Concrete can deteriorate over time, but it doesn't have to stay that way. Contractors can bring it back to life by resurfacing with concrete coating products available at any home improvement center or hardware store. This is a relatively easy task that can be done when the surface of a concrete slab or structure is aesthetically damaged, but otherwise in good shape. Resurfacing won't correct deep cracking or shedding, but it can cover routine flaking of a concrete surface or small pits due to chipping. Concrete coating products typically consist of a mixture of Portland cement, fine sands, polymer-modifying compounds and other additives that make the coating easy to apply and spread over existing concrete surfaces.
If desired, concrete coloring agents can be added to the mixture at this point, just prior to application. This is all it takes to renew the look of your driveway for the life of the concrete slab. Major manufacturers of concrete products, including Quickrete and Sakrete, sell concrete coating products. With a long-handled squeegee, spread the material back and forth along the inlet, effectively rubbing the grinder into the concrete. The polymer primer layer and the base coat of the coating material may cover small plastic shrinkage cracks or cracking cracks.
It's important to apply the repaver to a damp surface so that the concrete does not draw moisture from the grinder as it cures. If you want to restore your exterior concrete or breathe new life into your home interior with a decorative floor covering, there are many types of concrete repavers designed for use only on concrete substrates, while others can be used both in concrete and as a leveling compound when preparing plywood subfloors for flooring materials. After removing the tiles and preparing the underlying concrete, a 1 ½ inch layer of unbonded reinforced concrete can be applied. When choosing between different concrete mix products on the market including mortars, repair patches, quick-setting concrete mixes, it's important to cool the slab and prevent mixing water from being drawn out of the wet concrete grinder you are going to place. For larger repairs such as wide cracks or those that have slight vertical changes, you will first need to repair the areas with a product specifically designed for applying patches such as Sakrete's Top 'n Bond and then follow up with a full rejuvenation treatment.
