- Resurfacing the Top. One solution to the problem of covering a cracked, uneven concrete patio is resurfacing the top of your concrete patio.
- Slab Jacking. Slab jacking, also called slap lifting or mud jacking is another standard solution that you can employ regardless of whether particular portions of the entire slab section ...
- Polymer Slab Lifting. Polymer slab lifting is among the newest advancement as far as concrete patio repair is concerned. ...
- Patching. Patching is the perfect solution, especially if you’re seeking to cover small cracked concrete portions of the patio.
- Veneering. Veneering is also among the best approaches you can employ to repair cracked, uneven concrete patio.
- Extensive Veneering. If your entire surface is cracked, it would be an excellent idea to veneer the whole surface. ...
- Fill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product. ...
- Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound. ...
- Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers.
How do I resurface my concrete patio?
WHAT IS THE BEST CONCRETE PATIO COATING?
- Patio paint is the least expensive option for bringing color to your patio. ...
- Epoxy coatings protect your surface from water and can handle some wear and tear. ...
- Stamped concrete overlays add color, pattern and texture to your patio, while also enhancing the durability and strength of the surface.
How can I spruce up a concrete patio?
Tips to Refresh Your Concrete Patio
- Hose down nearby plants and cover them and walls and doors with plastic sheeting.
- Use combination clear/etcher to prepare surface for new coating.
- Apply translucent concrete stain.
- Roll edges in random directions to prevent marks.
- Use garden sprayer to coat interior.
- Apply high-gloss sealer for shiny, wet look.
How to revamp the concrete on a patio?
The are the steps required in the resurfacing process:
- Repair - fix cracks in concrete patio with sealer or filler
- Clean – power wash and sweep away debris
- Prep – grind your surface for the overlay to bond better
- Mix – combine overlay components and add grit additive or coloring agents
- Apply – spread overlay onto area to be refinished
How to properly stain a concrete patio?
- Test a small section and allow to completely dry before staining the entire area. ...
- Use painter’s tape along the bottom of each bordering wall to avoid stain splatters in unwanted areas.
- Allow new concrete to cure for at least a month before applying stain.
- Use a plastic airless sprayer for acid staining. ...
Can you resurface crumbling concrete?
You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies. These products do work, but pay close attention to their limitations.
How do you repair and resurface a concrete patio?
0:394:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concreteMoreBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concrete resurfacer that has been mixed to a triable consistency.
Can a cracked concrete patio be repaired?
If your driveway, patio or other concrete surface has cracks, they can often be repaired. In some cases concrete crack repair can be a simple DIY project, in others it may require a professional concrete contractor to correct the damage and in the most extreme cases your concrete may need to be removed and replaced.
How do you make an old concrete patio look new?
0:352:53Make Old Concrete Look New - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut on a large area use a soft bristle brush. And just continue to brush that on until you get aMoreBut on a large area use a soft bristle brush. And just continue to brush that on until you get a desired color and effect that you like and as it dries through the magic of TV you.
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 you pour concrete over concrete?
You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.
How do you fill large cracks in concrete patio?
0:382:01Repairing Large Cracks In Cement With Fast Setting Cement PatcherYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn thin sections of the crack it may be necessary to turn the trowel sideways to ensure the void isMoreOn thin sections of the crack it may be necessary to turn the trowel sideways to ensure the void is filled. Using the trial continue to fill the cracks applying pressure to completely fill the void.
How do you cover unsightly concrete?
Tiles made of natural materials, such as slate, sandstone or travertine, as well as ceramic tiles, can be used to resurface an ugly cement patio. Select a type of tile that suits your taste. Apply tile adhesive to the surface. Set the tiles into the adhesive and once dry, apply grout between the tiles.
Can you tile over cracked concrete patio?
A tile floor is only as strong and as stable as the subfloor on which it is installed. Cracks in concrete are a sign of a structural problem. Cracks mean movement, and a tile floor isn't meant to move. If you install tile over the crack, then most likely, the crack will eventually appear in the tile.
How do you rejuvenate an old patio?
