Concrete Resurfacing In Indianapolis
Trowel-down concrete overlay atop existing floor slab
Existing concrete that is cracked, chipped, blemished, or simply boring can be coated with concrete overlays. These are thin applications of polymer-modified cement which cover surface imperfections. There are several types of overlays including broom-finished overlays (which restore regular gray concrete surfaces to near-original appearance), trowel-down or spray-down overlays (which give the slab a totally different texture, pattern, or color), and stampable overlays (which mimic the look of traditional full-depth stamped concrete). All of these options are viable alternatives to tear out and replacement of your existing damaged concrete. It is very important to note, however, that overlays will not repair cracks! They are meant to enhance the appearance of a slab, or even to hide some types of imperfections, but they will not repair cracking. A crack in the substrate will usually transfer up through the overlay in a relatively short time.
The overlay process includes first verifying that the concrete is a good candidate for resurfacing or whether it is too far gone to save. After all, an overlay is only as good as the concrete to which it is applied. When your contractor makes that determination, installation can proceed.
Crucial to any resurfacing project is preparation of the substrate. The host surface must be sound, free of any substance that will impede adhesion, and should be properly profiled to create a mechanical bond with the overlayment. If the surface is not properly prepared, the coating, especially on exterior applications, will fail. Surface prep can include pressure washing, acid etching, sanding, shotblasting, grinding, scarifying, or any number of other methods for achieving a suitable profile.
After surface prep is complete, the overlay material is mixed per manufacturer’s instructions, applied and finished in the chosen manner, and allowed to cure. It is then sealed to protect the finish from weathering. You may locate an overlay contractor by clicking here.