There are a lot of times when concrete won’t be the same. It wears down, gets damaged and dull, and becomes downright ugly. A local contracting company, such as Concrete Overlay Houston, can assist you in giving your concrete floors a second chance. But do you know that you can skip hiring one and work your surfaces without a professional’s touch? Here’s how.
The Fundamentals Of Concrete Overlaying
Before you get on with the task, it is necessary to know about the basics beforehand. Concrete overlaying is the process of installing a thick or thin layer of concrete to resurface and refinish old, pre-existing concrete floorings and surfaces. It can get all scientific at some point, but all you need to know about it is that the mixture you will use consists of resins, polymers, cement, and a whole lot of aggregates.
Types of overlaying
Overlaying can come in all sorts of varieties. The same goes for the application and function of each method. So you better know what you want to do before you get all excited and start. Here are some of the more popular overlaying choices.
- Concrete Stamping – Want your floors to look like brick, stone, and wood? Concrete stamping is the choice for you. The procedure works well for both interior and exterior floors.
- Spray Down – Slip resistance is what makes spraying unique. Use spray downs for pool deck resurfacing, outdoor living spaces, and patios.
- Self-Leveling Concrete – If there are parts on your property that are not level with the rest, then give self-leveling concrete a shot. The concrete mixture fixes unleveled areas and makes them smooth as well.
- Micro-Topping – Some overlay coatings can get as thick as five inches, but not micro-topping concrete. It is like epoxy floor coating and can get as thin as three inches.
The process
You have to take note of the steps in concrete overlays. Tackle each one with precision and care to avoid making mistakes.
- The Preparation
The first part of the endeavor is to prepare the surface. Get rid of dirt and other debris. Take note of where cracks, holes, and other damages are present.
- Overlaying
Prepare your concrete mixture and pour it evenly on the surface. Fill up cracks so the overlay can work its leveling perk properly. Follow a manufacturer’s instructions properly to get the coating as desired.
- Profiling and etching
You can acid etch and profile the overlay to make sure it holds up just right. This part of the process roughens up the surface.
- The Curing or drying part
Curing can depend on what kind of overlay you install on your property. Some can last for three to five days, while others can last more than a week at best.
Tools Of The Trade
Skill and practice can get the job done. But the proper tools, items, and equipment can make sure your overlaying journey is as smooth as silk.
- Squeegee – The squeegee is your best friend for applying bonding coats and micro-toppings. They can be metallic, rubber, or handheld, or upright.
- Trowels – These stand-alone tools are an overlaying beginner’s key to making better spreads. It is one of the easiest and simple tools you can familiarize yourself with. They come with handles and can be handheld as well.
- Gauge rakes and Spreaders – These tools are best for repair mortars, stamping, and self-leveling coats. Experts consider them to be the most crucial tools, as they are necessary to get to the next step in the process.
- Paddles – Paddles can work well for mixing and smoothening endeavors. They may sound simple at best, but using them takes a lot of skill.
And Finally
If you can’t manage a DIY for your overlaying matters, the next best alternative is to hire the pros to lend you a hand. Some companies excel in one-day installations of floorings, pool deck resurfacing, and other services. Check around for one, and see if they can offer you a free quote plus additional discounts or offers.