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how rehab concrete driveways

by Anissa Murray Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Restore concrete by resurfacing it with an overlay to bring new life to your home or yard. Whether you want to improve the look of your patio, or cover up cracks in your driveway, resurfacing is a great option for outdoor concrete.

Part of a video titled How to Resurface Concrete - YouTube
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Quick read concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concreteMoreQuick read concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concrete driveways sidewalks. And patios that will last the life of your concrete.

Full Answer

What are my options for concrete driveway repair?

Oct 30, 2020 · STEP 1: Clean your concrete driveway and patch as needed. Before applying QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer, prepare the old concrete surface so that the renewing layer can properly adhere to it. Start...

Can you resurface a cracked concrete driveway?

Jul 10, 2019 · Fresh, new concrete does have a beauty all its own. If you like the look of fresh concrete, your damaged concrete can be restored to a like-new finish, only tougher than bare concrete. Spalling, deep cracks, and a severely-degraded surface can be repaired with RestoreKoat by Concrete Craft TM. Especially economical for big projects like driveways, our …

How do I prepare my driveway for Quikrete® concrete resurfacer?

To make your driveway look better, start with power washing the concrete. Next assess damage and repair cracks. Then further enhance its appearance with concrete stains or resurfacing. When you’re done your driveway will look new again. What is concrete resurfacing? Concrete resurfacing begins with an existing concrete surface.

How to protect concrete driveway from stains?

Apr 09, 2020 · Restore concrete by resurfacing it with an overlay to bring new life to your home or yard. Whether you want to improve the look of your patio, or cover up cracks in your driveway, resurfacing is a great option for outdoor concrete. Choose the surface you desire to transform below to learn more, get design ideas, and locate a resurfacing contractor in your area.

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How do you make an old concrete driveway look new?

3 Ways to Make Old Concrete Look New AgainPower Wash. Over time, your concrete will accumulate grime and dirt. ... Resurface. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to improve your curb appeal, resurfacing your concrete steps and driveway is a great way to start. ... Add Stain or Sealing Coats. ... Revive Your Old Concrete.

What is the best product to resurface a concrete driveway?

Our Top PicksBest For Interiors. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. ... Best for Exteriors. Rapid Set High Strength, 15 Min Set, Featheredge. ... Best For Cracks. KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating. ... Best For Flooring. Ardex Feather Finish Grey Self-Drying Cement. ... Best For Small Jobs. ... Best Premixed.May 4, 2021

How do you rehab old concrete?

The most common products for restoring outdoor concrete are:Fillers and patches that help repair cracks and other damage prior to resurfacing.Stampable overlays that allow you to add imprinted texture to existing concrete.Texture coatings that offer a slip-resistant finish that is sprayed on and “knocked” down.More items...

How can I make my cracked concrete driveway look better?

If your driveway needs a whole new look, a decorative concrete overlay will create a new finish that covers minor surface damage like cracks, imperfections, and discoloration. The overlay creates a durable finish and long-lasting bond with the original concrete that will not chip, crack or peel.Jul 10, 2019

Does quikrete concrete resurfacer work?

0:000:43QUIKRETE Concrete Resurfacer (Product Feature) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuikrete concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concreteMoreQuikrete concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concrete driveways sidewalks.

Can you pour a thin layer of concrete over existing concrete?

How Thin Can You Pour Concrete Over Existing Concrete? The thinnest that is usually used when pouring concrete, in general, is about 2 to 2 ½ inches. That also applies to this pouring new concrete over old concrete. Any thinner than 2 inches would be too thin.Aug 17, 2020

How do you repair concrete yourself?

2:245:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all ofMoreApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all of the crevices mix. Up your concrete patch with water and add some of the bonding product to the mix.

How do you smooth concrete after it dries?

These are the 4 steps in how to smooth concrete after it dries:Remove all imperfections on the surface.Vacuum up all debris and apply the adherent.Apply a new layer of concrete.Sand the surface and wash the concrete.Apply a layer of vitrifier to protect the concrete.Aug 27, 2020

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

Can cracked concrete be repaired?

