Has your driveway or patio seen better days? You can refresh its appearance by resurfacing the concrete using these basic steps.
A Word of Warning: The following tips are intended for coarse concrete surfaces such as driveways and patios. They are not intended for smooth concrete surfaces such as garage floors. This is because smooth concrete surfaces require an acid etch to create a rougher surface that will be receptive to new coatings. Without an acid etch, smooth concrete will shed any new coating quite rapidly. Unfortunately, acid etches are corrosive and toxic. With this in mind, you should consider hiring a professional for these types of projects.
Resurfacing Rough Concrete
If your concrete driveway looks weathered and worn, you may wish to add a fresh layer to improve its appearance. Bear in mind, however, that concrete resurfacers should be viewed merely as cosmetic finishes and not repair products. When considerable damage is widespread, resurfacing will just mask the issues for only a short time. That said, if you only have minor pits or cracks in your driveway, resurfacing can be effective, as long as you first repair the damage by patching it.
If you have extensive cracking or sagging, you will need to address the source of the problem before you attempt to resurface, or it will quickly sink and crack again. You can usually have it restored at an affordable price using mudjacking techniques, perfected by AAA Concrete Raising. Give us a call and we can level your concrete surface before you begin work.
Resurfacing Concrete
The top manufacturers of concrete products, including Sakrete and Quickrete, all sell quality concrete resurfacing products. These are typically a blend of fine sands, Portland cement and polymer modifying compounds. Concrete resurfacing products are made to cover the surface of your concrete. As such, they are only capable of covering superficial cracks and pits. For more significant repairs, you will need to first repair the areas using a concrete patching product.
Once you’ve purchased your resurfacing product, apply it using the following steps:
Mix
For optimal results, mix and apply only one bag of resurfacer at a time. A single 40-pound bag will typically require about six pints of water. Use warmer water in cool weather and colder water in warmer weather. At 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you will have approximately 20 minutes of working time before the product hardens.
Add the water to a 5-gallon plastic bucket; then empty the bag of resurfacer into the bucket and stir until it has a smooth consistency. Add more resurfacer or water as necessary until you have a nice pourable mix with the consistency of syrup.
Apply
Resurfacer should always be applied to a moist surface or the concrete will draw moisture from the resurfacing product as it cures. Immediately before mixing and applying, dampen the existing concrete surface using a garden hose. Don’t overdo it; simply moisten the concrete.
Pour a small amount of resurfacer on the concrete and then immediately spread it evenly using a long-handled squeegee or trowel. Work in segments no larger than 14 square feet at a time.
If you need to apply a second coat, first let the surface dry for about three hours.
Scuff
If you let the resurfacing product cure with no finishing touches, it will look smooth and, in many instances, uneven. This can result in a slippery surface that’s not typically appropriate for sidewalks and driveways.
With this in mind, add a little texture by gently pulling a long-handled broom across the surface. Work while the mix is still wet and make sure your strokes are all in the same direction.
Wait
Just because the concrete looks dry doesn’t mean it’s ready for your car or feet. As concrete resurfacing products cure, they get harder and stronger. Wait at least eight hours before setting foot on resurfaced concrete, and at least 48 hours before driving on it.
Resurfacer should be kept a little moist during the curing process. Use your hose to lightly mist the surface twice a day for the first two days.
AAA Concrete Raising has served Colorado homeowners and businesses for more than two full decades. Our innovative concrete raising company uses modern equipment that eliminates the need for any sort of noisy, awkward machinery. If you need concrete resurfaced at your home or business and want to rely on the pros, contact us today for a complimentary quote!
