Calgary Concrete Pros
Concrete Overlay and Repair Calgary
Concrete is a highly preferable paving and flooring material in Calgary. It's durable, affordable, and highly versatile. But what do you do when signs of wear and tear start to show up? What can be done to update its appearance? With only repairs and updates needed, removing and replacing the existing slab would be crazy. Adding tile, stone, carpets, or other materials would be time-consuming and expensive. Property owners would be glad to know that there is a suitable outdoor and interior flooring option. Concrete Overlay or concrete resurfacing is a type of repair that gives existing concrete slabs the opportunity to look and work better than it ever did. There are overlays and coatings that can be stamped, sprayed, and customized. This method of restoring concrete can only be done on slabs that have minimal damage. If the damage is deep and extensive, replacing the slab and installing a new concrete would be a more appropriate solution.
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What Is a Concrete Overlay/Concrete Resurfacing?
A concrete overlay is a thin layer of cement applied on top of your existing concrete. It is often used to repair a floor but can also be added for decorative purposes. An overlay is also referred to as self-leveling cement. This can be applied to different surfaces.
To ensure the longevity of your concrete overlay, it’s important to prepare the surface and repair cracks. Otherwise, you won’t be able to expect it to last long at all.
Common areas where concrete overlays are used are:
- Interior floors
- Patios
- Driveways
- Pool decks
- Garage floor
For the most part, a concrete overlay will look much like a smooth, grayish-white surface. But the great thing about concrete is that it is a highly versatility paving material. It can be polished,
stained, colored,
stamped, decorated, molded, shaped, dyed, and much more. These paving options can give standard gray concrete a decorative appearance, and even mimic higher end materials like brick, tile, cobblestone, and marble. This makes it an extremely cost-effective alternative to these materials and more. Concrete is also easier to clean and care for, making it less labor-intensive for the property owner.
Why Use Concrete Overlay?
Concrete overlays offer cost-effective, versatile, short- and long-term solutions for the full range of concrete, asphalt, and composite pavement needs. In addition, concrete overlays contribute to more sustainable construction practices by preserving pavement service for several decades beyond its original design life. Residential and
commercial concrete
can last a long time with good care. Plus, with proper installation and the use of
concrete sealers,
concrete overlays
can withstand the elements and natural wear and tear for several years. They can also be polished to a smooth, even finish. This adds more protection, especially on high-traffic pavements. Concrete polishing is a great option for surfaces that are blemished, discolored, or stained.
A
concrete overlay can be applied to any existing concrete surface that is in sound condition. A few cracks here and there are not usually an issue, but if the foundation is heaving, crumbled, or full of crevices, it is not a good candidate. We are a licensed and insured Calgary concrete contractor and can provide an assessment to determine if your property is a good candidate for a concrete overlay. Everything from commercial parking lots and sidewalks to athletic courts, pool decks, paved trails, and more can be overlain with a freshly-paved layer of concrete. Overlays are also a great option for stained or discolored surfaces.
Types of Concrete Overlays
Concrete overlays come in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Understanding these types will help ensure the right choice for any given project. Let’s delve into some of the most common types of overlays used in the decorative concrete industry.
Micro-Toppings
Micro-toppings are also known as a thin concrete coating. They are ultra-thin layers of polymer-modified concrete. They’re typically used to repair small imperfections on a concrete surface. Micro-toppings can be applied smoothly or textured for added aesthetic appeal. They’re especially useful when the goal is to restore a surface without adding significant weight or thickness.
Stampable Overlays
Ideal for exterior applications, stampable overlays add a decorative touch to any concrete surface. They’re a popular choice for simulating the look of natural stone, brick, wood, or cobblestone. We can use them to create stunning effects on driveways, patios, and walkways. They’re thicker than micro-toppings, providing more depth and texture.
Self-Leveling Overlays
When a flat, smooth surface is the aim, self-leveling overlays are a go-to option. As the name suggests, these overlays level themselves out when poured onto a surface. This eliminates the need for extensive manual smoothing. Self-leveling overlays are perfect for interior floors. They provide a seamless canvas for various flooring options such as:
- Paints
- Stains
- Dyes
Spray-Down Overlays
Spray-down overlays are perfect for adding a slip-resistant finish to pool decks, patios, and walkways. They are sprayed onto the surface and then troweled for a textured finish. Spray-down overlays are versatile and provide excellent adhesion to the existing concrete surface.
