ReKrete experiment

[John Orr]

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a contractor whose truck left a large puddle of oil in a customer's driveway, located in a resort area an hour from anywhere. They had already used oil-dry and had a pressure washing company "clean" the area, but the stain persisted. I went and tried 200 degree water and sodium hydroxide and was able to remove a significant amount of oil, but there was still a shadow. (As I - and everyone else - had told him.)

I suggested as a plan b ( or c-d or f) that we try ReKrete. I have heard a lot about it over the years, but since I do very little commercial, I have not had a chance to try it. I ordered a 40# container (about $150), read the recent thread on TGS and applied RK to the stained area. The before pics have mysteriously vanished from my camera, but you can still see the area that RK was not applied to the first visit.

After 1 week, I returned to check out the drive and this is what it looked like. It had rained several times between my first an d second visit. The section near the street is a recent pour and I applied RK to the entire section:

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Upon my second visit, I applied a second coat to the entire first two sections, as well as the third section.

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As you can see, it all looks really good and the customer (and homeowner) are very pleased. I will be returning later this week to apply a second coat to the areas that have only had one - and inspect the entire area. I will report final results soon, but here is my take so far:

At least for this type of application, the ReKrete not only took care of the stain with 2 applications, it improved the appearance of the entire area of older concrete. I applied by scooping, pouring and brushing-out. To apply to the entire area did not take more than 30 minutes. The learning curve to apply evenly is short, the key is to not over-apply and to work it back-forth and up-down. RK did not "track" across untreated areas, though, if not brushed-out, I could leave light footprints that were barely noticeable.

I still have not decided what to charge the customer for this service, but I mainly wanted to see RK in action - with my own eyes. I drive past this driveway at least several times a year, so I will be able to judge long-term results - and I'll report those too.

P.S. My second visit was delayed due to an accident. Fortunately, I am on vacation while my van is in the shop. I will be having an MRI on my knee and shoulder when I get back. (Yes, she has insurance and yes, she admitted responsibility for running the stop sign.)

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[Jeff]

I have used Rekrete type product, different name. on oil spots from movers etc and has worked well. Quite often the stains are small and I just sprinkle a little on mash it in, brush it up and reapply and it has always worked well for the little stuff, its easy real easy and a lot easier than rolling out hose cranking up and applying chem. HO's love the finished product

[James]

Mr. Orr, Thank you for being an above average person and providing this information.

[PA Dutchman]

I wish for a speedy recovery for you John.

Nice testimony about rekrete...I've been a fan for years.

[Thomas C]

Originally Posted by James

Mr. Orr, Thank you for being an above average person and providing this information.

Couldn't have said it any better

P.S. I hope the shoulder and knee check out alright...

[John Orr]

Follow-up:
I spoke with the customer yesterday and he is (still) thrilled at the appearance of his drive. In fact, he is asking for a price on doing the whole thing, as well as his pool apron! I will be going out next week to see for myself and actually complete the job. (There was one section I was unable to complete due to a parked car.)

Originally Posted by John Orr

P.S. My second visit was delayed due to an accident. Fortunately, I am on vacation while my van is in the shop. I will be having an MRI on my knee and shoulder when I get back. (Yes, she has insurance and yes, she admitted responsibility for running the stop sign.)

Follow-up: Doc has me in physical therapy for the shoulder and knee, though it seems to be making it worse. My new friend (lawyer) says that ultimately, I'll be OK. Meanwhile, my wife hurt HER knee and is going to have surgery next week! My repairs will wait till after her rehab. Van is STILL in the shop.

[Beth n Rod]

John,

First off, speedy recovery!! Hope you are on the mend. Second, thank you for posting such a wonderful, fair minded post about your experience with RK. This is the type of post that helps us all to make intelligent business decisions!

Thanks again!
Beth

[John Orr]

Latest update...

Finally was able to return to finish the small section I had left. I could see no difference on the rest of the drive - still looked great. Customer is still thrilled. It took 2 months to complete repairs to the van, but its back to normal.

P.S. Surgery 4 weeks ago on the left shoulder and my left knee will be replaced in the morning!

[NateF]

Originally Posted by John Orr

Follow-up:
I spoke with the customer yesterday and he is (still) thrilled at the appearance of his drive. In fact, he is asking for a price on doing the whole thing, as well as his pool apron! I will be going out next week to see for myself and actually complete the job. (There was one section I was unable to complete due to a parked car.)



Follow-up: Doc has me in physical therapy for the shoulder and knee, though it seems to be making it worse. My new friend (lawyer) says that ultimately, I'll be OK. Meanwhile, my wife hurt HER knee and is going to have surgery next week! My repairs will wait till after her rehab. Van is STILL in the shop.

Thanks for the report on the Rekrete. Also hope to hear the knee gets better soon. I had an auto accident July 20th and broke both my tibia and fibia completely off "foot was at a 45 degree angle from my leg" I could not walk a step untill I went to pt. After one week of manual stretching and exercise they had me up and walking. Keep up with the pt. Believe me it will pay off in the long run.

[John T.]

John--Great post as always and Godspeed on your recovery...same for your wife.