Are you a homeowner who is convinced that a cost-effective solution for repairing old, cracked, concrete surfaces does not exist? If so, you are in the right place! Because we are here to tell you that there ARE options, many of them, for restoring old concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more. And best of all, they do not require a complete demolition, removal, and replacement of your existing concrete surface! This makes the price more affordable since the need for labor is reduced. Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about this very topic.
What are the Different Concrete Resurfacing Options Available?
The most common methods for concrete resurfacing include concrete overlays, concrete coatings, concrete staining, and concrete stamping. These options provide infinite possibilities to mimic higher-end materials like brick, cobblestone, tile, marble, and more, as well as, customize colors, hues, seals, and finishes. You can even choose to have concrete engraved or printed with a custom emblem, symbol, logo, or picture.
What Makes Concrete Acceptable to Resurface?
Any underlying concrete surface must be sound in order to be resurfaced successfully. So unfortunately, if a concrete surface has structural implications such as several cracks, heaving, crumbling, or freeze/thaw damage, it is not a safe candidate for resurfacing. Also, soil quality is a factor in determining the suitability of concrete resurfacing. Non-structural cracks, like shrinkage and crazing cracks, can be sealed prior to resurfacing. Talk to a contractor to assess the quality of your concrete surfaces.
Can Surfaces Be Resurfaced?
As long as concrete passes the test for soundness, many surfaces can be resurfaced. This includes the more common areas, like driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and garage floors. But it also includes unique areas like kitchen floors, basement floors, pool decks, fire pits, decks, and more. The options are virtually endless!
What is the Most Important Priority in the Concrete Resurfacing Process?
The most important factor in terms of the concrete resurfacing process is proper preparation. The underlying concrete substrate must be thoroughly cleaned and prepped before the resurfacing process can ensue. Preparation includes cleaning, crack filling, profiling, and more.
How Long Do Resurfaced Concrete Floors Last?
Decorative concrete is known for its longevity benefits, as well as its low cost and low maintenance. If you refinish your concrete floors, you can expect to enjoy the results for as long as you can foretell. Simply take care of them and they won’t let you down! A quality sealant is a big help as well.