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5 Ways to Refresh Old Concrete Other Than Replacement
Admin • December 31, 2019
If your concrete patio or driveway looks dingy and a little the worse for wear, you may wonder just what steps you can take to spruce it up, other than actually replacing the concrete. Fortunately, concrete contractors can perform several renovations and upgrades to help restore your concrete to its original good looks.
Discover a few ways you can refresh old concrete surfaces without a complete concrete replacement.
1. Professional Pressure Washing
If the dinginess on your concrete comes from ground-in grime, which is too often the case, simply getting a nice deep cleaning may be enough to help your driveway sparkle again (metaphorically). However, you should opt to hire a concrete professional for the pressure washing itself.
Not only can a professional get the job done efficiently, but they'll be able to avoid damaging the surface of your concrete while they're at it. Because power washers are so strong, an inexperienced user could accidentally cause visible damage to the surface of the concrete. Letting a professional handle the washer can avoid this outcome.
2. Periodic Resealing
Concrete is a porous material, and it needs periodic sealing in order to stay intact and repel the destructive forces of the elements. Your concrete likely has sealant already, but this protective material can wear away over the months. Ideally, the sealant should be replaced every couple of years so it doesn't have time to wear away completely.
Resealing can help your concrete surface look new and shiny. So if you're not sure if your concrete has been resealed recently, talk to your contractor about resealing services. Your contractor may be able to give your concrete patio or driveway a deep cleaning and then add sealant right away before grime can work its way back into the concrete's texture.
3. Crack Repair
A hairline crack, one too small to slip a nickel into, may be easy to patch and repair as an isolated spot. Patching the crack helps keep it from worsening due to weather conditions. If you have several cracks, you may need a larger repair job such as a resurfacing. Your concrete contractor can help you decide if you're unsure which is right for your situation.
However, not every crack can or should be repaired. Some cracks could indicate a fault deeper in the concrete or in the foundation, or simply extensive damage and wear that means the entire thing needs replacing. This is especially the case if many cracks occur together or if they occur in conjunction with potholes or an aging concrete surface.
4. Resurfacing
Resurfacing is typical if the damage is more generalized than just one crack yet not significant enough to require complete replacement. For instance, if the foundation of the concrete is at fault, your contractor will recommend a complete replacement.
On the other hand, if moderate surface wear is the issue, resurfacing may be the ideal solution. Resurfacing is a process that involves adding another layer of concrete material so that your driveway has a strong, new surface. Resurfacing doesn't involve removal and replacement of your current driveway or the addition of a new foundation, so you may save on labor costs.
5. Decorative Elements
If you resurface the concrete resurfaced, now is an ideal time to add an attractive stamped design or other decorative element. The new concrete surface can be stamped before it dries, or your contractor can add concrete stains or dyes to give your driveway or patio a whole new look.
As you can see, replacing your concrete isn't the only option when it starts to look the worse for wear. But whether you decide on a deep cleaning, a refresh, or even a total replacement, Central Carolina Concrete, L.L.C., can help out. We offer concrete services for both homeowners and commercial clients. Call us today.
If you need more information to help you understand the concrete pouring process, get in touch with us at Central Carolina Concrete, L.L.C. today.
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