Concrete Resurfacing Can Give Your Patio, Driveway, Or Pool Deck A Fresh Look

If your concrete patio, pool deck, or driveway is stained or cracked, consider concrete resurfacing to freshen the appearance of the concrete. There are different options to consider when your concrete constructions are starting to look old. A contractor has to think about how the concrete is being used, how much damage it has, and how you want the results to look when deciding how to go about the job. Here's information about how resurfacing concrete works.

Repairs Need To Be Made First 

Cracks should be filled before resurfacing or the cracks could still be seen and ruin the work. The contractor can fill and patch the cracks, and in doing so, the surface of the concrete may be even less attractive because the repairs are a different color and quite noticeable. However, resurfacing covers the repairs so they can't be seen. Tiny hairline cracks may not need to be repaired since these could be filled in with the resurfacing material.

The Old Concrete Has To Be Cleaned

An important step in concrete resurfacing is cleaning the old concrete so the overlay or resurfacing material will bond properly. The contractor may need to use a pressure washer and chemicals to get rid of oil stains and algae. They may also need to use a grinder to rough up the surface of the old concrete. The preparation phase may be the most time-consuming part of resurfacing the concrete, but doing it properly is important.

The Resurfacing Material Is Added As Directed

The type of material added determines how thick the overlay will be. If the contractor will be stamping designs into the overly, the thickness needs to be greater than if they're just applying a coating. You may want a decorative concrete finish, such as adding color, stamping, or polishing. However, you may just want a fresh, plain surface for your existing concrete that makes your patio or driveway look clean and in good repair.

Each resurfacing product has its own installation instructions and time needed to cure. A concrete contractor is familiar with all the products and steps involved in the installation, so they can prepare you ahead of time if you need to stay off the concrete for an extended time to allow it to cure.

Your Old Concrete Has A New Appearance

Concrete resurfacing makes old concrete look new again, and at a fraction of what you'd pay to tear out and replace your old concrete. By having designs stamped in, your pool deck could look like it's made from flagstone rather than plain concrete.

You might acid stain your patio or give it some other decorative effect that adds a touch of beauty to your yard. Let your concrete contractor know your goals, and they can choose the right way to resurface your old concrete so it has a new life.