Repairing Guides

how to repair old concrete patio

by Dr. Otha Schuppe Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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
  • Seal – add a protective coating that will keep your new patio looking great

Pitiful Patio? 5 Ways to Rescue a Deteriorating Concrete Patio
  1. Fill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product. ...
  2. Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound. ...
  3. Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers.
Jul 9, 2021

Full Answer

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.

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How can I spruce up a concrete patio?

Tips to Refresh Your Concrete Patio

  1. Hose down nearby plants and cover them and walls and doors with plastic sheeting.
  2. Use combination clear/etcher to prepare surface for new coating.
  3. Apply translucent concrete stain.
  4. Roll edges in random directions to prevent marks.
  5. Use garden sprayer to coat interior.
  6. Apply high-gloss sealer for shiny, wet look.

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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

More items...

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. ...

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How to clean a patio with TSP?

How long does it take for a concrete floor to dry?

How long does it take for a second coat of a sandpaper to dry?

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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 repair a crumbling concrete porch?

The Cure for Crumbling Concrete Steps As long as the steps are structurally sound—meaning, they're not spalling, flaking, or broken all the way through—you can repair most surface issues.

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.

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 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.

What to do with crumbling concrete patio?

Pitiful Patio? 5 Ways to Rescue a Deteriorating Concrete PatioFill 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.More items...•

How do you resurface concrete crumbling?

Deeply spalled concrete can be repaired with a concrete overlay. Think of this as just applying stucco to the concrete. You just mix up some sand, a little hydrated lime and Portland cement and trowel this onto the concrete.

Why is my concrete patio crumbling?

“Concrete is like a rigid sponge,” Owens said, with “billions of bubbles” of air embedded in its structure. When water fills those voids and then freezes and thaws repeatedly, the expansion and thawing of ice makes concrete crumble. It also pushes paint off the surface.

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.

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.

Can you make old concrete look new?

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. We start by deep cleaning your concrete. Then we make minor repairs, filling cracks and fixing crumbling edges.

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.

Does concrete overlay last?

Another factor is the preparation before applying the overlay. Common mistakes are failing to clean the concrete properly or to profile it adequately. With proper installation and maintenance, overlays are extremely durable and can last for decades, even in harsh climates.

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.

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.

How Do You Cover a Cracked Uneven Concrete Patio?

Fixing a cracked, uneven concrete patio is a straightforward process. However, the replacement process may call for evaluating and assessing the situation and concrete repair solutions available at your disposal.

How Can I Make My Cracked Concrete Patio Look Better?

Even though concrete patios are highly durable, they aren’t inspiring. If you have concrete in your backyard and want to make it look better, below are ways to makeover a concrete patio:

How Do You Keep Concrete From Cracking?

If you have just poured new concrete, follow the tips below to prevent it from cracking:

Types of Concrete Cracks

There are at least five types of concrete cracks. Let’s go through them below:

Can You Pour New Concrete Over Old Cracked Concrete?

You can always pour new concrete over your old cracked concrete. However, the frost heaves and cracks on your old concrete can move to your new concrete. Additionally, it would help to pour at least 2-inch thick of the new concrete for effective results.

Conclusion

A cracked and uneven concrete patio results from various causes. However, you should evaluate and assess the situation to determine the best approach to use when you notice the problem.

How to clean a patio with TSP?

Add half a cup of TSP (tri-sodium phosphate, a heavy-duty cleaning agent you can find at hardware stores) to one gallon of hot water. Mix well to dissolve the TSP powder, then pour it onto the patio. After 20 minutes or so, scrub the surface clean, then rinse with a garden hose.

How long does it take for a concrete floor to dry?

(Wearing cushioned kneepads makes the task much more comfortable.) Allow the first coat to dry for four full hours, though it may take longer if it’s a very humid day.

How long does it take for a second coat of a sandpaper to dry?

And you can forego the brush and apply the second coat using a 1/4-inch nap roller screwed onto an extension handle. Wait four hours or longer, if necessary, for the second coat to dry before walking on the patio.

What to use to make a patio?

Colors – bring a realistic look to your patio with popular earth tones. Patterns – stamp your patio to resemble natural materials like wood or stone. Stencils – use stencils to create logos and graphics on your patio.

What is the best concrete for a patio?

WHAT IS THE BEST CONCRETE PATIO COATING? 1 Patio paint is the least expensive option for bringing color to your patio. It does not handle wear and tear as well as other options and will need to be replaced more often. 2 Epoxy coatings protect your surface from water and can handle some wear and tear. This coating can also bring a bold color palette to your surface. 3 Stamped concrete overlays add color, pattern and texture to your patio, while also enhancing the durability and strength of the surface. 4 Microtoppings are a thin layer of cement that gives your concrete a new canvas for decorative ideas. Some even come pre-tinted for an easy change in color.

How much does it cost to pour a patio?

A new pour patio can cost anywhere from $3 - $15, or more, per sq. ft. depending on the size and detail of the design that is being installed. Resurfacing costs between $3 and $10 per sq. ft., making it a budget friendly way to get the look and feel of a new patio.

How to clean a patio with TSP?

Add half a cup of TSP (tri-sodium phosphate, a heavy-duty cleaning agent you can find at hardware stores) to one gallon of hot water. Mix well to dissolve the TSP powder, then pour it onto the patio. After 20 minutes or so, scrub the surface clean, then rinse with a garden hose.

How long does it take for a concrete floor to dry?

(Wearing cushioned kneepads makes the task much more comfortable.) Allow the first coat to dry for four full hours, though it may take longer if it’s a very humid day.

How long does it take for a second coat of a sandpaper to dry?

And you can forego the brush and apply the second coat using a 1/4-inch nap roller screwed onto an extension handle. Wait four hours or longer, if necessary, for the second coat to dry before walking on the patio.

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