Whether you have a concrete garage floor, driveway, sidewalk, or patio that is beginning to show signs of wear, you have two options: demolish and remove the old surface, prepare the base, and build a new slab; or have concrete resurfacing done to restore the slab to its youthful appearance.
Occasionally, a concrete slab is either too unstable or too badly deteriorated to allow for resurfacing to be performed. The good news is that concrete repair is an excellent alternative when the problem is only superficial cracking, discolouration, or slight chipping or spalling. Just about anyone can take on this project, and it’s significantly less expensive than having to replace the concrete slab entirely.
What Is the Reason Why Your Concrete Gets Damaged?
Concrete is a porous material comprised of coarse granular aggregate material, water, and a binding agent such as cement. It is used to build various constructions. There may also be additions, such as minerals or chemical admixtures, used to change the appearance or texture of the material. Damage to the structure may result from filth and moisture getting into open areas, either during or after installation. A mixture splits into two parts when water seeps into it.
It can expand and contract as a result of the addition of temperature fluctuations. In addition, abrasive elements might cause the components to fail. Chlorides, sulphates, and chemicals are examples of such substances. Concrete can be harmed by a variety of physical elements. Either a single, blunt-force hit or repeated impacts from heavy objects can produce chipping or cracking.
Should You Replace Your Concrete or Use Concrete Resurfacing?
Traditionally, breaking up the existing concrete slab and installing a new one would be the method utilized to fix any damage, even small ones brought on by normal wear and tear. The most cost-effective alternative is to have concrete reconditioning. Examples of circumstances where concrete resurfacing is appropriate include the following:
- Minor Damage
- Wear and Tear
- Concealing surface flaws
- Minor surface cracks
- Discolouration
- Covering the concrete surface
- Making old concrete look new
In these situations, we recommend having your concrete surface examined by a qualified professional. More often than not, concrete surfaces do not require complete replacement but can be rejuvenated to seem as good as new with a simple revamp. There are a variety of alternatives available now that allow you to stencil, engrave, and even dye the concrete overlay to significantly improve the appearance of the surface.
How Does Concrete Resurfacing Work?
Depending on the origin of the damage, a variety of concrete renewal processes can be used to achieve success. First and foremost, the damaged portions must be eliminated. This requires the use of specialist tools including shot blasters, chipping hammers, shavers, and grinders in addition to the work being done. Next, the surface needs to be filled in and reshaped using epoxy trowel downs, self-levelling cementitious overlays, or similar materials. It is also critical to identify and address the root source of the problem. Damage recurrence is possible if the underlying cause is not addressed.
How Is Concrete Resurfacing Done?
Essentially, concrete rejuvenation or resurfacing is the process of cleaning and repairing concrete before overlaying it with a new surface. The following is a step-by-step breakdown of the procedures required for this concrete repair:
- Cleaning: A power washer is used to clean the old surface, removing dirt and grime from it.
- Patching up the Cracks: After priming and reinforcing each crack with fabric, polymer concrete is applied and smoothed down to blend in with the rest of the concrete roadway.
- Repairing Holes: The spaces between the holes are filled with epoxy mortar.
- Covering the Slab: The surface is primed and then covered with spray-on polymer concrete when all repairs have been finished, and the process is finished with a trowel polish.
- Colouring Then Sealing: If you desire decorative colouring, it will be done next, followed by a seal coat that will protect the new surface from exposure to the outdoors.
This may seem extensive, but it is still quicker and less expensive than installing concrete for a whole new surface. Concrete resurfacing is a practical solution for achieving a refreshed look without the high costs and time required for full replacement.
Why Hire Floor Preparation Contractors?
The process can be made much simpler and better by hiring a concrete specialist who is knowledgeable about decorative finishes and how to properly prepare the mixture. You should also talk to the experts about the tools and supplies needed for the job. It’s critical to have a structural engineer inspect the foundation for soundness and stability. They will clarify which cracks can be ignored, which are easily fixed, and which call for a contractor. Additionally, floor preparation contractors might point out that cracks larger than an eighth of an inch could be a sign of foundation problems and the need for additional precautions before anything is installed. Of course, you could do it yourself, but you might save money by hiring professionals. You never know with these materials.
Key Takeaway
There are numerous advantages to concrete overlay or resurfacing, in addition to the fact that it saves you money and completely transforms your old and worn-out concrete. On the whole, concrete treatment is less difficult than tearing up old concrete and starting it from scratch.
Although concrete is one of the most extensively utilised and long-lasting materials that can be acquired for use in the building industry, it is not without its restrictions. Concrete can disintegrate over time if it is subjected to extreme environments such as freeze-thaw periods, compounds used for melting ice, and traffic from heavy equipment. All of these factors can contribute to the degradation of concrete. However, not all indicators of damage warrant ripping out the entire concrete installation and starting over from scratch. Rehabbing something to its former glory may breathe new life into a great number of undertakings.
If concrete is exhibiting symptoms of age, there are a few things to examine in order to assess whether or not the concrete needs to be completely replaced or whether or not it can be resurfaced. This will save both the contractors and their customers both time and money. Thus, here is where we walk you through the decision process — concrete resurfacing vs. concrete replacement: the difference and the better option.
Concrete Resurfacing
The good news is that you might not be required to totally remove your old concrete in order to install a new and modern design, which is great if the thought of doing so appears inconvenient to you. You can save a significant amount of time and money by concrete refinishing, which includes floors, walkways, and driveways.
It is a decent method that can be used to revitalise concrete that appears to be old and make it look new once more. Enhancing the livability of your home and adding value to it at the same time is not only possible but also a cheap and sensible option.
