You know the difference between brand new concrete floor and the one that has cracked or faded after years. This can be a huge problem as cracks can develop due to moisture-deficient concrete and land settling. It’s a nightmare for any homeowner if the stain is combined with tannin stains from leaves and twigs. You can sort out this issue by cleaning but if you want a brand new look then resurfacing is the best solution. If you resurface your concrete floor then it will provide you with the best efficient look and guarantee with best results. Even you don’t need to hire anymore as you can do this job all by yourself.
If you want to resurface then you need materials which are easy to use. You can use these materials multiple times or single times, which is totally depends upon the condition of the pads. If you are staying in Perth, then you might do this procedure quite often. Concrete resurfacing in Perth can be easy if you have done it rightly. Before you start to resurface you need to prepare yourself because preparation is the key to achieve great results. First, you need to etch it if it’s super smooth. Etching is a process where it will make a rough surface so that the surface can accept resurface. Large pads usually have control and expansion joint, so it is recommended to keep them away from resurfacing. If you are wondering resurface may change the characteristics of your slap then you are wrong, it doesn’t affect the characteristics of the surface.
Before you start resurfacing, you need to choose the right resurfacing system. There are four kinds of resurfacing system and you need to choose the one according to the condition and the effect that you want to achieve.
The four different kinds of resurfacing system are listed below
Microtoppings
This is designed to be applied in very thin layers and not more than 1/8 inch thick. If you want to use this system then you have to purchase polymer-based adhesive premixed with heavy of fine aggregate. This is one of the best systems to revitalize a pad which is not in a good condition. It is always recommended to fix the surface before it gets worse.
Stampable Overlays
This is specially designed for patterns and the mixture is cementitious which is not polymer based. This system is laid out in the thickness from ¼ to ¼ inch. This system helps you to create a pattern such as faux bricks or woods, and by stamping the concrete before it gets harder.
Multipurpose overlays
This is one of the easiest methods for resurfacing. This system contains a mixture of large sand or pea gravel which can be applied in thin layers with a broom or spraying. The main purpose of this system is to provide a smooth texture. You can use this system if you want to create a non-slip surface.
Self-leveling overlays
This is designed for badly cracked or pitted concrete. The only disadvantage is you need to spread little money on this. However, you will achieve the best results. They flow out of their own in order to create a flat, level surface.
Preparing the pad
Before you start resurfacing, you need to prepare your pad. Firstly, you need to clean the concrete pads with the help of pressure pipe of 3,500 psi. This will help you to fill the cracks and spalls with the quality epoxy concrete mending compound. As we have mentioned above that etch is important if your surface is too smooth. This will help you get a rough surface. You can use muriatic acid and this substance will be corrosive enough to be dangerous so you need to have proper protection. This can be a little expensive but not as expensive as mechanical grinding.
The method of applying to resurface is totally depended on the product that you choose. Following is the general instruction that you need to follow
- After completing the preparation steps, you need to flush the concrete with water using a garden hose. This is very important after etching with muriatic acid since the water which will help neutralize the acid.
- After the above process, you need to fill the expansion joints which are in between slabs. It is quite difficult to keep the materials out of the joints which will prevent them from cracking. You need to push the paper stripping deep enough into the joints so that the paper packing will flush with the concrete.
- Now, you need to mix the resurface materials with a water of 5 gallons buckets. However, you need to follow the instruction on the container so that you can use the correct amount of water. Make sure that you mix the right amount of water in the container and leave it accordingly. You don’t have to mix any extra products which are not required. Now, you need to measure the pad dimension and check the coverage instruction and information on the package.
- After applying using the proper amount of water, you need to pour directly on the surface that you need to spread it by using micro topping or multipurpose overlay. You need to use the trowel if you are spreading thicker materials such as a self-leveling compound, stampable overlay.
- Now, you need to wait for 5 minutes and texturize the surface. This will add a non-slip finish to your pad. So make sure that you use a broomstick to stroke the same direction with each stroke parallel to each other. You need to omit this step if you have a polish and smooth surface. You need to check the container details to know how to do it.
- After adding your desired texture, you need to moisture the surface of the pad with fine spray at regular interval for the next 24 to 48 hours. This will prevent the mixture from drying and cracking.
- You need to follow these general above steps in order to get the best smooth surface. You can also add colors of your choice which will prevent you with dirt and other unwanted materials.