Is there a way to remove a thin layer of concrete?

[MiamiCuse]

I hired a concrete contractor to lay some concrete blocks and frame a window opening. In the process of mixing/pouring/forming the concrete, he spilled quite a bit of concrete onto my deck which is red brick with black grout. Now I have a thin layer of concrete on top of my deck about 40 square foot or so. I mentioned it to him and he said I am responsible to prep the area and I should know it's going to be messy.

I tried to scape it off and it's not coming off. I don't know if there is a tool to chip them out or am I stucked with replacing my entire deck if I can't find 40SF of matching bricks.

MC

[Toller]

Hopefully you will find a good solution (though I rather doubt it). But if push comes to shove, I don't think a Judge will hold you responsible for his mess. If he didn't think you prepped properly he should have either refused to do it or put you on notice.

[Malcolm Hoar]

The standard way to remove the top layer of concrete from concrete is via shot blasting. This might work for you.

Obviously it depends on the relative hardness and shot resistance of the spilled concrete and the underlying brick. Since the concrete is presumably quite young, I think the brick wins. Clearly, you need to test a small area first. You may be able to rent the equipment and try it yourself. Or hire a professional (and hope he's a lot better than the last one).

Oh, the shot blaster may blast away a whole ton of grout, esp. if it's soft. But regrouting would be a small task compared to a brand new deck.

FYI: your concrete contractor is a serious a**hole and if I were you, I'd consider filing a complaint with the applicable licensing board and in small claims court too.

[JohnnyC]

You mentioned black grout? if you can't make any headway with the contractor, the court, or the shot blast... Can you get the brick up, turn them over, then regrout the area?

[Norminn]

When my mom added a room onto her house, the concrete work for the slab was done badly, resulting in noticeable dip and hill on the floor. The same jerk who did that work came back and used some sort of grinder to level the floor. It helped. With vinyl flooring, you couldn't see the unevenness but could feel it walking across the room. Don't know what it entails, or if possible for use on brick, but something to explore.

[alvinamorey]

Why were YOU supposed to prep the area? Was this in your contract? If not, sue the SOB. You hired him to do the job, that means you have to do nothing except sign the contract and pay him when the job is finished. This is the same as a painter painting your living room walls and ceiling and not covering your carpet and furniture, and getting everything covered with paint. Part of painting is to protect the furnishings and flooring. Anyone can toss paint around in a room. Thats why you hire a professional painter. I was in business for years, and worked on many homes. When I did plumbing, I once had my torch fall over and leeave a brown burn mark on a bathroom floor (vinyl sheet floor). I paid to have the floor replaced and did not complain, because I knew I was at fault, even though it was an accident. Any idiot should know to cover things when doing any work that is messy. Heck, when I worked with a painter, we even covered the lawn when we painted house siding, and that would have grown over in a week.

You need a judge and maybe a lawyer.

[bill allemann]

If you haven't paid him ... don't!

[Jim Yanik]

"bill allemann" wrote in news:mzrYi.53175$ [e-mail]:

BAD advice;then he puts a lien on your house. IMO,the owner should take lots of pictures and take him to court;contractors are liable for any damages they cause during their work.