How Concrete Overlays can Rejuvenate Damaged Concrete
Concrete goes through a lot of torture throughout its lifespan. When concrete gets damaged or worn, it is common for homeowners to decide on removing the damaged slab and replacing it with fresh concrete. This can be an expensive and troublesome solution.
Removing and replacing the old concrete slab for a decorative and beautiful finish is not the only solution. Most slabs can be saved by applying an overlay. This is a simpler and more cost-effective solution.
An overlay can rejuvenate concrete and make it look good as new. The concrete overlay can also transform gray and drab concrete into one with brilliant color and pattern to add more value to your home. Concrete overlay only costs a fraction of the cost of brand new concrete.
What is a Concrete Overlay?
Concrete Overlay is topping new concrete over old concrete. The concrete overlay can be dyed, stamped or stained over old concrete to come up with a new and beautiful concrete floor.
The existing concrete surface needs to be properly prepared before applying a concrete overlay. This is to avoid a failure of application and to make sure that the overlay will have a long lifespan.
Concrete overlays have two main functions
Practical
Concrete overlays can be installed to fix problems in the concrete surface.
- Correct deficiencies in the concrete surface.
- Limit deterioration due to the climate.
- Improve drainage of the surface.
- Make concrete resistant to skidding
- Enhance the structural capacity of concrete
Damaged Concrete Overlays
Decorative
Concrete overlays can be installed to add a touch of creativity to the appearance of a dull looking concrete.
- Improve the appearance of concrete
- Include various creative alterations through artistic elements such as making concrete mimic the appearance of expensive flooring solutions (e.g marble, cobblestone, etc…) or installing modern geometric designs.
Benefits of Concrete Overlays
- Versatile design
Concrete overlays can be painted in any hue you desire. It can be stamped with any surface design. It can also be textured and patterned. A concrete sealer can be applied for additional enhancement and shine.
There is no limit to the design of concrete overlays. Textured beads can be sprinkled to make the new concrete floor slip-resistant.
- Fits the concrete surface without the need for any modifications.
Concrete overlays can be poured with just a thickness of ¼ inch making it fit in the concrete surface without any need for medication of the other elements in the environment. This means that when installing concrete overlays the door frames, baseboard and even HVAC vents need not be modified to accommodate the concrete overlay in New York.
- Affordable
Either for practical or decorative purposes, a concrete overlay is much cheaper than a full pour of concrete. It is also cheaper than installing other flooring types such as tile. Even if you do not have a concrete slab you can install concrete overlay to the subfloor of other floor types such as linoleum.
- Durable
Concrete is a hard and durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear and damage. Concrete overlays are applied on the concrete surface with a penetrating sealer. This sealer makes the new floor scuff and stain resistant.
- Eco-friendly
When you choose to have a concrete overlay you are using the existing concrete subfloor and only need a few more materials to produce a new floor. This is a green choice because there will be no old materials that will be thrown into the environment
When to Use Concrete Overlays
Concrete overlays are used to rejuvenate old concrete. It can make concrete more functional and beautiful.
Here is some of the most common application of concrete overlays:
- Dyes and stains are used to produce beautiful patterns and colors to re-surface an existing slab.
- Add color, pattern, and texture to an existing concrete surface. Concrete overlays are commonly installed in pool decks, patios, and driveways.
- Make uneven concrete level and smooth.
- Eliminate the need to remove old concrete and install a new one.
- Preserve an existing concrete surface.
Installing a concrete overlay in Nyc is like adding a new layer of concrete to an existing worn out concrete surface to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Some homeowners also opt to install a concrete overlay even if the existing concrete surface is still not worn out for decorative purposes.
Types of Concrete Overlays
Concrete surfaces overtime will show some form of imperfections such as discolorations, cracks, and pop outs. Of course, you can opt to repair these imperfections but they often are unattractive and noticeable.
Concrete overlays will give your concrete surface a facelift that is lower in cost than removing and replacing it.
- Stained Concrete Overlay
Stained Concrete overlays in Nyc are commonly used in commercial applications. A thin polymer overlay is first applied on top of an existing concrete surface. The concrete slab is then chemically stained with one or multiple colors to produce an attractive and natural looking concrete surface.
- Stamped Concrete Overlay
This involves the addition of stamped imprints over the overlay. The imprints can mimic the look of marble, stone, brick, tile, slate or wood on concrete. Stamped Concrete overlays in Nyc are often installed in driveways, patios, and walkways. Many homeowners also used stamped concrete overlays in interior concrete surfaces.
- Sprayed Concrete Overlay
This process involves spraying a finish into the concrete surface. Spayed concrete overlays have a smooth finish. You can also opt to add a textured surface to make the new concrete surface slip resistant. This type of concrete overlay is often installed in pool decks.
Preparing Concrete for Overlays
The result of Concrete overlay installation services in Nyc depends on the condition of the existing concrete surface. Weak, crumbling, scaling and dirty concrete surface will not have a successful concrete overlay installation.
To have a successful concrete overlay application all loose materials in the concrete surface should be removed by pressure washing. For more worn out concrete surfaces grinding, shot-blasting or scarifying need to be done.
Overlays are not meant to repair cracks on the existing concrete surface because it will just show up on the new concrete surface. Cracks on the concrete surface should first repair prior to the application of concrete overlays.
The possibilities of concrete overlays giving your existing concrete surfaces a complete makeover are limitless. Resurfacing worn out and the drab concrete surface is its practical function. Transforming concrete into a decorative surface provides amazing results.
Concrete overlays are best installed by professional contractors so you can achieve the decorative look you have envisioned for your concrete surface.
Did you find this article to your liking? Then please check out our website at South Side NYC or you can also check out Redo Concrete Floors and Sidewalks the Easy Way and find out more.
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