How to repair a concrete driveway
- Prep Work. Step 1: Clean the concrete. ...
- Driveway Repair. After prep work is completed, your concrete driveway is ready for the second part of concrete driveway repair.
- Concrete Driveway Sealer. A concrete driveway sealer protects your concrete driveway and keeps it looking good. ...
How do you fix cracks in a concrete driveway?
Or, you can simply mix concrete and apply it with a trowel. To fix large holes and deep cracks, fill them with gravel to within 4 in. of the surface, pour in concrete, tamp with a magnesium float and finish with a flat trowel or broom to match the existing finish.
Why choose decorative concrete driveway repair?
Whether it’s cracked, chipped, worn down to the aggregate, or stained from years of vehicles and harsh weather, we have decorative concrete options to repair and restore your concrete driveway that will spare you and your wallet the pain and inconvenience of demolition and replacement.
How do I prepare my driveway for Quikrete® concrete resurfacer?
STEP 1: Clean your concrete driveway and patch as needed. Before applying QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer, prepare the old concrete surface so that the renewing layer can properly adhere to it.
How long after resurfacing a concrete driveway can you drive on it?
STEP 4: Wait six hours after you’ve resurfaced a concrete driveway before walking on it and 24 hours before driving over it. Believe it or not, that’s all it takes to renew the look of your driveway for the life of the concrete slab. In mild weather, the resurfacer cures on its own, requiring no extra steps.
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 do you fix a messed up concrete driveway?
2:215:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all ofMoreApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all of the crevices mix. Up your concrete patch with water and add some of the bonding product to the mix.
Is it worth it to resurface concrete driveway?
Enhances your driveway's appearance: one of the best values of concrete driveway resurfacing is it improves your driveway's appearance. The new layer gives your driveway a fresh look after years of fading and cracking. Extends its lifespan: if you care for your driveway correctly, it should last for up to thirty years.
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.
What is the cheapest way to resurface a drive?
Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.
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.
Can you put a thin layer of concrete over concrete?
Is it okay to pour 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 it better to resurface or replace concrete?
Again, if the answer is yes, replacement is the best option. If it's merely a worn or chipped surface, commonly referred to as delamination, then repair is a viable option.” Concrete will eventually wear out, adds Layne. “Over time, the elements will cause the concrete to break down.
How long does quikrete concrete 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 do you make an old concrete driveway look new?
0:124:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuick read concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concreteMoreQuick read concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concrete driveways sidewalks. And patios that will last the life of your concrete.
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 make old concrete look good?
0:252:53Make 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 you resurface uneven concrete?
Level your concrete patio using slab jacking or polymer slab lifting techniques. Once everything is level, you can resurface or veneer the concrete to cover up any remaining cracks. Generally, fixing uneven, cracked concrete is pretty straightforward and does not require replacing the entire patio.
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.
Can you pave over concrete driveway?
It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. In fact, many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year.
How do you lift and level a concrete slab?
1:343:27Lift and Level a Concrete Sidewalk...Yourself! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't want to go sticking your hands or arms underneath the slab to backfill at any time justMoreYou don't want to go sticking your hands or arms underneath the slab to backfill at any time just use the shovel or other tools in the event that the chains.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
Tips for Concrete Driveway Repair
Even if your driveway is an expanse of puddles and potholes, it pays to explore repairing it first, DIY. It's a simple matter of dollars. For example, an asphalt topcoat costs about $2 per square foot - roughly a third of the tab for a complete driveway redo that includes soil prep, gravel, and two coats of asphalt.
Tips for Asphalt Driveway Repair
As with concrete, clean cracks of plants and debris, hose them clean and spray them with weed killer. Then do your patching when temperatures are at least 60°F so the repair material will cure. Fill 1/2-in. cracks with sand to within 1/4 in.
What to Know About Replacing a Driveway
Large areas of concrete can't be resurfaced reliably, so your contractor will have to break up the old slab and pour a new one.
Driveway Surface Options
What's out there: Choices include plain concrete; concrete colored with pigments or acid-staining; colored and stamped concrete that mimics stone; and exposed aggregate that allows the top layer of textured gravel to show through.