Narrow cracks can be filled with a masonry concrete crack filler that comes in a cartridge designed to be used in a caulking gun. Alternatively, you can create a concrete patch with a vinyl concrete patching compound applied and smoothed with a putty knife.

Should I seal cracks in my concrete driveway?

Cracks up to ÂĽ inch in width can be filled with sealant. Cracks of this nature may never get any larger, but water can seep into them, freeze, and expand, causing the cracks to widen, so it's a good idea to seal them with the flexible Advanced Polymer Concrete Crack Sealant from Quikrete.Sep 16, 2020

How do you fill big cracks in driveway?

0:002:59Concrete Driveway Crack Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your crack is more than a half an inch deep you want to use a filler rope in this and this isMoreIf your crack is more than a half an inch deep you want to use a filler rope in this and this is just a foam caulking.

How do I resurface a concrete driveway?

Start by eliminating dirt, oil, and flaking concrete with a 3,500-psi pressure washer.

Why use concrete for driveway?

Durability ranks high among the many reasons to choose concrete as a driveway surfa cing material. After years of exposure to the elements, however, as well as to foot and vehicle traffic, your concrete driveway may begin to look worse for all that wear. Rather than rip it all out and start from scratch, it’s far easier and much cheaper to renew ...

How long does it take for a resurfacer to cure?

Now, pause to consider the weather: For the resurfacer to cure, temperatures must remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours, and above freezing for 24 hours. So long as you expect those conditions, it’s safe to proceed to the next step. Photo: quikrete.com.

How long does it take for a concrete driveway to cure?

No waiting up to 30 days for a new concrete driveway to cure and harden. A beautiful, new driveway for far less cost than demolition and replacement. Concrete Craft can have your ugly driveway repaired, restored, or resurfaced in a matter of days so you can get on with the more important things in life. And, we won’t damage your yard ...

What is decorative concrete overlay?

If your driveway needs a whole new look, a decorative concrete overlay will create a new finish that covers minor surface damage like cracks, imperfections and discoloration. The overlay creates a durable finish and long-lasting bond with the original concrete that will not chip, crack or peel. Concrete overlays can be stained, stamped, and hand-carved in faux finishes like flagstone, cobblestone, Ashlar slate, and Roman slate for the exquisite look of real stone.

How to contact Concrete Craft?

As a local business owner in your community, we care about your complete satisfaction. Call 866-813-3699 today or go online to www.concretecraft.com to find the Concrete Craft location nearest you and request a FREE consultation. You can trust Concrete Craft to deliver on the promise of the driveway of your dreams.

What is concrete overlay?

Concrete overlays can be stained, stamped, and hand-carved in faux finishes like flagstone, cobblestone, Ashlar slate, and Roman slate for the exquisite look of real stone. Real stone molds and hand-applied stain colors result in finishes that look natural and authentic.

Why do you need to resurface your driveway?

We've worked with clients who are resurfacing their driveways to get an updated look, but the most common reasons to resurface is because the existing concrete driveway is damaged. If your driveway has any of the following problems, we can repair it in a matter of days:

How thick should a concrete driveway be?

Because driveways need to bear a lot of weight, it’s important to get the thickness right. At a minimum, a concrete driveway needs to be at least 4 inches thick. According to the Concrete Network, making your driveway 5 inches thick will add to the cost, but it will also increase its load-bearing capacity by 50%.

Can you use a pressure washer on concrete?

We suggest using our product Sunspot to remove stubborn stains, but you can use other cleaners as long as they are non-abrasive and formulated for the surface. You can use a pressure washer if necessary.

Do you need to seal a concrete driveway?

Customers often ask us if a concrete driveway needs to be sealed, and our answer is always yes. A sealer will preserve the look of your driveway for longer. It also enhances its stain resistance and makes it easier to maintain. Resurfacing a concrete driveway is not easy. Our professional dealers can do it for you.

What is resurfacing concrete?

