How long do resurfaced concrete floors last?
In most applications, resurfaced concrete should last 10-15 years. However, it is always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions about resurfacing. Read more: Will Epoxy Floors Crack? If you are considering resurfacing your concrete, be sure to consider all of these factors that can affect its life expectancy.
What do you need to know about concrete resurfacing?
The concrete must be treated properly before the resurfacer is added, or it won’t last. Also, the resurfacer needs to be applied correctly. The process of concrete resurfacing requires commercial grade tools and a professional touch. Can Stain and Special finishes be used with concrete resurfacing?
What is the best time of year to resurface concrete?
The material used to resurface concrete is best applied between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 32 degree Celsius). That means you should try to schedule your project during the cooler times of the year, especially if you live in a warmer climate. But don’t look at resurfacing your concrete in the cold of winter either.
How much does it cost to resurface a concrete slab?
Expect to buy quite a number of bags if you are resurfacing a large slab. At $25 to $55 per 40-pound bag, or up to $70 for a 50-pound pail, resurfacing is not a cheap project, but it is less expensive (and much quicker) than tearing up an old slab and pouring a new one.
Does resurfaced concrete last?
In most applications, resurfaced concrete should last 10-15 years. However, it is always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions about resurfacing.
Is it worth it to resurface concrete?
As long as the driveway or parking lot is moderately damaged, there is no sense in breaking up the old concrete and re-pouring. Resurfacing provides a beautiful new finish without all of the time, effort and money required for a total replacement.
Is it better to resurface or replace concrete?
A general rule of thumb is that if a repair requires more than two inches of material then it probably is better to use the replacement method. But being able to repair rather than replace concrete can be a more sustainable route that reduces the carbon footprint.
Is resurfacing a concrete driveway a good idea?
If sprucing up your concrete driveway is on your list of home improvement projects, consider resurfacing. Resurfacing is a great way to make your existing concrete surface look brand new. You can apply a coating directly to your concrete surface without having to rip anything out—saving time, hassle, and money.
Does resurfaced concrete crack?
Preparation is very important when resurfacing concrete. If you use on top of a damaged slab then the resurfacer won't last long before it starts to crack.
Should you seal concrete after resurfacing?
Whatever type of refinishing or resurfacing service was done on the floor, it would be useless without proper concrete sealing. Every contractor recommends sealing floors , both indoor and out.
How thick can you resurface concrete?
1 Unlike other cement products, it is designed to be applied in very thin coats (no more than 1/2 inch thick), and its additives provide good adhesion to an existing slab. Concrete resurfacer is a very strong product, rated for compressive strength of about 4,500 psi.
Can you seal resurfaced concrete?
If the concrete already has had sealant applied, we recommend stripping it from the surface before resealing. The exception to this is if you are applying the same brand of sealant and the manufacturer recommends layering applications over time.
Can you pour concrete over old concrete?
Since cement lacks any natural bonding agents, newly-poured concrete won't naturally bond to the existing slab. You'll need to either use a bonding agent to adhere the two layers together or use an unbonded overlay method.
What is the life expectancy of a concrete driveway?
25 to 30 yearsThe average life of your concrete driveway will depend on installation methods, environmental conditions and temperatures. However, you can expect your surface to last anywhere from 25 to 30 years with proper care. The key to prolonging the life of your investment is to pay attention to wear and tear each season.
How often should you resurface your driveway?
In general, you should plan on replacing your asphalt driveway every 20 years. But how long your driveway lasts will depend on how much maintenance it's received over the years as well as the conditions it's endured. For example, you may have to replace your driveway sooner if you didn't invest in sealcoating.
Does repaving a driveway increase home value?
Paving a new driveway can add significant value to your property. You can definitely get a great return on your investment. At the very least your property value increase will cover the cost of the driveway. The amount of added value can fluctuate.
Should I resurface or replace my driveway?
Resurfacing is best for driveways that are aging or have more than 25% of the surface covered in light to moderate damage. If you resurface the entire driveway, it will look brand new. Replacing the driveway is necessary if your driveway has large potholes or several cracks wider than 1/4-inch.
Can pitted concrete be resurfaced?
If it's less than ½ inch deep, you can use a concrete parge to fill in the pitted areas of the concrete floor. If there are deep dents (more than ½ inch) in the repair area, you may want to consider power troweling the concrete – this is a process that uses a machine to smooth out and flatten down any bumps.
How thick should concrete resurfacing be?
1 to 2 in.The minimum recommended thickness is 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) for a fully bonded concrete overlay placed on a base slab that is practically free of cracks and in which the concrete is sound, clean, and of good quality.
How often should you replace concrete?
While concrete is much more resilient than other surfaces, it still has an “expiration” date. If your surface is facing 20-25 years of use, it is probably time to replace the concrete. Exterior concrete faces more elements than interior, so adjust your concrete age accordingly.
What Is Concrete Resurfacing?
The top layer of concrete is removed, minor cracks are repaired, and a new surface is poured. The material used to create this new layer is called a resurfacer. Although a resurfacer looks like normal concrete, it’s not.
