How to Resurface and Repair a Cracked and Pitted Driveway
- Power Wash. First, power wash the entire surface. ...
- Fill Cracks and Holes. Fill all cracks and large holes with concrete patch or the material you're using to resurface the driveway.
- Use Expansion Cracks as Guides. Protect the existing expansion cracks with weather stripping. ...
- Mix and Apply Resurfacer. ...
What are my options for repairing a concrete driveway?
- Many concrete crack fillers, sometimes called masonry crack fillers, are designed for cracks up to 1/4-inch wide. ...
- The use of a concrete backer rod is recommended for cracks wider than 1/4-inch, since these cracks are usually deep. ...
- Before you apply the new filler, break up any old concrete patch materials with a hammer or masonry chisel .
How to resurface pitted concrete?
- Keeping the water cold will slightly increase the working time for the resurfacer.
- If your mixture is too thick, add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water at a time to loosen it. ...
- This will cover 45 square feet (4.2 m 2) of concrete, so adjust the amounts as necessary for the area you intend to resurface.
Should I resurface, repair, or replace my concrete driveway?
When it comes to fixing a driveway, your two options are generally either resurfacing it or replacing it entirely. However, there is a third option: patching it with a little extra concrete where necessary. If there’s only one hole or a surface-level crack, patching the concrete could be your best bet.
How to resurface a concrete driveway?
What’s the process for resurfacing a concrete driveway?
- Preparation and cleaning of the concrete surface. This step is all about creating an even concrete surface. ...
- Applying the base coat. A thin base coat is applied over the concrete and screeded till it’s level.
- Applying the resurfacing compound. ...
- Sealing of the surface. ...
Can pitted concrete be resurfaced?
Once the surface begins to pit, filling the divots with concrete is usually a temporary fix that loosens over time. You can fill pits with a bonding concrete repair material, which is similar to caulk. Restoring the porch to a more original appearance requires dressing it with a special resurfacing concrete mixture.
How do you repair concrete pits?
4:165:52Concrete Floor Pitting Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll just use that margin trowel and just just start applying some of the mortar it doesn't needMoreSo we'll just use that margin trowel and just just start applying some of the mortar it doesn't need to be perfect at this point it really is about getting it to fill with the pitting.
Why is my concrete driveway pitting?
Too much water can wash away the soil supporting your concrete. Too little and it can cause the soil to shrink. And when water freezes and thaws over and over and over and over again, it can cause the surface of your concrete driveway to crack, pit, and crumble.
How do you fill a pit in a driveway?
0:271:19How To Fill Driveway Pot Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing your chisel to ensure new filler material stays in place. Next use your trowel to apply theMoreUsing your chisel to ensure new filler material stays in place. Next use your trowel to apply the filler into the pothole. If it's deeper than two inches work in increments of two-inch layers.
Can you epoxy over pitted concrete?
For larger areas of pitting and spalling, we recommend using a 100% epoxy concrete patch with a sand aggregate. The silica sand is mixed in with the epoxy to act as a filler.
How do you fix a badly pitted concrete garage floor?
Clean the slab and fill deep holes and cracksClean the slab and fill deep holes and cracks. Start with a clean floor. ... Remove the loose stuff. ... Concrete Floor Patch: Fill cracks, craters, divots and pits. ... Create a dam. ... Spread it smooth, then let it set.
Can a pitted driveway be fixed?
Over time, the driveway will deteriorate beyond just cracking and pitting, and need to be replaced entirely. Resurfacing the driveway now is the best plan of action. It's a job you can do yourself, and for a lot less than what a new driveway costs.
How do you fix a salt damaged concrete driveway?
3:5714:21How To Repair And Resurface Spalled, Salt Damaged ConcreteYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so what i'm using for the patch material is ardex cd the cd stands for concrete dressing.MoreAll right so what i'm using for the patch material is ardex cd the cd stands for concrete dressing. And this is the same stuff i'm going to use to resurface.
How does concrete get pitted?
