Some contractors use one or more muriatic acid washes to artificially weather concrete. Others suggest first etching the surface, then washing it with a mixture of carbon black and water. A third alternate is using a diluted black or brown concrete stain to darken the color.
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. Condition-affected life span: Properly installed concrete can last for over 50 years.
Self-leveling concrete is a cement-like compound similar to concrete, but it is much thinner, flows more easily, and sets up faster. When mixed with water, it can be poured over existing concrete slabs where it will spread and even itself out, creating an even surface texture.
QUIKRETE® Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902) permanently bonds new concrete, plaster, and stucco to existing concrete, plaster, and stucco. Eliminates the need for roughing the surface before the application.
Self-leveling concrete is also not appropriate in certain situations, namely when thicker slabs or structural support are required. The material is also not ideal for outdoor surfaces, large areas, or areas with too much moisture. It can be particularly challenging to work with self-leveling concrete.
Concrete resurfacing is often seen as the best way to remedy worn, chipped, or spalling concrete without replacement. However, while it may seem like an attractive option, it's important to understand that it is usually only a temporary fix, especially in areas with frequent temperature and moisture fluctuations.
You can pour concrete on top of an existing slab as long as it's still in reasonably good condition and structurally sound. This means the concrete should be free of cracks, buckling, and breaks. If you notice any small cracks or minor issues, it's in your best interest to repair them before you pour the new concrete.
Does concrete stick to concrete? If you pour a new layer over concrete right on top of the old one, you won't get proper adhesion. You must properly prepare your concrete slab and then apply a chemical bonding agent on top of it so your new concrete adheres properly.
Types of adhesive for concrete bonding
2-component epoxy resin adhesievs are suitable for flat applications e.g. for bonding smooth concrete flank surfaces. 2-component epoxy fine fillers are ideal for filling concrete surfaces and can also be used for bonding steel, stone and wood etc.
BondCrete contains an exclusive resin additive ensuring maximum bonding strength. BondCrete is suitable for Tiling, adhesive for craft work, patching of most surfaces, sealing concrete, rendering surfaces and most cement applications. BondCrete is widely used in the building and renovating industry.
Antiquing is a process that involves adding a modeled or variation in color to stamped concrete surfaces. It provides color variations based on the application and intensity of the color you select.
The acid works well on concrete and on many masonry projects because it neutralizes alkalinity. The surface becomes “etched” and clean, which allows for the proper adhesion of a new coating. Despite its effectiveness, muriatic acid should be used on concrete stains only if you've tried gentler alternatives to no avail.
This material is typically produced at a utility sluice pond site by dumping raw ash into the pond and allowing it to hydrate and harden into a working platform. Additional raw ash is placed on top of the platform in thin lifts, watered, compacted, and allowed to hydrate and harden.
The price of concrete resurfacing typically ranges from about $4.50 per square foot to $25 per square foot. However, the cost of your project will depend on a variety of factors.
Yes, concrete can be crushed down, separated and reused. Since the demolished concrete contains aggregates and cement stone, reuse has some limitations.
Common challenges in concrete resurfacing include insufficient surface preparation, incorrect material mixing, and environmental conditions like high moisture or temperature extremes. These issues cause poor adhesion, cracks, or uneven surfaces.
Concrete resurfacing costs anywhere from $600 up to $13,000, with an average of $2,000 overall. Ornate designs and multiple layers of stain can push the project costs much higher.
Failure to use product recommended primer may result in installation failure. Primer retains the moisture within the self-leveling underlayment to allow proper curing. Secondarily, it acts as a bonding agent to ensure the SLU bonds properly to the substrate.
You can add a layer of concrete over an existing feature as long as you follow a few best practices to ensure the overlay concrete will adhere to the existing material properly. However, if the concrete structure has signs of damage, it's best to remove or repair it.
Fill any cracks
Ensure you have filled all the cracks before proceeding to the next step to avoid wasting the leveler. Allow the filler and sealer to dry, and then prime the surface.