Can You Stain Resurfaced Concrete?
Yes. You can use stains on resurfaced concrete in the exact same way you would on regular concrete floors.
How Much Does Resurfacing Cost?
Prices will vary based on the size and current condition of your existing concrete surface. But generally speaking its much cheaper than totally replacing the concrete.
Why is resurfacing concrete important?
Longevity is one of the reasons proper installation and repair of the existing concrete are so important. If you pour a resurfacing coat on damaged concrete, then it won’t last long. Don’t get resurfacing confused with repairs. Resurfacing a concrete slab doesn’t fix underlying issues. It covers them up.
What is resurfacing compound?
A resurfacing compound has special ingredients that make it bond to the existing concrete. If the slab is covered in dirt or dust then it won’t bond properly. The result will be a thin new layer sitting on top of old concrete rather than one thick new slab. Finish.
How thick is a concrete slab?
A typical concrete slab is around 4-6 inches thick. But a resurfacing layer can be as little as a 1/2 inch. Although we generally recommend at least an inch. It’s a very dense layer that’s durable and lasts for years if properly cared for.
Why replace a concrete slab?
If the structural integrity of the underlying concrete is compromised and/or there are deep cracks throughout the slab, replacement is typically a better choice. The problems with the underlying slab can end up damaging the new resurfaced layer.
What Is Concrete Resurfacing?
The top layer of concrete is removed, minor cracks are repaired, and a new surface is poured. The material used to create this new layer is called a resurfacer. Although a resurfacer looks like normal concrete, it’s not.
When Should Resurfacing Be Done?
Resurfacing conditions are the same as pouring traditional concrete. Above freezing temperatures and a dry environment are best. Try not to pour when it’s extremely hot either because the resurfacer could dry too quickly. Water evaporates from the mix much faster when it’s really hot out.
How Much Does Resurfacing Cost?
Prices will vary based on the size and current condition of your existing concrete surface. But generally speaking its much cheaper than totally replacing the concrete.
What Is Concrete Resurfacer?
Concrete resurfacer is a special cementitious product that blends ordinary Portland cement, fine sands, polymer modifiers, and other additives aimed at providing adhesion. 1 Unlike other cement products, it is designed to be applied in very thin coats (no more than 1/2 inch thick), and its additives provide good adhesion to an existing slab.
How to keep concrete from sticking to concrete?
Instead, cover the joints with duct tape to prevent the resurfa cer from sticking to them. Concrete resurfacer should not be applied in cold weather. Make sure that the current temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the temperature will stay above 40 degrees for at least the next 24 hours.
How many square feet does a 40 lb bag of concrete cover?
Concrete resurfacer comes as a dry mix in 40-pound bags or 50-pound pails. A 40-pound bag typically covers 15 to 90 square feet, and you usually apply two or sometimes three coats.
What is a resurfacer?
Resurfacers are self-leveling, meaning that they don't need to be worked extensively to create a level surface.
How much does it cost to resurface a 40 lb pail?
At $25 to $55 per 40-pound bag, or up to $70 for a 50-pound pail, resurfacing is not a cheap project, but it is less expensive (and much quicker) than tearing up an old slab and pouring a new one.
Is resurfacer cheaper than mortar?
Because resurfacer is an expensive product, some homeowners try to do the job with ordinary mortar mix, which has a similar consistency to resurfacer and is much cheaper. This does not work for very long, since mortar lacks the additives and bonding agents that allow resurfacer to adhere to the slab. Always invest in a true concrete resurfacer when renewing a concrete slab.
Can you demolish a concrete driveway?
If you have a concrete garage floor, driveway, sidewalk, or patio that is starting to show its age, you are left with two options: You can demolish and remove the old surface, prepare the base, and pour a new slab; or you can use a resurfacing process to restore the slab to its youthful appearance.
What Is Concrete Resurfacing?
Just as the name implies, concrete resurfacing involves the removal of the top layer, repair of minor cracks, and addition of a new layer using a resurfacer instead of replacing the whole concrete.
How to make sure concrete lasts long?
Another way to make sure your concrete lasts long is by cleaning and protecting the resurfaced floor
Why do you need a concrete coating?
The distinct binding agents present in the concrete coating helps it to form a link with the original concrete, resulting in a tough and compact floor.
What is the most important factor to consider when preparing for resurfacing?
One of the most important factors to consider while preparing for resurfacing is concrete preparation . A properly prepared substrate will allow the overlay to adhere strongly to the base.
How long does a resurfaced concrete floor last?
A resurfaced concrete has strong bonding properties. This makes it last for a long period. On average, a resurfaced floor can last for eight to fifteen years. In some special cases, it can even last for as long as 20 years.
What is the overlay used on concrete?
In this case, the overlay used is usually a tiny layer of sand, cement, and other adhesives.
What is the importance of cleaning concrete?
Proper cleaning enables adhesion of overlay. Another thing to make sure of is the removal of broken concrete. Filling of cracks and spots to achieve uniformity of surface as well as profiling of the surface for overlay gripping is also important.