Our Application Process of Concrete Overlays
Our first step in applying concrete overlays is preparing the surface. This means clearing it of dirt, dust, and loose debris. It also includes addressing any damage to the existing concrete, such as cracks or spalling. Once cleaned and repaired, the surface must be profiled or roughened. This step is crucial for proper adhesion of the overlay.
Applying the Bonding Agent
Next, we apply the bonding agent. This agent is designed to improve the bond of the overlay to the concrete substrate. It’s applied in a thin, uniform layer over the surface. We are sure avoid ponding or puddling during application. This helps ensure an even coating and prevents potential bond failure.
Mixing the Concrete Overlay
While waiting for the bonding agent to get tacky or dry, we start mixing the concrete overlay.
Applying the Concrete Overlay
Once the bonding agent is ready and the mix prepared, we can begin applying the concrete overlay. The method will depend on the type of overlay. For example, a heavy-duty overlay, can be applied using conventional concrete tools. However, decorative texture overlays, may require specific tools for certain texture finishes.
Adding Texture and Sealing
After the overlay is applied, it’s time to add texture. This is done while the overlay is still wet and malleable. Once the overlay has cured, a protective sealer is often applied. This sealer helps protect the overlay from wear and tear and enhances its color and sheen.
Concrete Overlays Cons
Surface preparation
The surface must be clean and dry to adhere to the overlay.
Cracking
Concrete overlays can crack over time, especially if the underlying surface is unstable.
Maintenance
Concrete overlays require regular cleaning and sealing to prevent damage. If the overlay cracks or chips, it may need to be repaired.
Installation
It can be difficult to correct mistakes when installing a concrete overlay. If the overlay is applied incorrectly or stained, the concrete may need to be removed and reapplied.
Slippery when wet
Concrete overlays can be slippery when wet, which may reduce traction and make them unsuitable for outdoor applications.
Environmental impact
While concrete is made from natural materials, the process of producing and transporting it is not environmentally friendly.
Cost
Concrete overlay floors can be expensive to apply.
How to maintain your concrete
- Concrete should be cleaned at least once per year in the spring, ideally in May to remove any dirt, salt and grime build up. This is the optimal time to reseal the concrete as well.
- Reseal your concrete every 1–2 years depending on its wear. Sealing and periodic resealing of the concrete surface not only reduces moisture infiltration, but also helps reduce staining on the surface of the concrete.
- Do not use any de-icing salts or chemicals, instead use sand for traction. De-icing products rapidly melt ice and saturate the concrete with water. When the saturated water freezes again, it can cause permanent damage to concrete, such as spalling and other surface deterioration.
- Clear away snow from concrete to avoid both ice-formation and moisture saturation when the ice melts.
- Remove spills from concrete as soon as possible using a concrete-safe cleaner. Spills can lead to difficult-to-remove stains, so we advise they be cleaned immediately.
- Keep plows from direct contact with the concrete surface. This machine can gouge, scratch and accelerate wear on your concrete.
- Use high-grade concrete sealers that will bond to the existing sealer such as an acrylic. This will also bond to similar sealers in the future.
- For concrete that is sinking or sloping back into structures, we recommend having the concrete lifted or replaced to ensure proper drainage and avoid any water damage to the surrounding structures.
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Calgary Concrete Pros
for all your Concrete repair needs
How long does a concrete overlay last?
A concrete overlay can last for many years with proper installation and maintenance. It's recommended to reseal the overlay every 5 to 7 years.
How much does concrete overlay cost
The cost of a concrete overlay can range from $3–$20 per square foot, depending on the materials, design, and other factors
Can concrete overlays be applied to any concrete surface?
Concrete overlays can be applied to most existing concrete surfaces, but the concrete must be structurally sound, clean, and free of major cracks or spalling.
Is concrete overlay durable?
Overlaying your concrete is just as durable as the concrete itself, if not more so.
Will concrete overlay crack?
In most cases, if the sub-base and any damaged concrete is prepared properly then the concrete overlay will not crack. Unfortunately, most concrete has a tendency to crack, usually as a result of improper design or poor construction practices.
Does concrete overlay need sealed?
We definitely recommend sealing to protect the overlay from moisture, stains, and UV rays. Some sealers also enhance colour and sheen.