Talk to a Lawyer?

[Mattlar0806]

Hi Guys,

Need some advice. I really ran into a problem with my patio installer. His man went to pressure wash and used a strong nozzle too close to my patio and caused damaged and streaking. They then tried to apply a new cleaner today and left a ton of discoloration.
I think he will do the right thing but im not sure.
What options do I have? Talk to a lawyer? Home insurance claim? I mean it’s 2000+ sqft of sandblasted marble that looks like Darn. Some of the largest areas of discoloration are not uploading. Too large but you get the idea.

 

[kimkats]

Any Lawyer will tell you to give him a chance to make it right THEN go to the next step.

For now...........DOCUMENT everything in WRITING! Text count but email is even better. If he does not reply to those then a certified letter would be the next step.

 

[Newdude]

DOCUMENT everything in WRITING!

+1. You need proof that they acknowledge they caused the issue. Otherwise it's he said / she said.

If you do talk to a lawyer, do not tell them. You cannot put that toothpaste back in the tube once you squirt it out. Many will cease all communications/efforts and direct you to their lawyer at that point. People love using it as a threat but it often backfires adding boatloads of time to sort everything out.

 

[sktn77a]

A lawyer is your last resort.

 

[Mattlar0806]

Ok I have him on text saying “I’ll order 20 stones and replace when they get in”
Problem being it’s probably 70 stone to make me happy at this point

 

[Mattlar0806]

Has anyone ever re-sandblasted before? I was told this might be an option ?

 

[TinFoilHat]

Then tell him it's 70 stones and nothing less.

 

[Mattlar0806]

Then tell him it's 70 stones and nothing less.

He hasn’t seen it post the cleaning solution disaster. Coming tomorrow. So I will try to get something more on record

 

[JamesW]

I seriously doubt that the stones need to be replaced.

You should contact the original installer and get their opinion about what options you have.

Most likely, the stones can be polished and brought back to original condition.

 

[Mattlar0806]

I seriously doubt that the stones need to be replaced.

You should contact the original installer and get their opinion about what options you have.

Most likely, the stones can be polished and brought back to original condition.

Would really hope so.
Issue is the original installer is the same guy whose workers ruined them. His solution is to replace them.
I found a company that refinishes / re sandblasts. If you are right, this could be a decent option and make him pay the bill.
Will be reaching out in the morning.

 

[Mattlar0806]

Looking at my cameras I watched more thoroughly how they attempted to clean this patio. They simply wet the stone and then directly pour both of these cleaners onto the surface in highly concentrated spots. Let it sit and brushed it around a little bit. They then rinsed it very very very briefly not even hitting the whole patio and left.

Here’s what they used

30 Seconds 1 Gal. Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate 100047549 - The Home Depot

30 Seconds Cleaners are the Original and still the best Outdoor Cleaners since 1977 when you need to remove stains from Algae, Mold and Mildew or KILL Lichen and Moss. No need for noisy, expensive Pressure

www.homedepot.com

2010 All Surface Cleaner – Prosoco

prosoco.com

Anyone who has chemical experience with natural stone - it would be great to know the negligence here. Thanks

 

[ajw22]

@Dirk who is the member who is a stone expert?

 

[JamesW]

Anyone who has chemical experience with natural stone - it would be great to know the negligence here.

Review the instructions for the products to see what they say about use on marble.

Contact the manufacturer of the products to see what they say.

In my opinion, the stones can be polished back to a proper finish with the right equipment and a crew of people who know what they are doing.

Are the stones mortared and grouted?

What is the base under the stones?

Do you have before pictures?

Did the Service company have an explanation of exactly why the problems occurred?

 

[Mattlar0806]

The manufacturer said cannot use anything acidic which looks like these products are not that.
I had someone come by and try sandblasting a test area and the stone would not come back to its lighter sandblasted finish when first installed. Maybe this sandblaster does not know all the tricks of the trade?

 

[JamesW]

You need a stone expert who does stone polishing.

 

[JamesW]

Polishing can make the marble too slick, so you have to have someone who knows how to provide a texture like you want.

Maybe do a sanding/polishing to clean the stone and then follow with sandblasting.