What exactly is concrete resurfacing?
Rather than replacing all of the concrete, the top layer is removed, minor cracks are repaired if needed, and a new surface is added using a resurfacer. Though resurfacer looks and acts like normal concrete, it is not the exact same.
What does resurfaced concrete look like?
A resurfaced concrete floor looks virtually identical to a brand-new concrete floor. This is in contrast to repaired concrete which typically shows repair spots or blemishes.
Is my concrete eligible for resurfacing?
There are a number of factors that can play into whether or not resurfacing is a good choice for you. If the structural integrity of the underlaying concrete has been compromised and/or there are deep cracks throughout, replacement might be the best choice.
How much does resurfacing cost?
This varies depending on the size and current condition of your concrete surface. You can expect it to be considerably cheaper than total concrete replacement.
Can Stain and Special finishes be used with concrete resurfacing?
Yes. Just like with a normal concrete floor, you can stain and polish resurfaced concrete to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind finish.
Is concrete resurfacing good?
In recent years, concrete resurfacing has emerged as a popular alternative to these two options. Taking a best of both worlds approach, concrete resurfacing provides a “like new” finish with little mess at an affordable price.
Is resurfacing concrete the same as normal concrete?
Though resurfacer looks and acts like normal concrete, it is not the exact same. Instead, it features special bonding agents that allow it to form a connection with the previous concrete, creating a strong, cohesive floor. If you try to use normal concrete for resurfacing, all you’ll get is a crumbling mess.
What is concrete resurfacing?
Concrete resurfacing—sometimes called concrete restoration, concrete refinishing, or concrete rejuvenation—beg ins with an existing concrete slab. After preparing the surface, a concrete overlay (or coating) is applied to the existing concrete. SUNDEK has many resurfacing products that can be customized with a variety of colors, textures, patterns, and masonry effects.
What are the qualities of a concrete pool deck?
When our clients tell us what they want in their concrete pool deck, three qualities always top the list: safe, comfortable to walk on, and beautiful. SUNDEK delivers on all three. Learn how we can take a faded, cracked, slippery pool deck and refinish it, giving you a surface you’ll love.
How to apply overlay?
Apply Overlay. Depending on the desired look, apply the overlay by spraying, rolling, or troweling.
Can you use SUNDEK on a cracked concrete patio?
Even if your concrete patio is uneven or cracked, SUNDEK can apply a concrete overlay and customize it to give it a look you love.
Can you resurface a concrete patio with SUNDEK?
The variety of concrete resurfacing options available through SUNDEK means you can get the exact color, texture, pattern, and style you want for your outdoor space. If you have a new patio and an outdated walkway, we can design your walkway to match or coordinate with your patio. If you love the look of the driveway of a neighbor down the street, we can replicate the look. Did you see a picture in a magazine of a pool deck you love? Show us, and we’ll figure out how to create that same look. The options are endless.
Is a concrete driveway decorative?
A simple gray concrete driveway is functional, but a decorative concrete driveway is functional and transforms the look of a home or business. We can apply a concrete overlay and customize its look—all while making it a durable surface that can withstand vehicle and foot traffic.
Is decorative concrete good for indoors?
Decorative concrete is a great flooring solution for indoors. From restaurants to garage floors, it’s hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and can be customized to fit the style of any residence or business. SUNDEK installs beautiful, durable decorative concrete coatings that are easy to maintain.
How Long Does an Overlay Last?
Another factor is the preparation before applying the overlay. Common mistakes are failing to clean the concrete properly or to profile it adequately. With proper installation and maintenance, overlays are extremely durable and can last for decades , even in harsh climates.
Why do you need to resurface concrete?
Another reason you might choose to resurface your concrete with an overlay is for aesthetic purposes. If you have standard, dull grey concrete, you can apply an overlay to spice things up. Stamping an overlay, for example, can create interesting textures with the finished appearance of stone, wood, brick, tile, or slate.
What is an overlay on concrete?
What an Overlay Is. When it comes to concrete, an overlay is simply a thin coating of concrete applied to a surface. There are many different manufacturers with varying products, each with a proprietary blend of portland cements, aggregates, polymer resins, and polymer additives.
How long do concrete overlays last?
With proper installation and maintenance, overlays are extremely durable and can last for decades , even in harsh climates.
What does it mean when concrete is cracked?
It’s important to note, however, that if the concrete is cracked or uneven due to surfacing up, these are symptoms of bigger issues. Whatever is causing the concrete to crack or surface up is going to have the same effect on the concrete overlay.
What can break down concrete?
Over time, exposure to water, freezing, and other harsh conditions can start to break down the surface of the concrete, especially if it is unsealed. Let’s take a look at what concrete overlays are, how they can be used, and how long they last.
Can you resurface concrete yourself?
While it is possible to resurface your concrete yourself, there are so many factors to consider. You’ll need to choose the right blend for your application, taking into account the integrity of the surface. If there is more pitting, for example, you may need a higher-build material or self-leveling concrete overlay.
