Resurfacing a driveway will extend its lifespan. Adding an overlay above the existing concrete makes it incredibly durable so it can withstand its usual daily pounding from vehicles, foot traffic and harsh weather.
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.
Concrete resurfacer is a very strong product, rated for compressive strength of about 4,500 psi. 2 This is actually stronger than the slab itself, so properly applied, resurfacing layers can be very durable.
It is important to note that the life expectancy of resurfaced concrete can vary depending on the specific application. For example, a parking lot will typically have a longer life expectancy than a residential driveway. In most applications, resurfaced concrete should last 10-15 years.
The price of concrete resurfacing typically ranges from about $3 per square foot to $25 per square foot. However, the cost of your project will depend on a variety of factors.
Skim Coat is a smooth, sand-free, hydraulic cement-based material used under flooring for patching and skim coating on interior and exterior projects. Apply from featheredge to 1" thick.
That's right! Concrete weather and cardigan weather are one and the same. The best time of year to finally fix that bothersome crack in your driveway is in the Spring of Fall, when the season is most mild — with March through June and September and November being particularly ideal.
If you're repairing an indoor concrete slab, like a garage floor or enclosed patio, Quikrete Self-Leveling Resurfacer will be your best option. The product's thinner consistency helps it to self-level as you apply it to your concrete surface.
Sealing is the final step to protect new and resurfaced concrete. It is also essential for ongoing maintenance. Resurfacing can be completed within two days while sealing can take just a few hours.
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. The use of welded wire fabric reinforcement is usually not warranted under these conditions.
Concrete resurfacing is a way to refinish old concrete to look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative concrete restoration can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.
It's also recommended for high-traffic areas where surface irregularities tend to materialize with prolonged use. We typically use diamond grinding as the first step in concrete resurfacing preparations, to preserve your concrete and save money without the need to replace your floors entirely.
Concrete Resurfacing Options
A concrete overlay involves adding a thin layer of concrete over the existing surface to create a new surface. Concrete refinishing, on the other hand, involves repairing and restoring the existing surface by filling in cracks, smoothing out rough areas, and applying a new coat of sealer.
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. Exceeds the performance requirements of ASTM C 1059 Type I and II.
Pressure washing is one of the fastest, most effective ways to get your concrete white again. Concrete can change color over time due to pollen, algae, or dirt buildup, but a good pressure wash can easily remove dirt and stains and make your concrete look new again.
Once set, concrete continues to harden (cure) and become stronger for a long period of time, often up to several years. The strength of the concrete is related to the water to cement mass ratio and the curing conditions.
Temperatures should remain above 50 degrees F for 8 hours after the pour and above freezing for 24 hours after that. For optimum results, work on a day with low humidity, no rain and an air temperature ranging between 70° and 75°F. The surface temperature of the existing concrete must be at least 50°F.
Sometimes sealcoating isn't the answer. Shallow cracks and constant patching may signal it's time to resurface your driveway. Driveway resurfacing is when you replace the top layer of asphalt with a fresh layer. Driveway resurfacing helps extend the life of your driveway for another eight to 15 years.
Adding a concrete skim coat can approve the appearance of a chipped driveway. The process is easy enough that it can be a do-it-yourself project. Before skim coating your driveway, however, it's important to determine the cause of the chipping to see if the problem needs a professional solution.
Most floor coverings can be installed over SKIM COAT in 1 hour. Impermeable coverings and coatings can be applied over SKIM COAT in 16 hours.