Expert: Dan Griffin - 5/12/2009

Question
We recently added on an family room and had the cement poured, but I'm afraid not enough help because even with a power trowel the cement set up on us and we have ridged in my floor in about three areas the biggest variance being about 3" to high How can I get rid of the ridges. We also have Heatplex tubing in the floor so I don't want to start over nor do I want to destroy my heat system.

Answer
Katherine, you have a real mess.  Let's assume the tubing is tied down at the bottom of the slab and absolutely is not in the high areas.  This is normally done by tying the tubing to hog wire or similar on top of the fill sand or insulation.

You will be breaking, grinding, cutting, and bush hammering to remove any concrete that is too high. The dust, dirt, and debris will be astounding.  

If you let a concrete pour get away from you that bad, I would hesitate to suggest doing this work yourself.  I fear that the best solution would be to jackhammer, remove, and start over.

I would use a diamond bladed pavement saw to score the high spots to below correct depth and a bush head on an electric jackhammer to remove the material.  It will be very slow and time consuming.  The concrete will be very rough and will require a topping slab of some type.

I'm sorry, I wish I had any better news.