There are many reasons why concrete flakes, spalls and cracks. Whether it be improper technique used by the contractor who poured it, chloride from ice melt or the severe freeze/thaw cycles in Idaho, pinpointing what exactly caused the problem is almost impossible. It’s usually a combination of all of the above.
The good news is it can be fixed without replacing your driveway. Surface spalling, scaling, discoloration, broken edges and even cracks can all be repaired.
Chris Sullivan of Chemsystems inc. explains what causes concrete surface damage
Commonly asked questions
Q. How long does an overlay or resurfacing last?
A. If applied correctly and maintained an overlay can last 10-20 years.
Q. How much does it cost to resurface a driveway?
A. Resurfacing is $4 to $7 a square foot. Depending on the size and condition of the driveway (about ½ the cost of tearing out and replacing a driveway).
Q. How long does it take to resurface a driveway?
A. The typical driveway takes 2 to 3 days to complete and another 3-4 before it can be driven on.
Q. Can I use a snow shovel on the driveway after it’s been resurfaced?
A. Yes, the resurfacing products we use are 1 ½ to 2 times stronger than regular concrete.
Q. Do you give a warranty?
A. Yes, we give a 1 year warranty against delamination and excessive color fading.
Q. Do you give free estimates?
A. Yes
Before and After Pics
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The Process
1. Concrete preparation - The first thing we do is get down to sound concrete. We use a 4000 psi pressure washer equipped with a turbo nozzle, scarifier and grinders to rid the surface of all dirt, contaminants and loose or weak of concrete. When we’re done the concrete is clean and sound, with no loose pieces that might compromise the resurfacing material.
2. Repairs - Deep spalling and broken edges, large enough to be patched, are repaired using a 12000 psi mortar (3x the strength of normal concrete). We not only repair all of the cracks, if necessary we cut new expansion joints to relieve the pressure that caused the crack. Slightly uneven joints can be fixed with a little cosmetic grinding. Joints that are uneven by more than 1 inch are not good candidates for cosmetic grinding. We recommend having the concrete lifted to even the joint. Concrete Raisers of Idaho does great work 208-342-8484
3. More preparation - We clean the concrete again using brooms, vacuums and or blowers to make sure the surface is clean and ready to be resurfaced.v
4. Resurfacing - The resurfacing material is a cement based polymer modified acrylic. It’s the premier, high-strength, yet thin concrete overlay designed for high traffic areas. Its formulation is designed to give it strength, (over 6000 psi when fully cured) adhesion and flexural qualities. Because it’s applied in 2-3 thin layers, it can be placed over existing concrete without a noticeable change in height. The special acrylic polymers act as not only a bonding agent but give the product strength and flexural properties that help it stay securely adhered the existing concrete. The final coat is finished with a concrete broom making it look like new concrete.
5. Seal coats - Finally, we apply two coats of UV resistant acrylic sealer. The sealer protects the new surface from the elements including the freeze thaw cycles and is hot tire mark resistant.
When we’re done, you have damage free concrete with a new, sealed surface that’s not only stronger than the old surface, it’s easier to clean and looks better than it ever did. You also have a 1 year warranty against delamination and fading. The best thing is it’s about half the cost of tearing out and replacing concrete.
Driveways that are good candidates for resurfacing
· Surface spalling, flaking or scaling (mild to severe)
· Discoloration
· Small to medium cracks that are level and the edges still in tact
Driveways that should be replaced
· Large cracks or multiple cracks that look like a puzzle
· Cracks that have raised or settled more than 1 inch
· Multiple bad edges that are deteriorating more than 1 inch from joint