During a pour, if too much accelerator is used, used so the concrete sets before bad weather comes, it can cause a pitting to occur. The accelerator will force water to dry faster inside the concrete, and this creates the dimpled, pitted surface in driveway.
Why is new concrete pitting?
Concrete pitting is caused by a problem with the concrete's structural integrity, but concrete flaking is caused by water exposure and the freeze-thaw effect. Water is an erosive element capable of displacing all kinds of particles, even the ones that make up concrete.
What do I need to repair a concrete walkway?
Things You'll Need. Epoxy. Concrete mix. Small trowel. Chisel. Wire brush. Stress, exposure to the elements and salt all wreak havoc on concrete over time. Concrete is not infallible, and pitting is one of the first visible symptoms that a walkway or driveway needs repair.
How do I fill a cement pit?
Prepare the pits to be filled. This includes cleaning out any debris, loose rocks and dust. Loose materials in the holes will make it harder for the new epoxies and concrete to adhere to the old cement. A wire brush works well to clean out the pits. Sweep up any remaining dust with a broom and spray down the area with a hose to flush out any remaining debris and allow the area to dry.
Can you fix pitted concrete?
Smooth it out best you can with a putty knife or margin trowel. Within 24 hours the repair will be hard enough to grind or sand flush. For larger areas of pitting and spalling, we recommend using a 100% epoxy concrete patch with a sand aggregate. Once cured, these repairs are actually stronger than the concrete.
How do I stop my driveway from pitting?
Clean with a pressure washer. Apply a concrete resurfacing compound, mixing small batches, so you won’t have to throw away any unused or dried-out concrete. Pour the mixture into the holes and level off using your trowel.
Can a concrete driveway be resurfaced?
RE-CAP ™ Concrete Resurfacer will renew your old, worn concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios at a fraction of the cost to tear out and replace old concrete slabs.
What does spalling concrete look like?
Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.
Why do new driveways crumble?
Why a Cracked Driveway Leads to Crumbling Concrete Over Time Too much water can wash away the soil supporting your concrete. Too little and it can cause the soil to shrink. And when water freezes and thaws over and over, it can cause the surface of your concrete driveway to crack, pit and crumble.
How long will concrete resurfacer last?
How long does it last? Thanks to its advanced bonding properties, concrete resurfacing can last for quite a while. A properly resurfaced floor can last from 8-15 years.
What is the best concrete resurfacer?
The best concrete resurfacing material is the Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer (No 1131). The QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer (No. 1131) is a special blend of Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers and other additives.
1. Assess the damage to the concrete surface
The first step is to determine the depth of damage. If it's less than ½ inch deep, you can use a concrete parge to fill in the pitted areas of the concrete floor.
2. Clean and remove any loose material from the pitted concrete garage floor
Ensure that the area is clean and free of any debris. Use a broom or floor squeegee. This will help prevent dirt from getting into your newly poured concrete mix when it gets wet.
5. Sealing the new concrete floor
Once it's completely dried (and cured), you can seal your new concrete floor.
Can you fix pitted concrete?
Smooth it out best you can with a putty knife or margin trowel. Within 24 hours the repair will be hard enough to grind or sand flush. For larger areas of pitting and spalling, we recommend using a 100% epoxy concrete patch with a sand aggregate. Once cured, these repairs are actually stronger than the concrete.
Can a concrete driveway be resurfaced?
RE-CAP ™ Concrete Resurfacer will renew your old, worn concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios at a fraction of the cost to tear out and replace old concrete slabs.
What does spalling concrete look like?
Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.
How long will concrete resurfacer last?
How long does it last? Thanks to its advanced bonding properties, concrete resurfacing can last for quite a while. A properly resurfaced floor can last from 8-15 years.
Should I pressure wash my driveway?
That is why most professionals agree that your driveway should be pressure washed at least once a year. This will keep the grime off the surface and you can keep washing it per your need and time over the year yourself, to keep it in the best shape.
Can you pour new concrete over old cracked concrete?
