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Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/25/2010 12:30 AM

What would be the best method/substance (matching texture and color of existing concrete if possible) to patch the concrete on my back porch (12'X25') which has an unlevel corner that collects water against my new home every time it rains. The unlevel region is approximately 1/2" deep in the corner and about 8-9 sq ft. in area. The hardware store salesperson suggested a non-gravel cement, but I am not sure that would work appropriately. Would anchoring cement hold...and could I use an atypical volume of water to make it more self leveling? Need your help on this problem!

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#1

Re: Puddle patch for concrete porch

05/25/2010 2:05 AM

Hello, try self leveling concrete overlay. There info on what to use, where to get it, and info on installing it.

Typical you will need to clean and remove any loose surface then use some sort of bond enhancer between old and new.

If you cover part or the entire surface with the correct leveler you should be able to hide the fix and give it a custom look from stone to tile with acid staining and sealing. Pictures of acid staining.

Good luck with your project.

Charles

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#2

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/25/2010 10:07 AM

Have you considered mud jacking?

Here is a link: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-mudjacking.htm

I used this for a concrete stair (two risers, two treads, 4' across) and a concrete sidewalk slab (3' X 4') which were both pitched towards the house foundation causing migration of water into the basement during heavy rain.

I initially tried a few cementuos products applied to the surface. Even went as far as to scarify the existing surface prior to application. In all cases the repair would last a year or two and end up cracking and breaking away. Not to mention it was always visually obvious that a repair had been made.

The mud jacking worked great and was permanent. If my memory serves me, I paid around $225.00 (USD) back in the early 1990's.

Plus with the mud jacking, color and texture are not an issue except for the 2" bore hole plug (concrete) which the contractor I hired did an excellent job of matching.

I Googled "Mud Jacking Oklahoma" and came up with some hits.

Good Luck

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/25/2010 11:16 AM

I agree with KJK/USA. Lift the offending slab back into place.

Not a big deal, and is likely to be long term or permanent adjustment.

I assume the patio slab was sloped to drain in the first place, and has settled over the years. Also assumed is the slab is not pinned to the foundation (uncommon to pin them together, but not unheard of). If it is pinned, it will not be possible to jack it up.

I will assume this will work, and even though it does not really answer you question about patch material, I will say GA to KJK/USA. This is a better solution. Nicely done!

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#4
In reply to #2

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/25/2010 11:55 AM

Thanks guys! I'm checking out all your suggestions...this is probably a common problem. The step in the photo appears to be sitting on the shallow region, and the mud jacking (which is a great solution for some concrete problems) may be awkward in this corner, but I will still evaluate it with a contractor.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/25/2010 9:30 PM

This looks like some kind of "stuff" poured into the corner. Different color and height?

What gives?

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#7
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Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 12:36 AM

The original concrete was poured incorrectly leaving a hollow region in the corner where water forms a puddle every time it rains. Nothing has been poured on top of the cement, and the discoloration is due to water stain with a pencil line to mark the perimeter of the puddle.

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#8
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Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 12:40 AM

Thanks. Maybe old salt has the answer.

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#6

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 12:16 AM

Look into a product called-

Top 'N Bond Concrete Patcher .

It is intended for just the sort of thin patch you described. I have used some of the basic colorants available at a masonry supply house to match existing colors. Another alternatinve to matching the colors is to color the material to a color your choose and then fill in the low areas. Then put a brush coat on the rest of the areas that don't need to be filled in. This way the whole surface is the same color (same material) because you have used the same stuff to fill in and to brush coat.

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#9
In reply to #6

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 1:08 AM

Thanks! Great solutions guys (GAs given).

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#10

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 3:20 AM

Just one thought. "Level" may not be quite good enough in some circumstances: you might want to consider a very small slope away from the house.

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#11
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Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 12:11 PM

Good point! Great advise from all!

I think I will probably do the following (step in corner hinders raising corner of slab with a high pressure base):

A. Clean and prep corner

B. Use the top-n-bond (viscosity that will self-level)

C. Pour cap a little beyond pencil line and around step to raise region slightly higher and improve strength

D. Finish cap surface and blend edge to existing slab

E. Fill a long but small (width) crack (different area) that appears to be stable (last two years)

F. Resurface entire patio and use acid stain, polymer, paint, or other some other material to improve aesthetics (still need help here).

I will post periodic photos to show progress

Thanks again for all your great advise...what an outstanding site. This is what makes the world "tick".

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#12
In reply to #11

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 4:14 PM

Maybe resurfacing the entire porch including raising the dip and repairing the crack would be profitable?

The top-n-bond product would suffice, I've used Quikrete® successfully several times and the entire surface can be a uniform color and texture if desired

A good example here

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#13
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Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 4:38 PM

One thing to point out. I see in your photo (post #4) the slab looks even with the grout line at the brick veneer. This indicates to me it did not settle, so my endorsement for mudjacking should be disregarded. When you overlay with thinset, if you go above this groutline it will look funny, as well as create a likely a spot for cracks or spalls to start. If you are careful to slope away from the house, and do not lap the brick veneer, it should look and function fine.

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#14

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/26/2010 9:30 PM

The link for Top N' Bond Concrete patch is:

http://www.sakrete.com/products/product.aspx?ID=TopNBondConcretePatcher

It is distributed by Sakrete.

Good luck

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#15

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/27/2010 10:47 AM

Before you install a cement-based surface overlay of your existing concrete I suggest that you do a thorough surface prep first by roughening the old surface and as well as acid etch it. Just prior to new top patch, you should apply an appropriate latex-based concrete bonding agent that will help prevent spalling of the overlay in the future. You can purchase bonding agents at Lowe's and Home Depot......a small amount of insurance that goes a long long way!

Sun's up! Have a great day and Memorial Day Weekend!

Signed,

CaptMoosie, LPE / PhD

Civil, Environmental & Structural Engineer

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#16
In reply to #15

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/28/2010 11:01 AM

Thanks! Great professional advice! GAs given

What would be the minimum thickness needed for the overlay?

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#17

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/29/2010 4:39 AM

Instructions and application calculator for various thickness; minimum 0.062".

http://www.quikrete.com/PDFs/Projects/ResurfacingConcrete.pdf

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#18

Re: Puddle Patch for Concrete Porch

05/29/2010 7:36 AM

In regard to the minimum applied thickness of an overlay, please follow the manufacturer's written instructions. Usually it is printed in the product instructions on the side on the box or bag, but if it isn't there contact them or visit their website site for further advice. Not all overlay products are equal, where one thickness would be acceptable for all; it may in fact not be acceptable for another one.

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