Your driveway provides easy access onto and around your home. Besides, it can be a focal point that compliments your home’s design. However, even the most durable concrete driveways are susceptible to cracks which are commonly caused by poor installation, weak driveway foundation, setting, and too much weight. Luckily, a cracked concrete driveway can be restored through resurfacing.
If you’re looking to resurface a cracked driveway, we’ve put together some of the practical tips that will help you get the job done in an effective manner.
ASSESS THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE
Before you begin the process of resurfacing a cracked concrete driveway, start with an inspection of the concrete surface to ensure it is structurally sound. A concrete driveway with cracks larger than 1/2 –in. deep or wide should be replaced.
CLEANING YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAY
The next step is cleaning your driveway using a pressure washer to remove loose material on the surface. After you’ve removed all the debris on the surface, apply an organic detergent, scrub the surface with a stiff brush and rinse it off. Applying a resurfacer on a dirty concrete driveway can lead to a peeled-out concrete surface and make the installation process more complicated.
MIXING YOUR RESURFACER
Ensure you mix your concrete resurfacer according to the instructions on the bag in order to achieve the thickness that you require. It’s recommended that you use an electric power drill that’s outfitted with a concrete paddle to mix your resurfacer. Depending on the length of cracks and the type of concrete you are resurfacing, you should aim for a syrup-like consistency. If the mix is too thin, add more resurfacer.
Note: Do not use mix your resurfacer by hand because it often leaves lumps.
APPLYING YOUR RESURFACER
Use a squeegee and a trowel to spread the concrete resurfacer over the driveway. Apply in small sections and work quickly because the mixture can harden more quickly, especially when the weather is hot. Once you’ve applied the resurfacer over the entire area, let it settle for a few minutes before giving it a non-slip finish.
Proper site preparation, a properly mixed resurfacer, and correct application of the resurfacer can go a long way towards restoring your concrete driveway to its good shape and producing an aesthetically pleasing surface. Your concrete driveway should be ready for foot traffic after six hours, but you should only drive over it after 24 hours.
Call an Experienced Concrete Company for Concrete Driveway Replacement and Resurfacing
A cracked concrete driveway can be a major tripping hazard. Moreover, it can reduce your home’s curb appeal as well as your home’s value. If your concrete driveway is not in its pristine condition, you should call a concrete company to perform repairs. At Artistic Concrete Designs, we offer concrete resurfacing, concrete driveway replacement, and concrete repair. If you need help with resurfacing a cracked concrete driveway, get in touch with Artistic Concrete Designs. We are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment to get the job done in an effective manner.
If you have any questions about concrete or hardscaping projects please call us at (770) 580-2700 or contact us online.