Example of chipping and pealing.
Fixing stained / stamped concrete gone bad!
by
Ardith Peper
+7
We moved into a new construction home 6/2014 with no landscaping in the back yard. We were torn between a patio of paver blocks or stamped, colored concrete. We wanted a really big patio so to save $ we went with the concrete. Only a few years later it is a mess and looks terrible. It is chipping and pealing everywhere. We are really regretting this decision. We are just not sure what to do to save it or if it can be saved! We need help and some really good DYI advice. Thank you so much for any advice you can offer.
Example of pealing at the step up to the dining table area.
Example of chipping and pealing.
View of part of the large patio (1 of 2).
View of part of the large patio (2 of 2).
Chipping is just concrete. Is it stained or painted? Could you try re-staining it? It doesn't seem to have much color.
Oh dear, I feel so bad for you. That is a large surface and it needs to look good.
Depending where you live this might be considered "construction defect" and you may have a claim against the builder. Go back and search through your purchase papers. Depending on the state, they can be on the hook for repairs for up to 10 years from date of conveyance. If you need help making a claim, paying an attorney to write a few letters for you is not a bad idea. You want a seasoned attorney that handles real estate transactions.
Aside from that, I would probably powerwash and see what happens. Then maybe sandblasted to provide you a clean slate to work with. I would also call in a few concrete contractors to take a look and see what they suggest.
Depending on the outcome proceed with caution and do your homework. Come back to us with more questions if need be and Google is your friend - if it exists, it is on Google somewhere . . .
I have a large stamped concrete patio (more than 10 years old) and it has to be sealed every other year; sometimes every year depending on location. It is not hard to apply but messy. Power wash first. Look online for instructions and hints - I found some concrete contractors with websites that gave good information. It does have a couple of cracks and pits but that is normal with concrete. You would be amazed how good it looks after the sealer.
I have a stamped patio in the back, professionally built from scratch, and a stamped EXISTING concrete porch floor and small walkway in the front done by the same exoert installer. I have had them over 6 years and they still look great. So I think you can have your existing deck top coated and stamped again by someone who knows what they're doing. Get references and check out previous jobs they've done.
Thank you! We may have to go that route.
Looks like it may not have cured properly, I'd get it sandblasted, then have it resurfaced...get referrals and check reviews