- As always, cleaning the area is the first step in any concrete repair. Clean the area with soap and water. Leave the area a little damp.
- Create a concrete mold for the step by attaching two pieces of wood together in an L shape using wood screws.
- Create a mixture of quick-setting concrete and acrylic fortifier and stir it until it resembles a thick batter.
- Apply a bonding primer, then the first layer of concrete. Shape it to fit the wooden mold.
- Smooth it out so that the texture matches that of the other steps.
- Wait until the concrete has cured, then smooth out the final surface with a rub brick.
What are the steps to repaving a driveway?
- The best kind asphalt to use for a residential driveway is HL3.
- Order enough asphalt for 2.5 inches of thickness. ...
- Ensure you hire an experienced paver to apply the asphalt for this part (the asphalt must be applied when hot, you must pave it quickly!). ...
- Apply the asphalt in vertical paths, from the top-down.
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. ...
When to repair or replace your driveway?
Your concrete driveway may be damaged if:
- There are cracks, splits, or breaks
- Your driveway isn’t clearing water or draining properly
- The seal or finish is corroded or worn away
- The base/foundation is unstable
- It is “too old” or beyond its lifespan
Can you resurface an existing concrete driveway?
If sprucing up your concrete driveway is on your list of home improvement projects, consider resurfacing. Resurfacing is a great way to make your existing concrete surface look brand new. You can apply a coating directly to your concrete surface without having to rip anything out—saving time, hassle, and money.
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.
How do you repair a damaged concrete driveway?
How to Resurface a Concrete DrivewayRemove debris. If a crack is less than a quarter-inch, it's a prime candidate for simple resurfacing. ... Wash the driveway. Wet down the driveway with a pressure washer. ... Mix concrete and water. ... Fill the cracks. ... Let dry. ... Resurface. ... Prevent slips. ... Watch the video above to learn more!
How can I make my old concrete driveway look better?
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.
Can you pour a thin layer of concrete over existing concrete?
Yes, you can put new concrete over old concrete providing there are no issues such as significant cracks of frost heaves with your existing concrete. A new layer of concrete should be about two inches to ensure an even, strong coverage.
Is concrete resurfacing a good idea?
But when the problem is just superficial cracking, discoloring, or minor chipping or spalling, resurfacing is a very good option. It's a project that just about anyone can tackle, and it's a lot more affordable than replacing the concrete slab.
How do you repair a damaged concrete surface?
2:364:13How to Make Thin Repairs to Damaged Concrete with QUIKRETEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEnough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although any standing water should be removedMoreEnough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although any standing water should be removed vinyl concrete patcher should be built up in layers using a margin trowel.
What is best to patch concrete?
The patches leave no trace: DIYers can tool them to blend in with the rest of the surface.BEST OVERALL: Red Devil 0644 Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch.RUNNER-UP: Damtite 04072 Concrete Super Patch Repair.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Quikrete #862013 5.5 Oz Concrete Repair.BEST FOR FLOORS: Henry, W.W. Co.More items...•
How do you fix badly finished concrete?
1:029:23Fix Your Ugly Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProduct is simply cut with a two to one ratio of water to material sprayed on the surface scrubbed.MoreProduct is simply cut with a two to one ratio of water to material sprayed on the surface scrubbed.
What can I cover my concrete driveway with?
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.
What is the best concrete overlay?
Although the overlay that you choose is certainly important, it is even more important that the appropriate product is used. Something like SunStone, Classic Texture, or Tuscan are all excellent products for concrete overlays.
How long does quikrete resurfacer last?
This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for. So yes it can last. Concrete resurfacing provides a like new finish at an affordable price.
How long does concrete overlay last?
A concrete overlay takes time to apply and can be expensive, so it is vital to know a typical concrete overlay lifespan and the factors that impact how long it lasts. Concrete overlays typically last 10-15 years but can last up to 25+ years if well-applied and maintained.
What product is used to create a smooth surface over existing concrete?
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 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 new driveway to be ready?
Most of the time, however, you can expect the new surface to be ready for foot traffic in about six hours.
How to make a resurfacer with a paddle?
First, add three and a half quarts of water to a five-gallon bucket. Next, while you operate the mixing paddle within the bucket, ask your helper to slowly pour in the resurfacer. After it’s all been added, continue mixing for at least five minutes. Stop only once the mix has reached a lump-free, syrup-like consistency.
Why does my driveway crack?
There are many reasons why your driveway may develop cracks. Improper subgrade prep, poor concrete mix, or shrinkage when curing are all factors that can cause cracks and stem from incorrect initial installation of a driveway.
How to disguise cracks in concrete?
For concrete with minor cracking or discoloration, you can completely disguise the flaws by engraving a pattern in the surface. With engraving, the concrete is stained first and then a special routing machine is used to cut the pattern into the surface, creating faux grout lines.
What is concrete resurfacing?
Concrete resurfacing to cover larger cracks or surface problems. Large cracks or holes greater than ¼”, spalling (horizontal peeling or chipping of the surface), and discoloration can be covered with resurfacing or a concrete overlay (a thin layer of cement-based material applied directly over the existing concrete).
How to revive concrete color?
In most cases, the concrete color can be revived by applying a new coat of acid or water-based stain (see Changing the Color of Integrally Colored Concrete ). Use a UV-resistant staining product and protect the concrete with a good sealer and your newly colored driveway should maintain its beauty for many years.
Why is my driveway sinking?
If your driveway slab is sinking in spots, the problem is most likely due to a poorly compacted subgrade or soil erosion. Slabs can be raised back to their original position by pumping a mixture of sand, cement, fly ash, and other additives beneath the slab—a process called slabjacking.
Why is my driveway discolored?
Discoloration of concrete driveways can be due to a number of causes including weathering, sun exposure, improper color application, and absorption of stubborn grease and oil stains.
How to get an idea of what your repairs will cost?
The best way to get an idea of what your repairs will cost is to get an estimate from a contractor near you. They can assess the extent of the damage and can recommend the appropriate solution.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
