QA

Question: How To Do Concrete Overlay

How do you overlay concrete on concrete?

Dampen the concrete and squeegee on the first layer of concrete overlay to prime the surface. After that was dry, slightly dampen again and squeegee on another thin layer, then immediately drag a broom across the “wet” overlay to texture it with a broom finish. Let the entire surface completely dry overnight.

Can you do concrete overlay over old concrete?

CAN YOU DO STAMPED CONCRETE OVER OLD CONCRETE? Stamped concrete overlays can be used on new or existing concrete and on interior or exterior surfaces. They can even be applied to walls and other vertical surfaces.

Does concrete overlay last?

A concrete overlay can last as long as 20 years with the correct maintenance. In addition to overall care, one should properly seal the overlay. If the slab is cracked or severely damaged, the concrete overlay used to resurface the slab will also begin to crack with time.

Is concrete overlay expensive?

Concrete Overlay Cost for Floors, Patios & More. A basic floor overlay runs from $3 to $7 per square foot, which is comparable to high-end carpet or tile. The price can increase to $20 or more per square foot depending on textures, embeds, saw cuts, or other design elements that are added to the design.

Will concrete overlay crack?

But even if you do everything right in preparing the slab before you apply the overlay, you may still get cracks. You may experience shrinkage cracks, often the result of applying the overlay topping incorrectly or too thick.

How long does concrete overlay last?

Concrete overlays typically last 10-15 years but can last up to 25+ years if well-applied and maintained. The overlay material quality, the amount of prep work done to the concrete, and the amount of regular maintenance can impact the lifespan of a concrete overlay.

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.

How hard is it to stamp concrete?

Stamping. The most unforgiving part is the actual stamping itself. A good stamped concrete job looks good, while a fair-to-poor stamp job looks horrible. Dealing with poor placement or poor finishing is one thing, but if the imprinting process isn’t done properly, it’s extremely difficult and expensive to repair.

Can you put a pavers patio over concrete?

With proper installation, concrete pavers can be installed over existing poured concrete slabs if they’re in relatively good condition. This is known as an overlay, and it can be a great, affordable option for many homeowners.

Can concrete overlay be repaired?

Can a stamped concrete overlay around a pool deck be repaired? Once stamped concrete overlays begin chipping and peeling, there is no fix or patching product that can make spot repairs that match the surface color of the overlay. Concrete overlays are not repairable to any long-lasting effect.

How strong is concrete overlay?

Concrete resurfacer is a very strong product, rated for compressive strength of about 4,500 psi. 2 This is actually stronger than the slab itself, so properly applied, resurfacing layers can be very durable.

Can concrete overlay be removed?

Once you have a place started where the overlay is broken through, continue to remove the concrete overlay. This is easily done by prying up the concrete from underneath and breaking it into smaller pieces. Use a flat scraper with a long handle to drive under the overlay and lift up.

How do I cover an old concrete patio?

You can’t turn back time on spalling or cracks, but you can cover them up with the right concrete repair products. For example, a layer of Quikrete’s Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer will give your patio a smooth and wear-resistant finish with the look of freshly poured concrete, but with a shorter working and wait time.

What does a concrete resurfacer do?

General Information. QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer is a special blend of Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers and other additives designed to provide a shrinkage compensated repair material for making thin repairs to sound concrete which is in need of surface renewal.

How much does it cost to resurface concrete?

Nationally, the average cost for concrete resurfacing is $3 to $10 per square foot, depending on the condition of the original concrete and local labor costs. For smaller projects, some contractors charge a flat fee of at least $500 to $1,000. The new concrete must also be sealed, which costs $20 to $80 per gallon.

Can concrete be skim coated?

Skim coating concrete gives it a new finish about 1/4-inch thick. Unlike other types of decorative refinishing options, like stamping concrete or exposing decorative aggregate, skim coating is within the capability of beginner and experienced do-it-yourselfers alike.

How thin can a concrete overlay be?

Cement or concrete overlay thicknesses can range from 1/4 inch thick up to a full 2 inches or more.

How long does Graniflex last?

Graniflex’s rubber membrane technology penetrates concrete pores up to a half inch – this allows the coating become waterproof and NOT let air or water pass. Due to this technology, we can apply a polyaspartic sealer that will last for 8-10+ years.

Can you pour a new slab over an old slab?

Yes, you may pour a concrete pad overlay over an existing slab. You need to consider the added height and weight of the overlay on the existing structure. Overlays may include polymers, portland cement concrete, or epoxies. You should improve the drainage of the slab by having a good slope on the overlay.