Honeycomb edges - slab repair

[Usafexplorer]

We had a slab poured and there is honeycombing on the edges and corners, not fighting with the contractor to resolve as it's a no-win situation. What do the concrete experts in the forum recommend for the repair? There are several products available, I've watched a few videos and just looking for opinions from the forum. For the most part it's cosmetic but I still want it to look as it should.

 

[Rusted Nut]

If it’s not structural, any cementitious patching (not concrete mix) mix will work. I wouldn’t use fast set, no need and harder to work with.

 

[Usafexplorer]

Thank you, appreciate the response.

 

[PopcornSutton]

You don't want concrete MIX, that will have stones/larger aggregate in it. A patching compound will work, but a mortar (sand/cement) mix would probably match better once cured. Mix it "peanut butter" consistency and use a rubber float to smear the mix into the cavities. Rub it off flush with the concrete.

 

[ConCretin]

We'd use Silpro TDQ. It call fill large voids but still feathers out to zero. It sets quickly, which helps on vertical repairs and matches concrete color decently.

Leave the repair a little high, let it take an initial set, strike it off flush with the edge of a steel trowel and then blend with a damp sponge. Works especially well for corners, etc.

 

[Usafexplorer]

We'd use Silpro TDQ. It call fill large voids but still feathers out to zero. It sets quickly, which helps on vertical repairs and matches concrete color decently.

Leave the repair a little high, let it take an initial set, strike it off flush with the edge of a steel trowel and then blend with a damp sponge. Works especially well for corners, etc.

Now that the weather has improved I started looking locally for the Silpro TDQ and unfortunately it's not available within 3 hours of us. I tried the Quikrete Polymer Modified Structural Repair bucket on a small area and it seemed to work well but set up way too fast for this rookie, glad I tried it on a small patch.

The local Lowes has this Vinyl Concrete Patcher bag that looks like it has a much longer working time, although it says concrete it's a cement product without gravel. Any thoughts? We are in a rural area with limited access to product offerings outside of the big box stores.

 

[d300]

If the product indicates it will feather to 1/8" or less, then there is little/no aggregate of any size and should work for your repair.

 

[Rusted Nut]

You dont want aggregates (gravel) for patching.

 

[ConCretin]

This product says it's for repairs from 1/4" to zero so it may be OK depending on the depth of the honeycombing. Some products tend to flow or sag if you put them on too thick. You might have to build up the repairs in layers.

If aesthetics are a concern, it's best to chip out any loose or exposed aggregate from the honeycomb area before patching to get a smooth repair.

Spray some water on the substrate a couple times before you apply the repair mortar. You want the existing surface saturated but with no standing water. This will aid with bonding and prevent all the water from getting sucked out of the repair mortar.