Resurfacing concrete is a great way to restore concrete with minor damage to the surface. Resurfacing also refreshes the look, through stamping, staining, or other decorative techniques. Here are a few concrete problems that can be fixed with resurfacing: Cracks that are small and don’t compromise the structural integrity of the concrete.

What is decorative concrete overlay?

Improving the look of your driveway is easy with decorative concrete resurfacing. A thin layer of cement based material, or overlay, is applied directly to the existing concrete. Overlays have a wide variety of decorative options, ranging from coloring, stamping, and texturing.

What are the problems with resurfacing?

Other problems that can’t be fixed with resurfacing: 1 Sinking, when severe, cannot be fixed with a resurfacing agent. More advanced techniques, such as slab-jacking or even complete removal for a new pour may be necessary. 2 Heaving is when the concrete is lifted by shifts in the ground beneath the surface, usually by freezing water in the soil below or tree roots.

Can you use stamping mats on stamped concrete?

Absolutely! With stampable overlays, which are typically applied at a thickness of up to 3/4 inch, you can use the same stamping mats and texturing skins used for traditional stamped concrete to produce patterns and textures that mimic stone, brick, slate, and other materials. Texturing skins produce a seamless texture with no grout lines while mats produce a deeper pattern with well-defined lines. You can also add color using the same dry-shake color hardeners and antiquing releases used for typical stamped concrete.

What is a micro topping?

Micro-toppings that provide a very thin, new layer for your concrete. Other options include epoxy and self-leveling products, but these are more common for indoor restoration work. To find out which option is best for your project, contact suppliers of exterior resurfacing products or concrete repair products.

How long does an overlay last?

When an overlay is applied properly and well-protected by a sealer or coating, it should last a lifetime, even under heavy foot or vehicle traffic. The key is to reapply the sealer if it begins to show some wear. Otherwise, wear patterns may begin to show, especially in colored surfaces.

Can you resurface a concrete patio?

Resurfacing Concrete Patios. Concrete patios with minor damage, but in otherwise good condition, can be transformed with resurfacing. Instead of starting over with a new patio, you can upgrade its appearance and strength with a cement-based overlay.

How long does it take for a paver to dry?

Holding the leaf blower 6 inches above the paver surface, blow any standing water off of the paver surface. IMPORTANT NOTE: Allow 24 hours to dry (up to 48 hours if temperature is below 65° F) before placing furniture or allowing foot traffic. Allow at least 30 days to cure before cleaning or sealing pavers.

What is the best sand for jointing?

The only materials needed are the jointing sand and water. The best jointing sand that you can use is professional grade Techniseal® HP NextGel™. I’ve been told by numerous contractors that it’s the easiest to use, compacts nicely, leaves the least amount of haze and provides the best long-term performance. Because it’s professional grade, it’s only available through specific dealers. Click here to find a dealer. Sakrete® PermaSand is a residential grade jointing sand that you can find at local big box hardware stores. It doesn’t have some of the high-performance benefits of NextGel, but will do the job nicely.

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Why Choose Concrete Over Asphalt

Steps For Pouring A Concrete Driveway

  • Step 1: Demo the driveway
    1. Before any major digging can happen, you have to call a utility locating service to ensure you don’t damage any electric, gas, or water lines. Mark has already done this, and we’re safe to move forward with the demo. 2. They use a jackhammer to break up the driveway, then switch to pics …
  • Step 2: Add mesh wire
    1. Mark explains that they will add mesh wire on top of the base before they pour the concrete. This mesh serves to reinforce the concrete. The wire should be elevated off the base so that the concrete gets under the wire mesh. 2. Mark and Britt work together to measure and lay the mes…
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Resources

  • To break up the old driveway, Mark used both a Brute Bosch jackhammer and a Hilti TE 1000jackhammer. To compact the base soil and gravel, Mark used a Wacker Neuson VP1340 Plate Compactor. All other tools used, including shovels, picks, trowels, and concrete smootherscan be found at local home centers.
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Materials

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