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I have a customer that has has severe pitting on his front concrete porch (approx 30 sf). While I would prefer to remove the entire surface and start from scratch, I would like to know if any of the overlays or decorative toppings would be a reasonable alternative. The porch is 35 years old, south facing and does not have a cover above it.
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Prescriptive codes don't address the connection at less common angles, so base the connection off more typical ones using bolts, structural screws, blocking, and steel tension ties.
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Bob,
I just had my concrete supplier provide all of the details for the same job in central PA. Just waiting until spring.
Apparently, it is not a problem to pour as little as an 1 1/2" cap. the existing slab must be clean, and you treat it with a bonding agent just before the pour. Some agents for that are Acryl 60, Darweld, and Larson Weldcrete. Tamms Bonder is also a good one that is rated for filling any cracks in the slab.
After the bonder is applied, "scrub" concrete across the floor right in front of the pour to ensure good adhesion. The mix my supplier recommended was a 3/8" stone, double dose of "Stealth" fiber, and an additive called Berylux that makes the concrete absolutely stain proof (3.00/yd adder here). Make sure that you provide relief for any posts, etc, and be sure to cut the exposed edge of the existing concrete back at a 45 deg. then reform to "fake" a solid slab.
At any edge that abuts a solid wall, use 1/2" foam against the wall, and after the cure, dig the top of the foam out and use a good concrete caulk.
Of course, this assumes you have room below the door to pour, and don't forget to rebuild the steps when you're done. I almost forgot to add that in the quote when I researched this.
While the expense of some of the products here is relatively high, it is definately easier for you and the homeowner (think no jackhammer, etc.) and my supplier assures me that this will work.
I have some other info that may be helpful, it may not. Let me know if I can help.
Nate
*Bob,Save yourself a lot of grief and find either a Spray-Crete dealer/applicator or a CTI one. Their decorative concrete resurfacing products are excellent - highest compressive strength and shear strength on the market.Forget the DIY ones. As a decorative concrete contactor ourselves, we get enough calls to repair them to know that they're not worth the effort - let alone the money. Go with a pro, and you'll sleep well at night.Cliff.