How to remove thinset front concrete?
10/2/2015 at 5:21:19 PM
Working on my own house and I removed some tiles from the front porch. They popped off fairly well but left a lot of well adhered thinset. Tried an ice scraper and got a little more but I think I have to move up to heavy machinery. The goal is to clean and prep the concrete for a new finish - yet to be determined, then a railing.
The question is what is the best way to do it. Power scraper of some type and then concrete grinder? Or straight to the grinder? Or some other method? Thickness appears to be 1/4 - 3/8 and total square footage is about 160.
Thanks in advance,
Jim
10/2/2015 at 9:06:57 PM
Hi Jim,
Before I can give you the best answer please post again with what you plan to refinish the concrete patio with. Then I'll post the answer.
Regards,
James
10/2/2015 at 9:21:35 PM
Hi James,
The boss hasn't told me what I like yet and it could be anything from a flagstone type product to a stain, to paint, to a cement type topcoat. That's why my goal for now is to get it ready for anything. I know that if we go for flagstone it would be set in cement so smooth is not as important as being sound. Just realized this is pretty much a useless answer.
Sorry,
Jim
10/3/2015 at 8:46:18 AM
Hi Jim,
The best results will be obtained from a diamond grinder wheel. If you go the route of using your hand held grinder with a diamond grinder wheel make sure you keep it flat and don't tip it up on edge, even for what appears to be stubborn spots as the wheel will instantly put a divit in your porch.
A better option is to rent a small walk behind concrete grinder which will make quick work of the porch and leave a perfect finish for whatever top coat or finish you choose to apply.
You can rent these at most rent all centres and in fact some Home Depots are renting them now.
Good luck.
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