World's Worst Concrete Finisher - InspectionNews

Bruce Breedlove · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 06:29 PM

I ran across this sidewalk in my neighborhood. The elderly owner died and the daughter has been making improvements (for a sale, I presume). It looks like she hired the low bidder to install a new front walk.

This is one of the worst concrete finish jobs I have ever seen. (Yes, I have seen worse.) It looks like it was screeded and some nice control joints were cut in but that's it. It doesn't appear any attempt was made to float the concrete at all. Also, it was poured over an inch below the city sidewalk creating a significant trip hazard.

There is nothing that can be done to save this sidewalk besides tearing it out and starting over. What a waste of concrete!

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 06:35 PM

It 'could' be getting a patterned topping or 1/2 inch pavers set in mud on top of it.

Possibly?

Rick Hurst · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:22 PM

Jerry,

I always thought the patterns were made into the concrete as it was wet. A friend of mine had a front entry driveway installed and it has the look of cobblestones but it was all done at the time of the original pour. I don't think it was done as a topper.

I'm sure the neighbors around this homeowner Bruce took this at is hoping for some type of finish out on it too.

Rick

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Jerry,

I always thought the patterns were made into the concrete as it was wet. A friend of mine had a front entry driveway installed and it has the look of cobblestones but it was all done at the time of the original pour.

I've both done, and, when done 'at the same time' the base slab is poured, then another mix (greater slump) is applied after the drive/walk has been screeded off, and the forms stamped into that thinner (not by much though) mix on top of the freshly screeded concrete. The base concrete is allowed to hydrate to the point that it will support the weight of the workers (screeding is done while the concrete is still plastic and the workers are walking through and down in the concrete), once hard enough to trowel, but still 'wet', that's when they spread on the thinner mix and start laying and stamping (tamping) in the molds forms.

I've also seen the surface left intentionally rough to provide for a good bite and a topping applied over it. I've also seen them scarify the surface of existing concrete to create a rough surface onto which the topping will get sufficient bite to stay in place.

Just some thoughts on why it might be 1" down from the public walkway - to allow for that topping or 1/2" pavers ... or ...

I could just be a real bad job.

But ... it just looks "too intentional" for me to think that they think that it 'done'.

Jim Luttrall · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:11 PM

Whew! I thought you had pictures of the last job I did!
But mine looked good compared to that.
I'm with Jerry on this one, that looks too intentionally rough to be an accident. But then stranger things can and do happen with concrete.

Bruce Breedlove · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:12 PM

Good point. I just assumed it was a terrible job. I walk past this house regularly so I'll keep you posted.

Kevin Barre · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:13 PM

I'm with Jerry on this one. I would bet that you will find a stone or paver brick finish applied over this within a few days. I've seen some real shoddy work also, but this speaks of prep work, not finish work.

Wow...You guys post quickly. I was composing this and 2 other replies beat me to the punch to say what I was going to say. Now I look like a me-too guy!

Bruce Breedlove · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

. . . that looks to intentionally rough to be an accident. But then stranger things can and do happen with concrete.

More than once I have seen guys pour concrete without knowing what they were getting into and letting it get away from them. Once the concrete starts to set it gets VERY difficult to float. (Been there. Done that.)

Bruce Breedlove · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

It 'could' be getting a patterned topping or 1/2 inch pavers set in mud on top of it.

Possibly?

As usual Jerry is absolutely right. I shouldn't have jumped to my conclusion. Mea culpa.

Rick Hurst · #10 (**permalink**) 10-19-2007, 03:40 PM

Bruce,

Don't go giving JP the big head now. You actually never even had to mention it. Could have just drove by, but no you just had to stop and take a picture.

Plus he said 1/2" pavers and those look to be at least a inch thick or more.