Crumbling Concrete Disaster - Help Requested I’m looking…
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Crumbling Concrete Disaster - Help Requested
I’m looking for some "concrete" advice on a recurring patio nightmare. We are currently on our second pour, and it’s failing again. I need to figure out a long-term solution that won't destroy the stone-wrapped island and fire pit we’ve built on top of it, and that will look great.
**The Situation:**
* **The Issue:** After 2.5 years, the surface is crumbling in dozens of spots. Cracks are forming, and the concrete is "soft" to the touch—falling apart with minimal pressure.
* **The History:** The first pour had poor control joints and bad color mixing. This second pour looked great initially but is now disintegrating.
* **The Contractor:** He is willing to stand by the work, but I’ve lost confidence in the method.
**Options we are weighing:**
1. **Full Tear Out:** My biggest fear. We have a stone-wrapped island with granite counters and a half wall. Is it even possible to demo the slab without ruining these structures?
2. **Concrete Overlay/Skim:** The contractor suggested a specialized vendor for a stamped overlay. I’m worried this is a "Band-Aid" fix since the base material is already failing.
3. **Stone/Tile:** Considering a stone/tile product over the top, but again, I'm worried the crumbling base will cause the stone to crack or heave later.
**Has anyone dealt with a "soft" slab or spalling this bad?** If you’ve done a tear-out around existing masonry, or have a product recommendation that actually lasts over a compromised slab, I’d love to hear it.
Quick Info:
Climate - Midwest Winters (We have not salted the patio)
Sub-Base - Compacted gravel, Pour - 4 inches thick
Conditions - It was a clear sunny day when poured
Problems - Crumbling concrete and discoloration
Thank you in advance for the help.
Https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q61igb1a8xW3RShCA
#home
source
I’m looking for some "concrete" advice on a recurring patio nightmare. We are currently on our second pour, and it’s failing again. I need to figure out a long-term solution that won't destroy the stone-wrapped island and fire pit we’ve built on top of it, and that will look great.
**The Situation:**
* **The Issue:** After 2.5 years, the surface is crumbling in dozens of spots. Cracks are forming, and the concrete is "soft" to the touch—falling apart with minimal pressure.
* **The History:** The first pour had poor control joints and bad color mixing. This second pour looked great initially but is now disintegrating.
* **The Contractor:** He is willing to stand by the work, but I’ve lost confidence in the method.
**Options we are weighing:**
1. **Full Tear Out:** My biggest fear. We have a stone-wrapped island with granite counters and a half wall. Is it even possible to demo the slab without ruining these structures?
2. **Concrete Overlay/Skim:** The contractor suggested a specialized vendor for a stamped overlay. I’m worried this is a "Band-Aid" fix since the base material is already failing.
3. **Stone/Tile:** Considering a stone/tile product over the top, but again, I'm worried the crumbling base will cause the stone to crack or heave later.
**Has anyone dealt with a "soft" slab or spalling this bad?** If you’ve done a tear-out around existing masonry, or have a product recommendation that actually lasts over a compromised slab, I’d love to hear it.
Quick Info:
Climate - Midwest Winters (We have not salted the patio)
Sub-Base - Compacted gravel, Pour - 4 inches thick
Conditions - It was a clear sunny day when poured
Problems - Crumbling concrete and discoloration
Thank you in advance for the help.
Https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q61igb1a8xW3RShCA
#home
source
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