Concrete resurfacing is a very useful method to recreate old concrete. In this article, we will briefly discuss, what is concrete resurfacing, its techniques, materials used, advantages and disadvantages of concrete resurfacing.
Introduction
Concrete plays a vital role as a material in the construction industry. It is one of the chief materials used in the construction of various structural elements like walls, columns, beams, roofs, slabs, etc. Other than beams & columns, concrete is widely used as a flooring material for driveways, walkways, pool decks, and flooring inside homes.
Concrete is an extremely tough and durable material and hence it is widely used, as stated above. Despite being so durable, concrete floors are subjected to wear & tear after a long period of use.
But sometimes the structure is damaged minor and does not need full replacement of the structure. So there is a way by which it is possible to repair only the damaged part of the structure. This process is known as concrete resurfacing.
What Is Concrete Resurfacing?
A method of restoration of damaged or worn-out concrete floors may be indoors or outdoors, to make it feasible for use again without the reconstruction of the whole structure, is known as concrete resurfacing.
How To Resurface Concrete?
Basically, there are four steps included in the process of concrete resurfacing. They are as follows:
- Cleaning the concrete.
- Patch the spalled areas.
- Spread the resurfacer, and
- Trowel operation.
Let us learn more about each step in detail below.
Step – 1: Cleaning The Concrete
First of all, clean up the floor or the area of the floor where concrete resurfacing is to be carried out.
Cleaning up the floor removes all the dust particles, residues, and algae present on the surface of the floor.
The floor surface can be cleaned thoroughly using a gas-powered pressure washer, which is capable of reaching at least 3500 psi pressure. Holding the pressure washer at a height of 6 to 8 inches from the affected surface will clean the surface thoroughly.
Step – 2: Patch The Spalled Area
Before the actual commencement of concrete resurfacing on the floor, you need to check if there are any damaged patches on the surface or not. If yes, then primarily the patches shall be filled up with the resurfacing material.
The resurfacing material, also known as resurfacer, is mixed in the ratio of 1 part water to 7 parts of resurfacer, in a 5 gallon bucket.
Mix the material properly using a paddle mixer. After the material is prepared, pour the resurfacer into the patch.
Using a trowel level it and also give it a smooth finish. Let it dry for some time.
Once it matures, the patch will be ready and strong enough to withstand a certain amount of load without damaging itself.
Step – 3: Spread The Resurfacer
After the patches are repaired, now it’s time to resurface the floor. But before the commencement of the process, make sure that the gaps and joints on the floor are filled up properly with peel & stick foam weather stripping, so that the resurfacer doesn’t go into the joints and gaps of the floor.
Now prepare the resurfacer and spread it on the floor. Spread it evenly on the surface of the floor as quickly as possible, as the resurfacer starts losing its workability after 15 to 20 minutes.
Step – 4: Trowel Operation
Once the resurfacer is poured on the surface of the floor, use a trowel to level it perfectly until its thickness comes between 1/8 inches to ¼ inches.
After some time sweep the resurfaced concrete floor with the help of a nylon-bristled broom to give it an anti-slip finish. Also, remove the weather strips from the gaps and joints of the floor.
Let the resurfaced floor dry for 6 to 7 hours. Once the floor is dried and hardened, the newly repaired surface is ready to use.
Types Of Concrete Resurfacing
There are various types of concrete resurfacing. They are as listed below:-
- Stamped overlays
- Pool deck resurfacing
- Concrete crack repair
- Driveway repair, and
- Resurfacing patios
Let us learn about each of them in detail below.
1. Stamped Overlays
Stamped overlay is a type of concrete resurfacing technique that provides an aesthetical advantage over conventional stamped concrete. The stamped overlay is done on the existing concrete.
It lets you duplicate the texture and aesthetics of the materials like stone, brick & wood without any replacement of the existing concrete. The stamped overlay is done on driveways, walkways, pool decks, and floors, where aesthetic revitalization is needed.
2. Pool Deck Resurfacing
It is the process of repairing the existing pool deck to increase its strength as well as upgrade the old look & aesthetics of the existing pool deck.
3. Concrete Crack Repair
It is a process in which the cracks in the concrete structure are treated and repaired with the help of crack repairing materials such as epoxy.
4. Driveway Repair
A concrete driveway will ideally last for a very long period, in fact for a couple of years after its construction is done.
But sometimes there are conditions which may shorten its lifespan and adversely affects the structure in terms of crack formation, discoloration, settlement, scaling and patches from wear & tear.
So according to the nature and severity of the damage, the relevant methods are applied for the repairs of driveways.
5. Resurfacing Patios
Concrete patios with a little amount of damage, but in a relatively better condition, can be restored with the help of concrete resurfacing. Instead of constructing a new patio, its durability, strength, and appearance can be upgraded by cement-based overlay.
Concrete Resurfacing Materials
The material used for concrete resurfacing is commonly known as concrete resurfacer. Concrete resurfacer is a mixture of various raw materials like Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers, and other additives. Concrete resurfacer is used to repair & resurface the existing concrete floors and making them as good as new.
Advantages Of Concrete Resurfacing
i) It has a very huge variety of designs which can be applied on the floors as per the choice of customers. Not only designs but also there are endless color options for concrete.
ii) Concrete resurfacing is aesthetically very pleasing to the eyes. So to give a new look to the flooring surface, concrete resurfacing is done.
iii) Concrete is extremely tough and resilient. So it can withstand heavy loads of vehicles, heavy furniture, and other items. Concrete floors do not get damaged or chipped easily as it is a highly durable material.
iv) Concrete, once laid as a floor surface, becomes very hard and tough. Also it does not require any kind of maintenance frequently. If there are stains or dust on the concrete floors, a simple mop or broom can be used to clean them up.
v) If the concrete floors are maintained properly, then they may last for a very long period, making them economically affordable in a long run.
Disadvantages Of Concrete Resurfacing
i) Concrete is hard and tough material. But if by chance someone falls on the floor, there are very high chances of getting an injury.
ii) Due to the hardness of concrete floors, it is very difficult to stand on them for a longer duration.
iii) The cost of concrete flooring may go very high if the customized designs are to be made for the customers.
Also Read –
How To Preserve Natural Stones
Types Of Slabs In Construction
Types Of Plywood In Construction
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