Question for those with some cement knowledge??

[twitch]

One of my sons has a bulkhead for the cellar made out of concrete that is deteriorating, what can I use to patch it up and would I have to build a form?? Or do they sell something that won’t fall off the face as I’m trying to spread it evenly .just trying to clean it up a little for him also going to paint the metal doors

[BP in ME]

You should be able to buy the right stuff at any local hardware store BUT how crumbly is the bulkhead? If you can't get down to a solid surface it won't stay. You can patch holes but building out corners is probably going to require some type of form

Disclaimer: NOT an expert but I've patched up a few things around the house.

[twitch]

I’ll try to get a pic later after it stops raining

[BG12]

Depending on how much and how it's shaped, you may need to "dowel" it to the existing concrete by drilling 1/2-3/4" diameter holes in it and putting rebar in it to help hold the new concrete in place.

[jkirch]

sometimes a bonding agent is used to make it stick better .

[ProVle]

For what it's worth I saw a video of using tap-con screws and some stainless wire to build support for the patch.

[paulrodbender]

[paulrodbender]

Really need to see a pic..... If you need to make a form or not.

[OverTimeAgain]

How badly deteriorating? Like 50 years old and too low of humidity? Or has it been impacted?


Forms are easy to make, go to home Depot and buy a sheet of duramine (melamine). Buy a good high strength bag batch, and some acrylic bonder.


I'd also recommend some small anchors and some tie wire for a do it once type fix, but it depends on the extent of damage.


Crumbly corners probably just a poor surface paste deteriorating, and you can replace it with the same...


Post pics.

[Dave A]

sometimes a bonding agent is used to make it stick better .

We always made our own with cement and water.

[BP in ME]

Forms are easy to make, go to home Depot and buy a sheet of duramine (melamine). Buy a good high strength bag batch, and some acrylic bonder.

True, or if you have boards on hand, build the form and spray with Pam before pouring (being careful not to get the Pam on the existing concrete).

[twitch]

Here is a pic of the area I want to repair IMG_4370.JPG

[oldmanwinter]

I would suggest a real good cleaning and removal of all crumbling concrete with a wire brush and pressure washer. Since it's not a structural support beam really no no need for any more rebar. Once cleaned you could etch it with a muriatic acid to help with cleaning and rinse again and apply a concrete bonding adhesive and then mix and apply a mix of cement mix made with sand an cement with some of the concrete adhesive mixed into it. You will want a pretty stiff mixture so that you can work and form with it.

[OverTimeAgain]

I would suggest a real good cleaning and removal of all crumbling concrete with a wire brush and pressure washer. Since it's not a structural support beam really no no need for any more rebar. Once cleaned you could etch it with a muriatic acid to help with cleaning and rinse again and apply a concrete bonding adhesive and then mix and apply a mix of cement mix made with sand an cement with some of the concrete adhesive mixed into it. You will want a pretty stiff mixture so that you can work and form with it.

This guy nailed it on the head. Exactly what I would do.




Your damage is not extensive, make a mortar and just rub it on good and trowel it off.

[twitch]

Thanks again

[ericm]

Here is a pic of the area I want to repair IMG_4370.JPG

I do this stuff for a living and judging by that picture you'd be way further ahead to demo the bulkhead access doors and the concrete curb and move it to the nearest dumpster. Buy a new pre-fab unit with integral curb, shim it up about 1-1/2" and grout it tight under the curb. You'll be dollars ahead in the long run.

[Fins]

There's a lot of concrete repair videos on youtube. Spend some time there.

[Dave A]

I agree with ericm, looks like everything under that door needs replaced.