Is it OK to use thinset to repair a bad concrete walkway slab?

Question

Yesterday I installed some fireplace tile...after which I noticed my bucket was about full. So, I decided to hack away broken concrete off my entrance slab and dump thinset all over it to level it off. Now, after the fact, I realize this might have been a boneheaded decision. Is the thinset ok to walk on(once dry), or will it track inside the house? Ugh...my wifes gonna kill me...

Answer 1

It should be ok to walk on after it dries but it will be a bit chalky. We have had to remove thin set before applying a concrete overlay. Sometimes we find it to be very hard and it has to be chiseled up mechanically. Sometimes it is very brittle and just flakes off. It depends on how the tile installer mixed it. It is not made for being exposed to the elements. If it sets hard you might want to consider applying a concrete sealer to protect from the elements and stop the dusting. Concrete sealer comes in water based or zylene based. Water based is what is used on most pool decks. The zylene based is usually used on driveways but man it smells! You would need a mask to keep from killing brain cells. Therefor I recommend the water based. If it the thin-set does not set correctly it will have to be removed. And a concrete overlay product applied instead.