Proper repair for a new unlevel concrete patio?

[otho11]

Recently had a concrete slab poured for a swim spa. The first 5 feet were to be sloped away from the home to start then level in the middle portion. One half of the initial part significantly slopes toward the house and the other half is level at best.

I have a contract but there are no specifics about repair, currently talking to contractor about repair.

What is a satisfactory fix for the situation that will hold up as well as the initial pour?

Pics

 

[RPD]

Recently had a concrete slab poured for a swim spa. The first 5 feet were to be sloped away from the home to start then level in the middle portion. One half of the initial part significantly slopes toward the house and the other half is level at best.

I have a contract but there are no specifics about repair, currently talking to contractor about repair.

What is a satisfactory fix for the situation that will hold up as well as the initial pour?

Pics

The fix is they get to jack it out and do it right on their own dime. Do not accept anything less. You NEVER want slab sloping towards your house.

 

[otho11]

The fix is they get to jack it out and do it right on their own dime. Do not accept anything less. You NEVER want slab sloping towards your house.

Thanks for the response.

Since I have zero knowledge of home construction, is there a way to get the contractor to do this? Referencing anandtech is good enough for me, but I like to be prepared.

I can certainly get some new quotes to fix the botched job.

 

[bbhaag]

Wow I just looked at the pics you linked to and the grade back to house is significant......ouch that really sucks. I agree with RPD that the only way to fix it is to remove the existing concrete and have a new pad poured.

Just out of curiosity how much have you paid so far? Half, 2/3's, full amount? Because the only way you are going to get the contractor to even consider removing the piss poor job he did is if you refuse to pay the remaining balance until the job is done correctly. Even then depending on the amount you already paid he may decide to just cut his loses and leave it how it is contract or not.

 

[otho11]

I've paid $0. Contract generically states pay upon completion

He's coming to look at it tomorrow, but I don't really have a rebuttal for any half measures he offers give my lack of knowledge.

 

[Greenman]

Depending on height constraints they may be able to cap it. Cap should be at least 3" thick, though 4 would be better. If they can't do that, remove and replace is the only option.
Not having paid puts you in a good position. You of course have something in writing that describes the work and how it's to be done?

 

[otho11]

Depending on height constraints they may be able to cap it. Cap should be at least 3" thick, though 4 would be better. If they can't do that, remove and replace is the only option.
Not having paid puts you in a good position. You of course have something in writing that describes the work and how it's to be done?

I have an agreement for a concrete pad X" thick with dimension Y by Z.

Other than a text admitting that the slope was made incorrectly, the rest was verbal. The spa place referred this guy and is asking for a write-up on how this plays out FWIW.

 

[Greenman]

Now it's time to sit down with your contractor and chat. He's going to have to make it right, it's just a matter of him accepting the idea.
I just started a repair today on project I screwed up. It was entirely my fault, and a stupid mistake at that. It will end up costing me a thousand bucks or so to fix. It happens.

 

[jmagg]

It's really a shame since the placement looks flat and the broom job looks ok (although a float finish is the best non slip, and the most durable). It confounds how the pour could happen without any finisher noticing the reversed grade.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Is it possible to mud jack the slab to slope it away from the house? I don't know the longevity of the cement mixture that's pumped under the slab.

 

[Greenman]

Is it possible to mud jack the slab to slope it away from the house? I don't know the longevity of the cement mixture that's pumped under the slab.

That's not a bad idea at all. Though I have to wonder if it would be cost effective.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

That's not a bad idea at all. Though I have to wonder if it would be cost effective.

Has to be cheaper than ripping it all out and re-doing it. I just brought it up in case the contractor proposes that as an option to the OP. If it's shit, he should turn it down.

I've got a section of my driveway and adjacent sidewalk that's sunken over the years. I keep meaning to call a contractor about jacking it up with cement or poly foam.

 

[deadlyapp]

Has to be cheaper than ripping it all out and re-doing it. I just brought it up in case the contractor proposes that as an option to the OP. If it's shit, he should turn it down.

I've got a section of my driveway and adjacent sidewalk that's sunken over the years. I keep meaning to call a contractor about jacking it up with cement or poly foam.

This is what I would recommend. It's not particularly hard to jack up a slab as long as you do it controlled, but recognize that they will have to drill a ton of holes to make sure that they have injection and vent points.

I'm not sure what is commonly used, I know in my industry we use a lot of epoxy grout, injected using a high pressure grease gun. Seems like it would be good to use here (but probably not cheap)

 

[Greenman]

This is what I would recommend. It's not particularly hard to jack up a slab as long as you do it controlled, but recognize that they will have to drill a ton of holes to make sure that they have injection and vent points.

I'm not sure what is commonly used, I know in my industry we use a lot of epoxy grout, injected using a high pressure grease gun. Seems like it would be good to use here (but probably not cheap)

I've seen foam used in residential applications.

 

[otho11]

Thanks for all of your help.

They tried to convince me this was intentional, followed by offers to raise it from beneath or cut portions out. Eventually agreed to repour and I was out there taking measurements during the process.

How is a layman supposed to monitor work done to your house?

 

[RPD]

Thanks for all of your help.

They tried to convince me this was intentional, followed by offers to raise it from beneath or cut portions out. Eventually agreed to repour and I was out there taking measurements during the process.

How is a layman supposed to monitor work done to your house? If I tried to pull this crap on my job I'd be sued and license revoked.

Which is why they are redoing it, it's unbelievable easy to prove they royally fucked up and would easy to get money damages through legal avenues. You can monitor it by watching /and/or documenting what you can; provided you don't work while they are performing said work.

 

[highland145]

How is a layman supposed to monitor work done to your house?

Sadly, know people that know and who to ask. My situation is unique in that regard because of relatives/friends. Most are screwed.

Thanks to the guys of H&G for free advice.