There are situations when pouring new concrete isn’t the most suitable option. For instance, surfaces with larger cracks, heaving or settling conditions, or where height cannot be raised, replacement is a better solution. However, in most cases, you can pour a new layer of concrete onto the existing one.
How do you bond new concrete to old concrete?
When using a liquid bonding agent, paint the bonder onto the existing concrete and allow it to dry until it is tacky. This usually takes only a few minutes. Then apply the repair material. Just as in the process described above, after the bonder has become tacky apply a scratch coat and then apply the repair material.
How long does it take to drive on a newly resurfaced driveway?
You should be able to drive on your newly resurfaced driveway in about 24 hours . Matt Smolsky has been writing for more than 25 years. He wrote news, sports and feature stories for the "Omaha World-Herald" and other publications and has continued on in direct marketing and general advertising.
What to use to clean oil stains on driveway?
You may need to use trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a stiff wire brush for stubborn oil stains. TSP can be purchased at home centers under a variety of brand names. Get all cracks as clear of debris as possible. Don't be too concerned if small pieces of the driveway come loose.
Can a cracked driveway be replaced?
Over time, the driveway will deteriorate beyond just cracking and pitting, and need to be replaced entirely.
What causes concrete to spalt?
Over the course of a winter, or over the course of years, as the internal pressure rises and falls, it stresses the surface layer of the concrete, which leads to spalling. The fix typically involves nothing more than applying ...
What is Rapid Set Newcrete?
Specially formulated to restore lackluster concrete, resurfacing products like Rapid Set NewCrete ( available from The Home Depot) make it quick and easy for homeowners to address spalling on their own, without having to hire a contractor. The resurfacing material simply spreads over the existing, spalled concrete surface to create a fresh, flawless finish.
Does Newcrete require primer?
NewCrete in particular stands out, because it simplifies and speeds up the process. For one thing, it rarely requires the use of primer.
Can you mist a driveway with resurfacer?
In especially dry, windy, or hot conditions, it may be necessary to mist the area while the resurfacer gains strength . But if you’ve chosen the right day for the project, you can apply resurfacer, drive off to do errands, and then return a little later and park your car on a pristine, perfectly smooth driveway.
Why is my concrete putting in my garage?
Occurs due to a wide variety of reasons; like natural aging, improper finishing techniques, inadequate mixing or bad use of an accelerator. Pitting can cover large areas on your garage floor.
How to smooth out a sand patch?
Smooth it out using a putty knife or a trowel. In 24 hours your repair should be hard enough for grinding or sand flushing. When it’s trowelled in, you can use a cement float to smoothen the mix, and feather it to the surface. There’s a cool industry trick to use Windex in spraying the float.
What is the best concrete resurfacer?
Best Concrete Resurfacer You Can Buy 1 Ideal for indoor/outdoor use to repair concrete cracks and holes in concrete 2 Two-part, industrial-strength epoxy permanently bonds concrete without shrinking or cracking 3 Fast curing product contains no unpleasant orders and allows concrete to be painted or coated in 8 hours 4 Creates an extremely hard surface that is stronger than concrete 5 Universal product works with any concrete coating
What causes concrete to crumble?
Water deposits on the garage floor and makes its way into the concrete’s capillaries. The water freezes and subsequently expands into its surroundings, causing the surface to weaken, separate, and finally crumble. Spalling.
What is concrete spalling?
Concrete Spalling. Makes the floor’s surface crumble completely, or separate in several thin layers. Occurs usually because of cold climates, which subjects the concrete to something called a freeze-thaw cycle. Is more localized than concrete pitting. For concrete spalling, the damage occurs on a microscopic level.
Can you use fox spalling on concrete?
It can be used on anything concrete, so you can make use of it for pool decks, sidewalks, or even your entire patio! The instructions say one coat is enough to fox your spalling, but we recommend two coats to give your weathered concrete a new look. Overall, hard as nails and sticks like glue.
Can you repair a pitted concrete garage floor?
It’s because the idea of repairing it on your own seems intimidating. The truth is, repairing your garage floor isn’t very difficult, and you only need some guidance ...
