point out that the color of concrete will change as it cures as evidenced by the current and recent changes. You are fortunate that the recent weather has been moist.

Changing the appearance if the cement has been washed out and staining in only a cosmetic band-aid.

Dick

9452

Thanks concretemasonary for your response. Good Advise! We will be meeting with the homeowners later this week to preview/review the drive/walkways. Each day as it cures the areas are looking a lot better, less obvious markings. It is my hope that by the end of week that it will continue to improve. Initially, the homeowners did mention staining the entire area. Not sure if this is still something they will consider doing. We are still planning to seal the entire area, hopefully by next week. If you have any other suggestions and/or recommendations please keep me informed.

I do have another question for you however, I came across a product by SureCrete/Rebroom Finish which is used to restore exising concrete to better than new conditions. Are you familiar with this product? I am not considering this product for this job, but I like knowing the pros and cons of products more so for recommendations.