2:4812:38RESTORING AN OLD PATIO - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean you can use a soapy water or a bleach or something like that being alkaline that's probablyMoreClean you can use a soapy water or a bleach or something like that being alkaline that's probably better. And we're just going to try and give it a bit of a clean system nice colors in these stones.
How do you bring concrete back to life?
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 can I do to make my concrete look better?
Plan a fun summer!Lay Decking Flooring. Did you know you can lay decking over a concrete slab? ... Add Curves With Pavers. ... Lay Slate Tiles. ... Stain the Concrete to Look Like Tile. ... Add a Beautiful Outdoor Rug. ... Paint Concrete. ... Dress it Up. ... Add a Retaining Wall.
Can a concrete porch be resurfaced?
0:384:46Learn how to Resurface concrete porch in 5min in 4k vid - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most important step to resurfacing concrete is prepping the job my goal is to make this pushMoreThe most important step to resurfacing concrete is prepping the job my goal is to make this push look like new and to extend the life of this resurfacing job removing all loose material is critical
How do you restore an old patio?
2:4812:38RESTORING AN OLD PATIO - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean you can use a soapy water or a bleach or something like that being alkaline that's probablyMoreClean you can use a soapy water or a bleach or something like that being alkaline that's probably better. And we're just going to try and give it a bit of a clean system nice colors in these stones.
How do you repair a crumbling concrete porch?
How to Fix a Crumbling Concrete Porch (and Tips for Preventing It From Happening Again)Solve Your Drainage Issues (Quickly) ... Consider If It's Just General Wear and Tear. ... Power Wash Your Porch (Then Keep Doing It Regularly) ... Seal Any Holes, Then Add A Layer of Concrete Paint. ... Reinforce Your Concrete Porch With A Steel Dowel.More items...•
How hot should concrete be for a patio?
For most patch materials, both the air and the concrete must be between 50 F and 90 F.
What is spalling concrete?
Much like peeling paint, spalling concrete tends to introduce moisture and lead to more spalling. A concrete resurfacer that pours on and spreads out with a squeegee, trowel, or broom is the best way to repair these large, shallow areas. Consider covering your patio. Solid roofing or canopies that prevent moisture from gathering on ...
How to make a V shape with a chisel?
By keeping the chisel at a 45-degree angle, the chisel will help you form a V-shape. Tap the back of the chisel lightly with the hammer to force it about 1/4-inch into the crack. Continue to follow the crack as you tap, being careful not to chip out large sections of concrete.
What tool do you use to press a backer rod?
If you reach sections where it is difficult to press the rod with your fingers, use a blunt tool such as a paint stirring stick, since sharper tools like screwdrivers may pierce the rod. Make sure that the backer rod is firmly in place before proceeding to the next step.
Can you patch cracks in concrete?
Instead, for cracks up to 1/2-inch wide and 1/4-inch deep, you should use a polymer-based (sanded acrylic-latex) filler that you inject into the crack with a caulking gun and smooth over with a putty knife. Such elastomeric fillers have the benefit of allowing the concrete to slightly shift over time while maintaining structural stability.
Can you repair a crack in a concrete patio?
In some cases, one side of the crack rises higher than the other side—a condition called lippage that can lead to trips and falls. When cracks get out of control, the only recourse is to demolish and rebuild your patio. Cracks in a concrete patio can be repaired quickly with simple methods and inexpensive materials.
Can elastomeric filler be used on concrete?
Such elastomeric fillers have the benefit of allowing the concrete to slightly shift over time while maintaining structural stability. While the patch will always be noticeable to some degree, you can minimize its visual impact by choosing a filler that closely matches the color of your patio.
Why are deck tiles so useful?
These decking tiles can be very useful because they are relatively tolerant of small cracking providing there is no significant mismatch in height on either side of a crack, as they rely of sitting on a flat surface to avoid the tiles rocking and potentially creating a tripping hazard.
How long have ceramic tile tiles been on the market?
