If you're looking to create a smooth and level surface in your workspace, pouring self-leveling concrete over existing floors is a fantastic solution. Whether you're dealing with an uneven concrete slab in your basement or a worn-out patio, this process can breathe new life into your surfaces.
Concrete driveway sealing is an important part of keeping your driveway in good condition. Sealing helps to protect the concrete from weathering, staining, and other damage. It also makes it easier to clean and maintain.
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.
For best results, do not paint straight onto concrete. Always use concrete primer before painting. Sand off any splatter, residue, lumps or uneven areas on the concrete floor. Hardened residue may require a scraper.
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.
Using self-leveling concrete outdoors is usually not a good idea. The natural expansion and contraction of the concrete due to freeze-thaw cycles and moisture absorption can cause the self-leveling concrete to crack or crumble away.
Make sure to use concrete products that are compatible with a liquid bonding agent. Products like Sakrete Sand Mix and Sakrete Fast Set Cement Patcher will work well with a liquid chemical bonding agent such as Sakrete Bonder & Fortifier.
Epoxy bonding agents are not just for bonding old concrete to new, they can be used to help bond concrete to steel. As well as helping to bond concrete to concrete and steel, epoxy bonding agents also work brilliantly well for repairing cracks of all sizes in existing concrete layers.
Large Cracks or Broken Areas: If you're dealing with larger cracks, you'll need to apply a thicker patch compound. For deeper cracks or gaps, consider using a two-part epoxy patch or concrete repair kit that's designed for structural repairs. Apply it with a trowel, making sure it's pressed deep into the crack.
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.
How thin can you pour concrete over concrete? Your new layer needs to be at least 2 inches thick. If it's any thinner than that, it'll easily crack under pressure and won't adequately bond to your surface.
The easiest method for applying concrete resurfacer is to pour a small amount on the surface, then immediately begin spreading it evenly with a light, long-handled squeegee. Resurfacer can also be applied with a trowel or brush. Work in segments of no more than about 144 square feet at a time.
In short, the difference between cement vs concrete is easy to clear once we know all the basics of their compositions. Cement is a binding agent made from limestone and clay; whereas concrete is a building material created through the proper mixing of cement, water, sand, and rock.
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. Its natural color is dark gray, so buy enough to cover your entire walk. One 40-pound bag coats about 35 square feet.
A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $2,000 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher.
Concrete resurfacing gives you a practical solution to revive an old and damaged slab without doing too much. Resurfacing restores the concrete surface by pouring a fresh layer of concrete known as an overlay.
Once you seal your concrete, you'll need to reseal it every year. That can add up to another costly chore that you must remember. Sealers can be slippery. Sealing concrete can create a slippery surface, especially when wet.
Sealing concrete is an excellent DIY project if you have the time available. Once you learn how to seal one type of concrete surface, you'll be confident tackling more areas around your home. You can roughly cut the project's cost in half by tackling it yourself instead of hiring a professional.