I had a landscaper install concrete in March 2020 and it he did terrible job with the yard and drainage. The yard flooded multiple times soaking the concrete just days after it was put down.
Does anyone know if these spots will ever come out? Anyone know what I can do to get this out if work is required?
Hi Neil I would definitely call him back and complain loudly, have him come back and see if its fixable. It does look like its still wet to me, I wonder if EVENTUALLY it may dry out and not actually be stained? Worst case scenario they do make concrete stain/acid washes that will color it and probably cover up the current look of it.
Thank you for responding. I've been complaining to him for months. He has been giving me different excuses every time I call. First it needs more time, then it may have been a bad concrete mixture and he will contact the company. After that it was it came out perfect and I've been telling you for months that your soil is an issue (even though he never said that and he never tested the soil).
I think at this point I have to go to the contractors licensing board. I just wanted to know if it can be fixed in case the board isn't able to help me.
Hi Neil: In a word, no. It will not get better. My next and last call to him would be "You have 2 weeks from today, the _____ of ___, 2020 to fix this. Time is of the essence." If it's not fixed, then the next correspondence you get about this will be in the form of a summons. If you take him to court and the judge says it has to be removed and redone, then tell the judge that you have 'lost faith' in this contractor and want another one to do the work. Do remember those phrases. "Time is of the essence". and "you have 'lost faith' in this contractor". If the work is not done, take him to court and when you sue, ask for court costs too. However, if you don't want to do that, you can paint or stain the cement. Check these sites for instructions:
It could be the lime coming out of the concrete which is called efflorescence which results in a “white “ look. If so; they do make an efflorescence cleaner which takes it away. If not, I guess paint or stain is the thing to do. As far as court, people are crazy now, and depending where you live, it might not be a good thing. There are so many fly by night scapers out there that you really need to investigate who you are hiring! Good luck!
After reading the string of responses, all further communication shall be in writing, via text, email, or certified mail return receipt. You will need as proof of due diligence for the licensing board or Judge, if it goes that far. Betsy has it spot on if you want to wish to go that route. You can also file a claim with his insurance company. When you hit them in the pocketbook or go after their license, it is amazing how quickly they respond. Don't dawdle, that way you can get it repaired or rebuilt before the snow flies if you live in a colder climate. Check the "statute of limitations" in your state, county or city for timeframe in which to file a claim. Good luck!
Did the contractor cause the yard to flood thereby damaging the concrete pour? Or did the yard flood in this area prior the contractor’s work? This is where it might get tricky. If they didn’t cause the flooding, it may difficult to pursue them. If they did cause brand new flooding in your yard where none had been before then they should redo this concrete.
Hi Niel, I am having a similar issue and wonder were you able to resolve yours and if so, how did it all come out? My concrete discoloration was not due to a water break but all the concrete in front of my less than 2 year house is a dark color. Currently pushing for builder to fix who inturn is pushing the concrete subcontractor to fix their mistake...not sure yet where this is going.
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Your comment...
I would call the landscaper that did the concrete work in March and ask him. Have you fixed the problem so the yard won't flood again?
Yard issues have been fixed, but I fear the flooding has already damaged and altered the concrete pour.
Hi Neil I would definitely call him back and complain loudly, have him come back and see if its fixable. It does look like its still wet to me, I wonder if EVENTUALLY it may dry out and not actually be stained? Worst case scenario they do make concrete stain/acid washes that will color it and probably cover up the current look of it.
Thank you for responding. I've been complaining to him for months. He has been giving me different excuses every time I call. First it needs more time, then it may have been a bad concrete mixture and he will contact the company. After that it was it came out perfect and I've been telling you for months that your soil is an issue (even though he never said that and he never tested the soil).
I think at this point I have to go to the contractors licensing board. I just wanted to know if it can be fixed in case the board isn't able to help me.
Thank you.
I think that is the final product. I would ask the contractors to come back if you are not happy.
it will not get any better I would call him out to redo the job
Hi Neil: In a word, no. It will not get better. My next and last call to him would be "You have 2 weeks from today, the _____ of ___, 2020 to fix this. Time is of the essence." If it's not fixed, then the next correspondence you get about this will be in the form of a summons. If you take him to court and the judge says it has to be removed and redone, then tell the judge that you have 'lost faith' in this contractor and want another one to do the work. Do remember those phrases. "Time is of the essence". and "you have 'lost faith' in this contractor". If the work is not done, take him to court and when you sue, ask for court costs too. However, if you don't want to do that, you can paint or stain the cement. Check these sites for instructions:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-concrete/
https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/concrete-painting/
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Concrete
Feeling clever? Try this:
https://decorateandmorewithtip.com/how-i-turned-my-porch-concrete-to-look-like-a-wood-floor/
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-concrete-look-like-wood-48469.html
https://www.hunker.com/13426001/how-to-paint-concrete-to-look-like-stone
https://www.penandhive.com/2019/03/how-to-paint-faux-brick-floor-on.html
https://www.hometalk.com/43306499/faux-bricks-on-concrete-floors
https://www.hometalk.com/2732974/painted-concrete-floors-that-last-and-last-and-last
https://www.hometalk.com/28501511/faking-it-brick-paver-edition
https://www.hometalk.com/36286599/faux-brick-walkway
Oh, the things you can do! :)
Faux Bricks on Concrete Floors
Painted Concrete Floors That Last and Last and Last
Faking It [brick Paver Edition]
Faux Brick Walkway
You are most welcome. I'm hoping for a resolution you can live with. All the best.
It could be the lime coming out of the concrete which is called efflorescence which results in a “white “ look. If so; they do make an efflorescence cleaner which takes it away. If not, I guess paint or stain is the thing to do. As far as court, people are crazy now, and depending where you live, it might not be a good thing. There are so many fly by night scapers out there that you really need to investigate who you are hiring! Good luck!
After reading the string of responses, all further communication shall be in writing, via text, email, or certified mail return receipt. You will need as proof of due diligence for the licensing board or Judge, if it goes that far. Betsy has it spot on if you want to wish to go that route. You can also file a claim with his insurance company. When you hit them in the pocketbook or go after their license, it is amazing how quickly they respond. Don't dawdle, that way you can get it repaired or rebuilt before the snow flies if you live in a colder climate. Check the "statute of limitations" in your state, county or city for timeframe in which to file a claim. Good luck!
Did the contractor cause the yard to flood thereby damaging the concrete pour? Or did the yard flood in this area prior the contractor’s work? This is where it might get tricky. If they didn’t cause the flooding, it may difficult to pursue them. If they did cause brand new flooding in your yard where none had been before then they should redo this concrete.
Hi Niel, I am having a similar issue and wonder were you able to resolve yours and if so, how did it all come out? My concrete discoloration was not due to a water break but all the concrete in front of my less than 2 year house is a dark color. Currently pushing for builder to fix who inturn is pushing the concrete subcontractor to fix their mistake...not sure yet where this is going.
There is a concrete stain that will even out the color.
So sorry to hear that Neil. It's extremely frustrating. Hire's a link that gives some information about concrete spots and stains. https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-discoloration/#:~:text=For%20more%20severe%20discoloration%2C%20try,enough%20to%20remove%20the%20discoloration.
I hope you come right