How Does Concrete Resurfacing Work? What You Need To Know About Concrete Repair

Over time, concrete can crack, erode, or shift. In general, poor installation, long-time use, and harsh weather are the major culprits of cracks in concrete. Whatever the cause may be, you can decide to repair or resurface the concrete. Notably, the essence of each method is to get rid of the crack or damage and ensure that the concrete returns to its pre-damage condition.

Nevertheless, there are lots of things that you need to know about concrete resurfacing or repair before you choose an option for your home or business. Read this article to learn about how concrete resurfacing works and know some essential things about the concrete repair.

What does concrete resurfacing mean? How does it work?

Concrete resurfacing refers to the process of replacing the old concrete with a new one. Generally, this works by removing the top layer of the concrete and then repairing the minor cracks that are in the concrete. The process is concluded by utilizing a resurfacer to add a new surface to the concrete. Through this method, the concrete will appear like a new one as the cracks would have been successfully removed.

It is important to understand that the resurfacer is not concrete. However, it can act and look like concrete. Concrete resurfacer is a special material that is produced with sand and cement like normal concrete. However, it has extra material that is known as a polymer bonding agent. This agent ensures that pitted areas or pivots are appropriately filled to ensure that shrinkage doesn’t happen. Since the resurfacer is usually darker than normal concrete, it may not match the existing concrete. Therefore, you may need to coat the whole structure to make sure that the place looks uniform.

One of the most awesome things about concrete resurfacing is that this process is affordable and simple. Therefore, it is one of the best options that you have whenever you notice any cracks in the concrete in your home.

Types of concrete repairs

If you want to repair concrete, you should note that there are two basic types of cracks – dormant crack and active crack. The type of crack will be a major factor that will determine the type of repair you have to choose. Here are two types of crack repairs.

·         Dormant crack repair

To repair a dormant crack, you have to use epoxy injection or rigid filler. This material will make sure that damage is stabilized so that the risk of more damage is reduced significantly. To be certain that your repair materials are good for dormant crack repair, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed professional in the area.

·         Active crack repair

Before repairing an active crack, you should think about utilizing a flexible material that can prevent any further damage to the cracks. If you want to prevent further cracks, elastomeric sealants are often recommended for repairing active cracks.

What are the steps to take to repair concrete?

For anyone that wants to repair concrete, some important steps can be followed to make the task easier and quicker. These vital steps include:

·         Clean the cracks

Get a broom or scrub brush and use it to clean the cracks. Ensure that you remove debris, dust, or other particles. Once you are done with the cleaning, rinse the area with water and allow it to dry.

·         Prepare the cement

As the rinsed area is drying up, you should prepare the cement. You should understand that the quantity of the cement repair solution that you will need depends on the size of the crack. If you are repairing small cracks, a bag of a concrete patch is enough. Overall, make sure that you prepare cement that is enough to take care of the entire affected area.

·         Repair the cracks

Use the cement mixture to fill the affected area. Pay attention to all areas of the cracks and ensure that you don’t leave out any air gaps. Also, add the mixture to the cracks until the surface smoothens. Let the surface dry for some minutes.

·         Use concrete sealer

When the place is dry, the next step is to add a concrete sealer to it. The main benefit of the sealer is to prevent water from getting into the repaired cracks and leading to further damage.

If you can follow this step-by-step process of repairing concrete, the cracks will be repaired successfully. However, you should note that the process is for minor repairs. To repair large or several cracks, you should consider hiring the services of a trained and licensed professional. The experience and expertise of the specialist can make a big difference in the quality of repairs. Apart from repairing the complex cracks, a professional will prevent further damage from happening to the concrete.