Various concrete resurfacing solutions exist on the market for the purposes of re-purposing, re-surfacing, and bringing aesthetic back to concrete elements. We’ve listed some of the typical methods for concrete resurfacing, or as it is advertised by most concrete subcontractors, for various conditions and circumstances for your project requirements! In ideal circumstances, most concrete resurfacing products last for years, often past 10 years, but it depends on the use case.
Concrete resurfacing toppers, mortars, and compounds for application of new surface layers:
The adhesion of the surface topper to the substrate is paramount to ensure the proper bond between the two concrete elements. Cleaning substrate and preparing for application of concrete topper or resurfacing product is essential to longevity of the installation. Such preparation can even include concrete grinding, scarification, removal of existing sealers, concrete structural repairs and more. Vacuuming smaller particles can bring about ideal conditions for interior installations.
Most concrete surfacing products are a mixture of cement-based binders, aggregates, and polymers. When these materials are combined, they turn into slurry, making them a self-leveling product in most cases. The addition of a polymer increases adhesion, durability and strength.
Structural Repair Requirements
One possible caveat to the durability of concrete surfacing compounds, is the structural repair requirements for the surface or element at hand. For instance, if you are dealing with a concrete element that has significant cracking, spalling, or deformation, structural repairs may be warranted. This can include specific removal of small to medium sections of concrete, where replacement of reinforcement/steel-rebar can be facilitated, and fresh concrete can be poured. From there a resurfacing product can be utilized to blend the two elements (old and new). Ensuring that the replacement concrete is supported properly is key, for the durability and longevity of quality finish for the concrete surfacing compound. Such methods include, doweling rebar, re-working subgrade conditions, utilizing alike concrete-mixes, and promoting proper curing.
The quality and durability of concrete resurfacing processes is also bound to conditions such as the intent of the product application too.
So, how long does concrete resurfacing product last? Well, that depends on a number of circumstances.
Architectural Concrete Resurfacer
These products are Portland cement based / polymer-based for pour-on scaling/chipped concrete.
They are designed to create a durable surface over the existing concrete. Such use cases could be driveways, pathways, stairways, patios and more. Often advertised as architectural coating, cementitious coating, concrete resurfacer etc.
With light use and typical wear and tear these products last about 10 to 15 years. But you might see some deterioration in finish aesthetically with regular usage.
Most concrete resurfacing compounds can also be used for providing unique designs and architectural aesthetics with various patterns, stamped patterns, colors, and various levels of sheen.
Heavy Traffic Concrete Resurfacers
A concrete resurfacer designed for vehicles and generally heavier traffic applications than a typical architectural concrete resurfacer. Such products may even fiber materials within them to facilitate strength. These products are superior to typical department/hardware store products with actual strength ratings measured in PSI(pounds per square inch).
Again with the right installation you can get 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer.
Polymer/cement products are not the only resurfacing products you have to pick from for resurfacing.
Mortar Resurfacing Products
These products are better for smaller applications where fit and finish are dictated by architectural requirements, so elements like curbs, slopes, stairs, ramps etc. They can be applied solely onto concrete substrates for equal durability. Again, preparation of the substrate concrete is required to ensure an adequate bond.
Also known as: repair mortars, cementitious mortars, etc.
Just like concrete, you can get up to 10 years or more but if the area is prone to damage, such as an entry drive, you may notice repetitive damage regardless.
Mortar products can also be utilized for vertical or overhead surfaces, where resurfacing toppers are typical for driveways or slabs.
In lieu of using regular concrete product for in-fills of structural issues with substrate preparation, a mortar could also be used.
Polymer Mortars for Resurfacing
The benefit of a polymer mortar is the quick-setting nature. There can even be corrosion inhibitors to decrease prevalence of moisture intrusion. Some products can reach 50 MPa at 28-days and this indicates a high durability consistent with that of surrounding concrete.
Products like these should be able to last as long as the structural integrity of the remaining concrete is maintained.
Decorative Concrete Resurfacing Products
In lieu of serious strength additions to concrete, decorative resurfacing products are used for just that, increasing the aesthetic appeal of concrete surfaces. Different colors and textures are available, from charcoal, slate aggregate imitation, various sheens, and almost limitless design implementations. Common use cases might be for front steps or a pathway.
The intention for these types of products is for aesthetics, where any serious scaling, flaking, or damage to the concrete will necessitate a different resurfacing product to prepare the substrate.
Summary: Does concrete resurfacing last?
In summary, a concrete resurfacing product can last up to 10 or 15 years, even more in some circumstances. This is typical for the mortars and resurfacing polymer/cement-based pour-on products or trowel applied products. The strength inherent in these products is found through use of polymers and cement blends, which can lead them to match or exceed the structural strength of surrounding concrete elements.
Decorative concrete resurfacing products are also noted to last 10 years or more but this really depends on the surface preparation.
Where some products are inherently structural in nature, being listed with compressive strength for instance, ‘decorative’ products are technically for strictly resurfacing only.
In all cases, promoting longevity of concrete resurfacing applications depends greatly on the substrate preparation.
…. and for all your Calgary concrete resurfacing needs and requirements, call on the professionals at Deluxe Concrete Services Ltd.
They have just the right concrete resurfacing solution to suit your workplace requirements.
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