I'm in Québec and recently noticed some serious damage on my front concrete balcony, which is just three years old and has now gone through its third winter. After the snow melted this year, the condition of the concrete really worried me. The contractor I hired claims this damage is due to salt, but I was careful not to use any de-icer during the first year, and the balcony looked fine after the first two winters. He's suggesting to resurface it but wants me to pay $500 for grinding and 'decontamination.' Is it typical for concrete to deteriorate like this after only three winters, or does this indicate a problem with the concrete's quality?
2 Answers
Yeah, I have to agree, that sounds like a bad mix. If it was too wet or overworked, that could explain the issues. It’s definitely worth pursuing the warranty if the damage is extensive; you shouldn’t have to foot the bill for their mistakes.
From what you've described, it sounds like a pretty poor concrete job to me. If the concrete was mixed with too much water or if it was worked too much, it can really lose its strength and begin to spall like that. Kind of makes you wonder about the contractor's work quality.
Thanks, that aligns with my thoughts too. My neighbor who used the same contractor is facing the same damage. I'm thinking about going through the government warranty since I don't trust this contractor to handle it anymore.