Narrow cracks are typically less than ¼-inch wide and can be repaired using a simple concrete patching compound. Wide cracks, on the other hand, are usually wider than ¼-inch and may require a more involved repair process that involves filling the crack with foam backer rod and then applying a concrete patch.
Replace the Uneven Slabs
To do this, concrete contractors will have to demolish the concrete, haul it away, and pour the new slab to be even with the existing concrete. Then, you'll have to wait around 30 days for the concrete to fully harden.
Patching is ideal for small areas that are damaged or cracked. Resurfacing is a more extensive method that involves grinding down the old concrete surface and applying a new layer. This method is best for large areas that are in bad condition.
As long as your walkway isn't cracked all the way through, you can coat the slab with a concrete resurfacer, a no-shrink blend of Portland cement, sand, and polymer additives that fills divots and makes a uniform finish.
In order to patch concrete, you'll need the patch material or product, a concrete trowel, and a concrete rubbing stone. Mix the patch material if it's not a ready to use product and trowel in into the effected area, smoothing it out as best you can.
Repairs are, hands-down, more affordable than a full replacement. But don't forget to consider how old your concrete is. If it's older, and you choose to repair over replace, you might be repairing it annually. In that case, replacement might be more cost-effective and a better long-term solution.
If you're looking for a way to completely cover or erase imperfections in your concrete floors, your best bet is to have an epoxy applied. Epoxy has come a long way over the years.
Repair of concrete surface defects involves removing the defective concrete and replacing it with good concrete, which is the only effective method of repair.
After concrete curing, some imperfections such as sharp edges, spots, and protrusions might remain in the concrete. To minimize accidents or injuries, you need to sand the concrete to remove the bumps and imperfections. Sanding the protruding edges also enhances the surface's overall appearance.
Most companies will charge $1.80 to $25 per sq. ft. to level concrete, including all materials and labor. The cost to level 100 sq. ft of concrete ranges from $500 to $1,700, with the mid-range being $1,500.
Different types of defects in concrete structures can be cracking, crazing, blistering, delamination, dusting, curling, efflorescence, scaling and spalling.
Common types of defects in concrete structures are honeycombing, form failure or misalignment of formwork, dimensional errors, rock pockets and finishing errors.
When a blemish appears on the surface of a concrete slab it will likely be one of these: blisters, cracking, crazing, curling, delamination, discol- oration, dusting, efflorescence, low spots, popouts, scaling, or spalling.
If you have a rough concrete patio or concrete floors that you'd like to level, using a grinder can solve your problems. After all, it's a reliable tool that can efficiently smooth out rough concrete surfaces. By using a grinder, you can remove any imperfections and create a smooth, level surface.
You can use a sander or an angle grinder with a cup wheel to remove the bumps. A buffing machine with a sanding pad will smooth out the surface, just remember to vacuum the pad every now and then for maximum performance.
Slabs with none to minimal cracks, blemishes, and other flaws are ideal for staining. Stains enhance the appearance of the surface; they don't conceal defects. Applying it to flawed concrete will not hide its imperfections, nor will it mask the original color or texture of the surface.
Top it with a decorative overlay.
With some overlay systems, you can customize the look by staining, dying, scoring, stenciling or even stamping the surface. "The beauty of using an overlay system," Bob says, "is that you can transform a bland, unattractive slab of concrete into something that looks quite spectacular."
The process is easy and saves you a lot of money that you would otherwise waste if you were to replace your concrete. By the way, new concrete also needs to be cleaned and maintained. Also, with concrete resurfacing, you get far more decorative options to choose from so you can customize and get the look you want.
You can put new concrete over old concrete, however, there are many times you will not want to, including: If there is a door or staircase that would be in the way of adding a few inches of cement. Tree roots are in the way, causing the existing concrete to lift or move.
What causes concrete to be of poor quality? Using incorrect quantities of cement, or not creating a mix that has been batched correctly for its application, often results in sub-par concrete.
More repairs fail because of poor surface preparation than from any other cause. All unsound concrete must be removed, leaving sound, clean, and suitably roughened surfaces.