When you have the choice of building materials, concrete is one that consistently stands above the rest. It’s one of the most common picks for many different projects and is one of the most popular choices to both build and resurface a concrete driveway.
However, especially when it comes to resurfacing, it’s important to know if all that time and effort will end up being worth it.
We address those concerns below.
What is Concrete Resurfacing?
For starters, there’s no longer just one type of concrete. The widely used building material comes in many varieties including mortars, patchers, and fast-setting concrete mixes.
Concrete resurfacer is one of those varieties. It uses a blend of Portland cement, fine sands, polymer modifiers, and other additives aimed at providing adhesion to effectively a smooth layer to existing rough slabs.
Whereas other cement types are typically applied in thick layers, concrete resurfacer is applied in thin ones. These thin layers (at most 1/2-inch-thick) stick to existing slabs to provide them with better support. Applied correctly, concrete resurfacer is stronger than the concrete slab it’s applied to.
Should Resurface a Concrete Slab?
Not all concrete slabs can be effectively resurfaced. Slabs that can are ones that only have cosmetic damage and haven’t cracked all the way through. However, this isn’t always easy to tell.
One sign that may indicate that a concrete slab is cracked all the way through is if the height of the slab is offset on adjoining sides of cracks. If it is, then resurfacing it won’t help it last longer.
Slabs (or concrete driveways) that are good candidates for concrete resurfacing have a few easy to identify characteristics. These slabs will have small cracks, chips, and spalls where pieces of aggregate have come loose.
Resurface a Concrete Driveway: How Long Will It Last?
If you decide to resurface your concrete driveway, it’s difficult to estimate how long you can expect it to last. A good concrete resurfacing can last approximately 8 years. However, as we’ve details in the above sections, some driveways are better candidates than others.
Understand that resurfacing a concrete driveway won’t fix structural flaws or serious underlying issues. You will need an entirely new slab to fix those. Slabs with minor cosmetic issues, small cracks, and discoloration are all perfect candidates for concrete resurfacer though.
If you do have serious underlying issues with your concrete driveway or any concrete slab, it’s best to get it fixed by a professional.
Get the right tools to resurface your concrete driveway properly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more!