Using regular concrete in a vertical application?

Hello everyone,

I installed a new window into my foundation, and I now need to re-build the concrete around the window.

I know that there are special products for vertical applications, such as this one , but at 60$ per 30lb bucket, I am hoping for a cheaper option.

I think I've heard somewhere that I can use regular concrete and bonding agent if the mix is right. Is this correct? If so, is this going to be an extremely hard task? If it takes expert level skill to use regular concrete in this application, I will prefer using a more expensive specialized product.

Any advice on this will be useful.

Thanks!
Shiv

 

That product is recommended for a thickness, of 3 inches or less. Is that what you have? It is also a fast setting mix. So you have to work quickly otherwise it will set before you apply it.

 

It's approximately 3 inches.

I'm also looking at the quikrete website, trying to find the best solution.

 

OK,

I ended up buying quikrete fast setting (20 min) repair mortar, which is recommended for vertical, and even overhead jobs. It can be used up to two inches by itself, but can be made 3 or 4 inches if extended with gravel.

The job I have is about 3 inches at most, but I will keep it at about 2.5, and then use parging to match the existing finish and to slope away from the window at the bottom.

Now all I need to do is make sure I work fast and don't mess up with the fast set!

 

That should work as long as you can move fast enough.

 

It was stressful because of the setting time, but I'm actually really satisfied with how it came out. I found that that stuff was amazing to work with once you get the mix down right. It's like play-dough for adults!

Obviously I will have to rely on parging (which I have also never used) to make it look "finished", but all in all I think I'm in good shape.

Also, I have a piece of flashing from the old window at the top, which I never even noticed was there. It's in good enough shape, and just the right size for me to seal it with caulk and call it a day once the parge is on.

Another thing to cross off the list!