Does Concrete Resurfacing Last?

You have invested a lot of time and money into your home. Unfortunately, you’ve noticed your driveway, garage or other concrete surfaces don’t look as good as they once did. You’ve done some homework and concrete resurfacing seems like the best option to repair and refresh that concrete slab. But before you spend the money, you need to know if it will last.

If you are wondering whether concrete resurfacing lasts, the answer is that the thin layer of cement can last anywhere between 8 to 15 years. The resurfacing will not only last for a long time, but it will also protect the longevity of the underlying slab. The number of years will depend on the material’s quality.

If your concrete surfaces are showing their age, depending on their condition and the age of your home, you may have several options: concrete resurfacing being one of them. Let’s take a look at all your choices and see which one is right for you.

Okay, so this one is really only a minor concern, but when you schedule your concrete resurfacing project can affect the length and budget of your project. Taking into consideration when you plan your project can save you potential headaches later.

The material used to resurface concrete is best applied between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 32 degree Celsius). That means you should try to schedule your project during the cooler times of the year, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

But don’t look at resurfacing your concrete in the cold of winter either. The colder temperature has an impact on the cement used in the concrete. This will make the final concrete darker and it will take longer to cure.

There is less work involved in resurfacing concrete so naturally, it will cost less. With concrete resurfacing, there is no need to remove the old foundation. Instead, after a little prep work, you simply apply the resurfacing cement in a thin layer over the existing slab.

There are less man-hours involved which means the overall cost is less. The average cost for resurfacing concrete runs anywhere from $3-$5 per square foot.

In comparison, replacing a concrete slab instead involves not only a lot of manual labor to break-up and haul away the old concrete, but you have to add in the costs of pouring the new foundation as well as the materials and time involved. The overall costs for replacing a concrete slab can easily run into several thousand.

With concrete resurfacing there is no need to remove the old concrete, The cement mix is self-leveling so having a smooth, even surface is easy.

Also, concrete resurfacing is fast. Once it is poured, it takes only a few hours to dry and cure. Most concrete resurfacing projects can be completed within 24 hours.

While it is not recommended, if you have the skills, you could apply the new layer of cement yourself. If you decide to go this route, make sure you choose the right materials for the job. Look for the product for concrete resurfacing and not a floor leveler.

The best part about concrete resurfacing is that it is more durable than the original foundation. As concrete ages, it tends to become weaker and there is a tendency to shows little cracks and small gaps in the surface.

The new layer fills in those little imperfections and will strengthen the whole slab. In the end, you will have a brand new concrete surface that is stronger and more durable.

Concrete resurfacing may not be the solution to all your concrete problems. If you have just a few spots that need repair or you need to replace the whole thing, other options may prove to be a better choice.

However, if you do choose concrete resurfacing, you will have a beautiful, smooth, long-lasting surface that will extend the life of your concrete slab for many years into the future.

If you decided that resurfacing your concrete is the way to go, the preparation stage is absolutely crucial. Proper preparation will ensure that your resurfacing efforts last.

Before applying the resurfacer, you want to ensure that this new layer can properly adhere to the existing surface. To do this, begin by using a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, oil, tree sap, and any flaking concrete. If stains on your concrete aren’t removed first, they can seep through the resurfacing material.

Once your concrete is prepared, the actual application of the resurfacer is not a complicated process. The product comes in a dry powder, which is mixed with water to form a slurry. To apply, simply spread the solution over the concrete with a long-handled squeegee.

Since resurfacing compounds are self-leveling, you won’t have to work too hard to ensure that the surface is level. Spreading and pouring is easy, leaving you to make sure that the surface gets covered completely. Most jobs will require 2-3 coats.

The resulting finish will be rather smooth but you can apply texture to the last coat, when it is still slightly wet, by using a broom.

For best results, apply the product when there is the most shade, or at least when the glare from the sun is low. Also, make sure that you don’t have any rain in the forecast for at least eight hours after application.