Concrete Polishing

[deeksofdoom]

I’m having some work done in my back garden, one of things I‘ve had done is a new dog run. I got a local builder to do all of the work, however I’ve an issue with the slab that was poured for the dog run…. It’s holding water.
 

Shuttering was put up with a slope for the floor of the dog run, that would run into an eco drain at the end of the run and of course the dope who poured the concrete made a balls of it. He used a sub optimal concrete which is not normally used by builders for finishing. I told him to float the finish…. But of course when the slab dried out it dipped in the middle, and there is no floated finish…. it’s ****. I would have done a better job myself.

What is the story with polishing concrete, does the quality of the concrete have to be a certain standard. How do you seal it, would it stand up to power hosing and scrubbing.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

 

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Call your builder back, get him to get it sorted out.

[deeksofdoom]

34 minutes ago, TIGHTCHOKE said:

Call your builder back, get him to get it sorted out.

Builders about to be sacked ….. and he won’t be getting paid for that…. So it’s a little bit more complicated. 

[JKD]

Could you not get a 'specialist' screed to pour and trowel over it ? Similar to a levelling compound.

Edit to add,,,, I've used products called ARDEX to level out interior concrete floors etc. Their products can be laid in various thicknesses. Quite expensive but very good 👍

https://www.ardexbuildingproducts.ie/services/stockist-locator/

 

Concrete polishing is carried out as the concrete cures, not after it has set. You can use concrete grinders to 'plane off' small areas, but that is very laborious and time consuming. 

Edited May 5 by JKD

[J.R.]

 

https://www.smartseal.ie/sealers/concrete-sealer/

 

https://www.smartseal.ie/sealers/concrete-sealer/concrete-sealer.htm

 

Edited May 6 by J.R.

[deeksofdoom]

Would you use the concrete sealer before using the levelling compound or after using the levelling compound, 

 

how exactly does concrete sealer work?

[J.R.]

19 hours ago, deeksofdoom said:

Would you use the concrete sealer before using the levelling compound or after using the levelling compound, 

 

how exactly does concrete sealer work?

I've never used it - but I'd guess that you would put down the levelling compound first and have everything ready and to your satisfaction - then seal the whole lot with the sealer.

Thr concrete sealer will make the surface waterproof and non-porous - so urine and dogs dirt will not soak in or stain surface and can be easily washed off.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 7 by J.R.

[timps]

Just FYI pure levelling compounds are never suitable as a finished, wearing surface, and they should always be covered by the likes of ceramic tiles, vinyl carpet etc. anything the manufacturer classes as an actual wearing surface.

With Ardex you would use something like ARDEX K 80 or ARDEX K 301 also have a look at BAL Adhesives, I have worked with both companies and would recommend either.

The only thing you would ever prepare the original concrete with beforehand would be a primer if required by manufacturer’s instructions.

You also must bear in mind the surface tensile strength of the original concrete, if it is weak and friable the wearing surface will pull this apart when it dries and be right mess.

Obviously, I know it is just a dog run and not an industrial unit but just thought I’d share the information with you.

You can download the technical data for laying here

Ardex

Edited May 8 by timps

[GingerCat]

Could you cut a grove into the base to allow water to drain? 

[lister1]

If you’re not having to pay the first builder why not breaking it up and have it done correctly. You will be happier in the long run.