Removing bonded topping
Removing bonded topping
(OP)
Hi guys
I am doing a refurb of a shopping mall where the existing mall being widened. The existing mall has a tiled finish. Widening the mall requires us to remove 2" (50mm) of an existing bonded topping so we can provide new tiling at the existing level.
My Question:
Can I remove the bonded topping easily, possibly by jackhammer, or should I just demolish the existing slab on ground and pour a new slab at the required level?
All comments will be appreciated.
I am doing a refurb of a shopping mall where the existing mall being widened. The existing mall has a tiled finish. Widening the mall requires us to remove 2" (50mm) of an existing bonded topping so we can provide new tiling at the existing level.
My Question:
Can I remove the bonded topping easily, possibly by jackhammer, or should I just demolish the existing slab on ground and pour a new slab at the required level?
All comments will be appreciated.






RE: Removing bonded topping
RE: Removing bonded topping
Why not give the contractor his choice? He is in a better position to determine which is cheaper.
BA
RE: Removing bonded topping
RE: Removing bonded topping
From a construction standpoint, you could have problems if you leave the choice to the contractor.
The act of dislodging the bonded topping, especially with jackhammers, could damage the underlying slab.
If there is nothing in the specs about this, the contractor could claim that he did it per the design and that he isn't responsible for the damage.
It may be paranoid, but I've been in a lot of stupid arguments with contractors.
Just a caution.
RE: Removing bonded topping
If you give him an option, you have to provide details for both cases, not to mention he might choose to remove the topping in some areas and the whole slab in others.
RE: Removing bonded topping
There are also scarifiers that will remove tile.
RE: Removing bonded topping
Now my question is:
The contractor wants to remove 2" (50mm) of the slab, it is a 5" (125mm) thick slab on ground. Removing this thickness of the slab will surely remove the wire mesh reinforcement. Is this unacceptable to remove the reinforcement and have the slab on ground unreinforced with a tile floor finish?
RE: Removing bonded topping
RE: Removing bonded topping
BA