I had a concrete floor poured in one end of my shed to use as as wood workshop. I had to leave before the trowling was completed and it is rough. the contractor simply finished it with the bull float and there are lines and rough spots in it. I wanted a slick finish so I could sweep sawdust up, but it will be all but imposible the way it was left. No sense in trying to get the "con" tractor to do anything because I made the mistake of paying him before I saw the finish, or lack thereof. Would the leveler used on concrete floors under carpet work? Is there another do-it-yourself product that would work best? Please pardon any puns you may notice!
poor pour finish
- Thread starter hammbone
- Start date
desertrat
Active member
Self leveling concrete is probably your best bet, depending on how large the area is. I had that issue with my entire garage and ended having to put down RaceDeck to fix all the issues. Hopefully yours isn't that bad.
The area is 16X30. There are 1/4 in ridges and about the same depth ruts in it. I was gone for two weeks before I could have a chance to do anything. was going to try to scrape some of the ridges of, but have not been able to as yet.
Edger
Well-known member
You need to rent a diamond grinder, preferably one with 50/60 grit diamonds rather than less than 40. Most companies have no idea what grit they have. Wet may be better, it makes a mess, but it will still grind OK if the concrete is quite hard and you save on hire of a vacuum. You will probably need bigger than 12in, because you do not want to dig grooves into the floor from grinding. Do it wet, do it gentle, do it slow.
duneslider
Well-known member
Most self leveling compounds I have worked with are not supposed to be a wear layer. There may be some that are but I haven't used that kind. I would also say you should look into grinding.
You sure you can't get any money back from the contractor? Maybe you should file a claim with his insurance? Small claims court? Contact the licensing division and file a complaint?
You sure you can't get any money back from the contractor? Maybe you should file a claim with his insurance? Small claims court? Contact the licensing division and file a complaint?
Filing a claim is pointless without a signed contract that spells out the intended finish.
--Just making the statement; not directed at you, duneslider.
jtbinvalrico
Well-known member
duneslider
Well-known member
I was writing under the assumption that he hired a CONTRACTOR and there would have been a CONTRACT. Which would have meant there was insurance, licensing, permits, etc, etc. If we are talking about a cash deal, no license, no insurance, then I guess the tail light warranty is up.
1/4"... ouch.
That would be tough to take that much off and have it still be nice and level/flat. I would think taking some off the ridges then skimming it with concrete would probably be the best way to do it. But you're basically at square one of redoing the work the guy messed up on at that point.
That would be tough to take that much off and have it still be nice and level/flat. I would think taking some off the ridges then skimming it with concrete would probably be the best way to do it. But you're basically at square one of redoing the work the guy messed up on at that point.
retrobuilder
Well-known member
Quikrete Leveling concrete used on side walks and add 2 stage epoxy finish will look great.
mattdwelder
Well-known member
use the self leveler then put down some kind of flooring
Chucktown
Well-known member
Post his name on another website that discusses contractors. Someone else will google his name, find your review, and pass on him. Be sure whatever you say is truthful...don't slander.
Welcome to GJ . . . sorry that your concrete finish was a disappointment.
Several guru's on GJ that can lend some advice . . . however, picture will tell a thousand words. Post up some pics so everyone can see what you got.
Several guru's on GJ that can lend some advice . . . however, picture will tell a thousand words. Post up some pics so everyone can see what you got.
RCStocker
Well-known member
I would get a hold of the contractor and tell him that it needs fixing. I am a contractor and I can float a floor smoother. There is no excuse in leaving a floor with 1/4" ridges in it. Is the contractor licensed? If so report him to the contractors board and take him to small claims court if he will not make it right. That is a very small job and there is no excuse to leave it rough. I have done larger pours by my self and gotten a perfect finish and I cement finisher. I don't do it now but small jobs are easy.
If the person who did your job does not have a license then you are out of luck. If you had something in writing and he is not licensed then you have him and should get a judgment against him in small claims court.
As a contractor I was always there when the cement went down. Little things can go wrong, forms give and a host of other things.
Sorry you got such a bad job. I have a huge angel grinder with a huge stone on it for grinding cement. You can grind the ridges off but the floor might not be flat. There are topping you can float over the floor to level it out. Good luck
If the person who did your job does not have a license then you are out of luck. If you had something in writing and he is not licensed then you have him and should get a judgment against him in small claims court.
As a contractor I was always there when the cement went down. Little things can go wrong, forms give and a host of other things.
Sorry you got such a bad job. I have a huge angel grinder with a huge stone on it for grinding cement. You can grind the ridges off but the floor might not be flat. There are topping you can float over the floor to level it out. Good luck
LegacyIndustrial
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I would grind it as smooth as possible and either order some RaceDeck type flooring or apply an epoxy self-leveler with a 100% solids topcoat.
I find any cementitious overlayment, used in a rough garage environment, not strong enough and a ticking time bomb. Good for walks, not steel dropping, abusive garages.
I find any cementitious overlayment, used in a rough garage environment, not strong enough and a ticking time bomb. Good for walks, not steel dropping, abusive garages.