Although these tiles have been on the market for almost 20 years, they are still not particularly well known because they are generally only sold online and not so much through brick and mortar retailers and almost never sold through traditional tile retailers.
How thick are rubber pads for patio?
For most patio installations over existing concrete, you just use rubber pads under the corners. These pads, typically 3/8” or ½” thick , have inbuilt spacer tabs so you don’t need to worry about alignment or spacing as this is taken care of automatically.
What to cover concrete with?
Another alternative is to cover the area with interlocking deck tiles.
Do interlocking tiles need water?
There tiles use thicker wood than interlocking tiles as they are designed for high traffic commercial use. You must however ensure that these tiles are not laid directly on the concrete. They need good air circulation under the tiles and should not remain in contact with water for extended periods.
Can patching compound match concrete?
Firstly, the patch ing compound will probably not precisely match the color of the concrete nor will it match the texture of the existing concrete, so it’s almost impossible to make a repair job that is invisible. Ideally therefore, you want to find some method which can hide the cracking altogether. One solution might be to cover the concrete ...
Do cracks open after you finish a repair?
The reason being that although your repair job might look great immediately after you have finished it, over time the cracks may continue to open further and before very long, you’ll find that once again you need to make some repairs.
1. Fill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product
More than likely, your concrete patio has a few cracks in its surface. This happens for many reasons, including ground shifting, improper pouring conditions, and just the nature of concrete. But that does not mean you have to live with them just because these cracks are typical.
2. Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound
One of the most common patio issues facing homeowners is a chipped or crumbling corner. These corners deteriorate from age, water, and typical foot traffic. They start life as a sharp, attractive angle and wind up rounded over and crumbly. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to fix this on your own.
3. Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers
Like anything else, patios become worn and dated. You can upgrade the look all together by covering your patio with pavers. While you might assume this is a pricey project that requires professionals, you can actually do this on your own!
4. Create a smooth, fresh surface atop your patio by resurfacing the slab
While they don’t rot, horizontal concrete surfaces are prone to pitting, spalling, and cracking. While covering the surface with pavers is always an option, a less expensive and easier route is to resurface the slab.
5. Repair and seal expansion joints to keep them working as designed
Not all cracks and gaps in concrete surfaces are bad. Expansion joints—the gaps created during installation between two concrete surfaces—are designed to allow the slabs to move, or give them somewhere to crack other than the field of the patio.
If you're trying to refresh a tired old patio, choosing between these two new looks may be harder than the project itself, which is easy enough for dedicated DIYers of all skill levels!
As the weather warms up, patios take center stage for entertaining. But alfresco meals with friends and family lose a little of their luster when your patio is showing its age with cracks, spalling, or discoloration. You can certainly tear out and replace a damaged patio, but it’s a time-consuming and costly project.
Pitting and Spalling Concrete? Resurface for a Brand-New Look
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.
Looking for a Design Upgrade? Overlay with Pavers
Maybe you’re ready for a change from your brushed concrete patio. If you’d like a different look, consider laying a set of pavers over the old patio. Pavestone, a Quikrete company, manufactures more than a dozen styles of thin textured pavers—including flagstone-inspired Milano Pavers —designed to go directly on top.
What is a resurfacer used for?
They're mostly used to resurface concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches, and pool decks. If you're choosing, I'd go with what's most local to you. They all have a quick turnaround time.
How do I clean a concrete slab?
STEP 1. Remove all the loose, crumbling, cracked, and broken pieces of concrete first. You can do this by lightly grinding like we do or by using a good pressure washer, 3500 psi or more. If you grind like we do, lightly pressure wash the concrete afterwards to remove all the dust & debris leftover by grinding. STEP 2.
Can you broom a concrete driveway?
For larger areas, you'll have to do it in sections so you can broom each section as you're resurf acing it. Most concrete driveways have sawed or hand tooled joints. Use these as your "sections" and do one at a time.
Is Portland cement the same as sand?
Well, they're all made basically the same. They all have a special blend of Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers and other additives that are designed to be very flowable, shrinkage compensating, high bonding strength, and go down very thin.
