Fixing trowel marks in concrete depends on what type of mark you are referring to. According to the ASCC concrete contractors, trowel marks on concrete surfaces are removed by rubbing, grinding, or other appropriate methods. However, it's important to note that a trowel pattern is not considered a surface defect and will not be removed from concrete floors.
Understanding the distinction between these two scenarios is key to addressing the question based on the provided reference.
Understanding Trowel Marks
Trowel marks can broadly refer to two things in concrete finishing:
- Surface Blemishes: These are undesirable imperfections, ridges, or swirls left on a concrete surface that detract from the intended finish. They might occur on walls, curbs, or even non-floor slabs.
- Trowel Pattern: This is the deliberate texture or sheen left by the final troweling process on a concrete floor surface. It is often the desired finished look.
The approach to "fixing" these differs significantly, as highlighted by the ASCC guidelines.
Fixing Surface Trowel Marks
When dealing with unwanted surface blemishes or marks left by a trowel on areas other than finished floors, concrete contractors employ specific techniques to smooth out the surface.
Based on the reference, ASCC contractors use the following methods:
- Rubbing: This involves using an abrasive material, often a rubbing brick or stone, to manually abrade the hardened concrete surface and smooth out minor ridges or imperfections.
- Grinding: This method uses mechanical grinders equipped with abrasive wheels or discs to remove a thin layer of concrete, effectively eliminating more prominent trowel marks or surface irregularities.
- Other Appropriate Methods: The reference indicates that other techniques deemed suitable for the specific situation might also be used. These could potentially include patching compounds for minor cosmetic fixes, though the primary methods mentioned are abrasive.
These methods are typically applied after the concrete has hardened sufficiently to withstand the process without causing further damage. The goal is to achieve a smooth, uniform surface free from noticeable trowel imperfections.
Trowel Pattern on Concrete Floors
In contrast to removing surface blemishes, the reference makes a clear distinction regarding trowel patterns on concrete floors.
- Not a Defect: The pattern left by troweling a floor is considered a normal result of the finishing process, not a flaw.
- Not Removed: Consequently, ASCC concrete contractors will not remove this pattern from concrete floors as it is not treated as a defect requiring correction.
Therefore, if your question refers to the standard texture or look created by troweling a finished concrete floor, according to the reference, this is not something that would typically be "fixed" or removed, as it is considered part of the intended surface.
Summary Table
| Type of Trowel Mark | Location | Considered a Defect? (ASCC) | Removed/Fixed? (ASCC) | Methods Used (ASCC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Blemish | Surfaces (non-floor) | Yes (implied by removal) | Yes | Rubbing, Grinding, Other appropriate methods |
| Trowel Pattern | Concrete Floors | No | No | N/A |
In conclusion, fixing trowel marks, as described by ASCC contractors, involves abrasive methods like rubbing or grinding for surface imperfections, but the standard trowel pattern on floors is left as part of the finish.