Incorporating a decorative layer into your concrete is the core component of the process. In most cases, cement-based overlays or polymer-modified overlay systems are used to complete the procedure. Polymer-modified overlays are made by combining polymer resins with concrete, sand, and other additives. This improves the performance of the overlay as well as its resistance to wear and its overall appearance. The procedure and the items that are necessary will, to a very small extent, change depending on the type of surface that will undergo concrete resurfacing.
Concrete Replacement
The most extreme measure that can be taken with concrete is to remove the existing driveway and replace it with a brand new one. In this situation, you may not have a choice in the matter: if the layer has fractured all the way through and is exhibiting signs of fragility, this is the only alternative that is certain to keep you safe.
Clearly, selecting this course of action will result in the highest overall cost. On the other hand, if you are getting an entirely new driveway, this implies that you have the opportunity to change the form, size, and style of the driveway; for instance, you could accommodate additional cars or choose a different route.
Should You Resurface or Replace the Current Surface?
In the past, any form of damage, especially minor ones that were the result of normal wear and tear, would be mended by tearing apart the already-existing concrete slab and laying down a new one. However, when the damage is very minimal, it makes much more sense to be cost-effective and to save the resources that are available.
Concrete makeover or resurfacing is the finest option available, therefore you should go with it. The following are examples of circumstances in which it is most beneficial:
- Minor damage
- Wear Out
- Covering up defects on the surface
- Repairing surface imperfections such as small fractures
- Fixing discoloration
- Putting anything over a concrete surface that is broken or unattractive
- Bringing a worn-out concrete finish up to date
Having said that, it is strongly suggested that you have a trained professional inspect the concrete surface of your property. The majority of the time, concrete surfaces do not need to be completely replaced; rather, they just need a revamp to make them appear as good as new. You may stencil, engrave, or even tint the concrete resurface now thanks to the many alternatives that are available. Doing any of these things will drastically improve the aesthetic of the concrete.
When Should You Acquire Concrete Resurfacing Services?
Under ideal conditions, concrete would appear to be level and uniform in appearance. This suggests that the surface is successfully keeping water from penetrating the structure or is providing a firm foundation for the construction. There are different types of concrete flooring, each of which can withstand a different amount of pressure. For example, the floors of garages are routinely subjected to the weight of several automobiles. A concrete driveway might suffer the same fate if it were damaged in the same way. In addition, the majority of driveways do not have any sort of cover, which may increase the overall level of damage.
When exactly is it necessary to acquire concrete resurfacing services? Take into consideration the following scenarios:
1. Flaking
If concrete repair is necessary, it will almost certainly be because of the way the floor appears. On the surface of the concrete, individuals should look for flaking as well as small pits. It is also a strong indicator that your concrete needs to be resurfaced if you notice any scratches on the paint or other coatings that you have applied.
2. The Flaking Off
It’s possible that people will take a closer look at the spalling on the surface of the concrete. As a result of its wrinkled appearance, this won’t be all that difficult to discover. The appearance of spalling points to the prevalence of water below the surface. It is common when individuals use wire mesh in the substructure, and it is even more common when the wire mesh is improperly stamped, which allows rust and corrosion to form. Another possible offender is salt, which is utilised in locations with colder temperatures in order to break up ice.
3. Fragmented Corners
The edges of concrete slabs are another major cause for concern since they are prone to cracking and deterioration, which is especially common on roadways and other areas subjected to a great deal of pressure from automotive traffic. People ought to examine the joints between the slabs to see if there are any issues like that. Check the edges of the surface to see if it is poured all the way through.
What Are Things You Need to Assess in Concrete Resurfacing?
1. Concrete Condition
Assessing the state of the concrete is the first thing that has to be done in order to figure out whether or not a concrete installation needs to be replaced or resurfaced. If a concrete slab is going to be considered for resurfacing, it needs to have a solid foundation underneath it. Fissures as small as human hair and chips in the concrete are usually signs of wear and tear that may be easily repaired. Large cracks that penetrate deeply into the material, however, are a clear sign that it is irreparable. In addition, concrete surfaces that are soft and scaling need to be removed using mechanical means to reveal a surface that is sound and solid before it can be resurfaced.
2. Cause of Failure
Before incorporating concrete resurfacing on the area or pouring a new slab, it is necessary to locate and address the cause of the failure, which can only be done after the amount of the damage has been evaluated.
If the compacted base is damaged in any way, it will only be a matter of time before the newly poured section or the resurfaced area also fails. Damage to concrete that is produced by erosion or the washing away of soil as a result of water runoff is a typical and major cause of such damage; as a result, the affected area needs extra repairs. Furthermore, it is well recognized that tree roots can seriously harm concrete. To ensure that significant damage is avoided, it is crucial to cure any washout and get rid of any potential roots before casting any new slabs.
Because of the placement or function of the slabs, some of them are just more prone to experiencing more significant wear and strain. Excessive point loads might cause damage. If the area below it is going to be subjected to significant traffic from commercial vehicles or heavy equipment like a roll-off dumpster, then it is absolutely necessary for that region to be in good condition. Additionally, it’s possible that some regions will need repair more frequently than others.
Concrete Restoration Sydney
When it comes to concrete floors that are starting to show symptoms of wear and tear, EzyGrind believes that resurfacing concrete floors is the most economical alternative that can be considered. EzyGrind has developed a number of innovative coating solutions in order to give concrete floors an attractive appearance while still protecting their structural integrity. These coatings may be applied in a variety of ways.
In addition, if you are seeking more floor services, we offer burnished concrete finish, salt and pepper concrete, concrete polishing, concrete honing, epoxy floor coating, and salt and pepper concrete. Give us a call at this very now at 0410 223 300.
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