Bad precast coping

[MHaidle]

Hi all,

New to the forum. Appreciate all the info here. Ran into a "glitch" with the pool build. Using an independent guy so mostly same crew outside of gunite and tile so far which is great.

However, the new concrete coping (14x24x2) was transported by builder's guy but unloaded mostly by tile guys in a wheelbarrow (not smart). Tile guys got about 3/4 of the way installed and it was off the hook chipped, scratched and serious uneven/rough edges. I had builder come look the next day and he agreed it wasn't good. I pulled all the coping (since no employees were available and need to hit that before thinset set up too much, right??). Builder thinks the concrete was also too fresh. The lead time for us to get them was 3 weeks.

New plan is to cut each side to remove chips/rounded edges and re-install (obviously now cut them all for uniform runs since they have to be cut anyway). And sand/slightly bevel the bottom inside and bottom outside edges to hopefully remove the chips and allow for less bleeding in the pool.

Question: is it normal for precast to be this bad? Is it just the nature of concrete? I know cutting both ends will solve the crushed corners but there is rarely one without deep scratches (that 320 grit won't remove) or round swirly marks. We will try to put the worse ones in back but that is becoming a competition. Will some of that get better after it's sealed?

Thank you in advance, I appreciate it.

 

[ajw22]

@jimmythegreek installs a lot of precast. Let’s see what he thinks.

Looks to me like the precast was handled by gorillas.

 

[MHaidle]

Thank you. We are grouting in Customs Snow White color to match so hopefully that will help hide some things also.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I think cutting them is not a great idea … you aren’t going to be able to control the kerf of the cut line that accurately and it’s going to make all the pieces slightly different sizes. Unless the concrete is being slow cut with a diamond wire saw and lots of cutting fluid, it’s going to be rough cut at best.

Is there no way to replace it or would that just cost too much?

 

[Jimrahbe]

M,

Looks pretty normal to me, but let's see what @jimmythegreek has to say about it.

Thanks

Jim R.

 

[kimkats]

I have a sad for you. I am in to watch and learn with you on this one.

 

[MHaidle]

The first round it was cut with a large tile saw (same one they were cutting the porcelain tile with) and the cuts were much nicer than the cracked corners. They have to finish some tile also so I am assuming they will also be cutting it with the tile saw.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[jimmythegreek]

A high end tile saw will cut that nicely. That precast is not great quality wise. They should NEVER handle them with a wheel barrow. The skid should be brought back with a track skid steer or mini on the pallet with the factory straps. Otherwise carry one by one

 

[MHaidle]

Thank you. When you say 'not great quality' should I expect some issues in the future even if installed correctly (the second time) and sealed? I may go with plan B instead of putting something on that won't last or look good very long. It does seem pretty soft, but I don't know if that will get better as it continues to cure. We wanted something modern and light. We couldn't find anything else to fit the bill.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I'm just judging it by the edges of the form used. There are other options for pre cast whether ceramic, retaining wall caps, etc. Poured in place cantilever can have the same look and last a long time, just depends on the skill of the contractor. I've seen some beautiful work done

 

[MHaidle]

Thank you. I think I will tackle fixing the bottom edges that will be hanging over so it will be done up to my standards. Anyone have any suggestions on the best way to sand them to get something relatively uniform? I just need to sand enough to get the chips out. Maybe a sand block and a bucket of water? Im afraid an electric sander might be overkill.

The builder and tile guy are apparently in negotiations to get it all cut and installed correctly. Shocking no one wants to take responsibility for unloading them incorrectly. Luckily the builder did say he is ultimately responsible and will get done correctly.

Thanks again everyone.