Decorative concrete resurfacing is a highly popular solution for restoring or updating a concrete surface. It is, however, important to plan the project carefully.
While the applications available are quite flexible, there are certain considerations that must be made to make sure that the coating or overlay adheres properly and that it lasts as long as it should.
Here are some of them based from our concrete contractor Las Vegas:
The Concrete Slab Must Not Have Major Damage
Concrete resurfacing is quite forgiving on minor cracks and shallow holes. However, if the cracks are wide and deep, a coating or overlay won’t make sense. It must first be filled with a mix of epoxy and silica sand before it can be resurfaced.
If it is a working crack, meaning it recurs, it can be resolved with a custom scoreline after the coating has been installed.
However, if the crack is a symptom of structural damage underneath, a slab replacement is a more appropriate solution.
Remove Pre-existing Coatings on the Slab
If the concrete space you want to resurface has an existing coating or overlay, that layer must first be ground off before a new one can be installed.
Even if it is just a sealer, it must be removed because it could affect the adhesion of the new coating.
Decorative concrete contractors would often use a grinding machine to grind off the top layer, revealing a new, more porous layer of concrete.
Check for Structural Damage
It is best to contact someone who is licensed and experienced to evaluate your concrete space. Since structural damage is at the bottom of the slab, it may or may not show symptoms that are visible to the naked eye.
Rust-colored liquid leaking out of cracks is an indication that the steel structure underneath is exposed to water and that it has already rusted.
Sinking or shifting slabs may indicate soil or water movement underneath and must first be inspected if it still can be resolved with slabjacking or not.
If your concrete space is free of all these, it is safe to say that it is eligible for concrete resurfacing. Just make sure that the surface is clean and dry before a coating or overlay is installed.
Also, never skip the sealing process. A sealer can help protect the slab from harmful elements while also adding a bit of shine to the surface. For more accurate considerations, consult a resurfacing concrete pro.
