Thoughts on Ardex?

[Scooter Scott]

We built a new home where the garage and basement top coats were damaged from a torrential downpour after it was poured. They put ardex down on the basement floor which doesn't bother me because I will eventually cover it with carpet and not have to look at it.

What I've noticed about it is that it marks up easy I already see places around the edges that are peeling. So for the garage where I will not be putting a flooring over it I'm wondering if this is actually the right course of action or if I should be requesting something else from the builder. I've already asked about epoxy and he told me the concrete company will not do that. Do I request them to break it up and repour it? Should I push harder on the epoxy? Or is Ardex something that will last me 20 years? I do not know which product of Ardex they use.

 

[SolarColumbia]

Your avatar is hilarious. I drive a 2004 Wrangler.

Regarding Ardex my understanding with overlays is that it may not hold up in a garage environment. Preparation for a concrete overlay such as Ardex involves shot blasting or scarification and the thinner the overlay is put down the less durable it is. Since the concrete would need to be mechanically prepared for anything to adhere you'd be better off using a two part epoxy product after appropriate preparation such as grinding.

 

[Shea]

There are many different formulations of Ardex that are made for specific requirements. It sounds like a self-leveling underlayment was put down in the basement. Underlayments are not wear surfaces and will easily mark up. They require that a flooring (not a coating) be applied over it such as carpet, tile, vinyl, wood, etc.

Ardex products tend to be very good as long as the right one is being used appropriately. Ardex customer service is the best source to determine which of their many formulations should be used for a particular project.

 

[Scooter Scott]

There are many different formulations of Ardex that are made for specific requirements. It sounds like a self-leveling underlayment was put down in the basement. Underlayments are not wear surfaces and will easily mark up. They require that a flooring (not a coating) be applied over it such as carpet, tile, vinyl, wood, etc.

Ardex products tend to be very good as long as the right one is being used appropriately. Ardex customer service is the best source to determine which of their many formulations should be used for a particular project.

Thanks! So hopefully they use a better product in the garage. I'll try to ask what they are using.

 

[Shea]

Then call Ardex customer service to verify it's correct for the application.

 

[Scooter Scott]

Then call Ardex customer service to verify it's correct for the application.

Thanks. I'm trying to get the info from my Superintendant.

 

[The Cobbler]

and I think some of the ardex products require a primer too.

 

[kaymccampbell]

It requires roughing up the concrete and using the right material in the right thickness. I would be using Ardex CD concrete dressing.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Also check with Ardex as to use of primer or epoxy primer with sand broadcast as that is often needed for particular products. The primers assure good bonding to the surface. Last comment is to make sure that there is enough depth to the resurfacing since in a garage if it's too thin it will crack and debond.

To be honest the preference is to bust out the floor and redo it as any cap or overlay can debond with vehicular traffic.

 

[Scooter Scott]

To be honest the preference is to bust out the floor and redo it as any cap or overlay can debond with vehicular traffic.

I don't like to hear that. I tried pushing for them to do epoxy. They said they won't do that and will only do Ardex.

 

[Vintage Veloce]

I don't like to hear that. I tried pushing for them to do epoxy. They said they won't do that and will only do Ardex.

"They said" But what does your contract say about work quality, materials, etc?
Don't pay them for the foundation until this was resolved to your satisfaction. A quick search will show you that there are many threads on this board about contractors screwing the buyers over stuff like this.

 

[Shiftless]

"They said" But what does your contract say about work quality, materials, etc?
Don't pay them for the foundation until this was resolved to your satisfaction. A quick search will show you that there are many threads on this board about contractors screwing the buyers over stuff like this.

Good advice.
How long are you planning to stay in that house? Will the builder warrantee that the Ardex won’t crack and lift for that length of time? I seriously doubt that!

 

[machsnell]

Ardex, even if directions are followed to the t, will not work to successfully repair your garage. God knows I wish it would.

I have tried many times and haven't wanted to replace a damaged or incorrect pour. Now I don't even bother with ardex unless it is chips in flat work from construction that GC needs repaired to get off bond or address punch items.

Rain or rain preparedness is on the contractor. Unless you pushed them to have to do it the day it was done you don't have to accept it.

It ***** and no one wants to have to deal with it but we have had it happen and you have to be prepared with plastic and cover for as long as is needed and stay as long is as needed to finish the concrete. Usually requires a early morning visit the next day also to correct any issues from coverings/water.

Concrete is a *****. It will stick to everything you don't want it to and you can't remove: conversely, you can't patch or get it to stick to any patch areas to save your life.

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[Scooter Scott]

Here is the biggest crack that I have concerns with. Also the concrete is already chipping up.

And then for my third car they messed up on the foundation and poured it too narrow for the framing. So they cut it out. I was told they will fill this in with something and then ardex over it.



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