Concrete Overlay

[SandyinMonterey]

Has anyone done this? We're looking into it for our pool deck. The thought of digging up the old concrete (the mess and work) and putting new concrete or real stone (the cost), makes me tremble.

 

[BrianL]

I don't know, but I also have old concrete slabs around my pool and would be interested in seeing any advice, so I'll follow along.

 

[John VN]

Has anyone done this? We're looking into it for our pool deck. The thought of digging up the old concrete (the mess and work) and putting new concrete or real stone (the cost), makes me tremble.

We originally had River Rock put down, wrong choice, and went with a small company that was highly recommended to resurface pool deck. Suggest you get references from previous customers along with photos of completed work from a number of vendors.

Thinking we would have been better off if we used >>

https://lp.creativeresurfacingsolut...MI0Ij5vr_g_AIVFNmGCh3Z9Qw3EAAYASAAEgJX1vD_BwE

 

[_19disnA]

Why do you want to resurface? If there are issues relating to uneven, broken or sagging concrete then pouring something over the top of that won't fix the problem with whatever is underneath. If it is more related to mold/mildew/discoloration then a good powerwashing might resolve that.

I would assume anyone who gives you an estimate would first have to look at the condition of the current deck to make suggestions about what the actual issues are and how to best resolve them. Poor drainage or soil that has shifted over time needs to be addressed in order to solve this type of issue. Overlays won't solve a drainage or poor subsurface issues.

At a prior home, the builder had to resurface a patio (at their expense) since there was an ice storm right after they poured the original concrete. As I recall, they had to pour an additional 3-4" over the top of that so it wouldn't crack and create other issues. Worked out fine after that. I would avoid anyone who offers to do a thin 'resurfacing' layer since it would likely crack over time and creat a problem bigger then you are already trying to solve.

 

[Robber Baron]

People always think removing old concrete is more involved than it really is. When the contractor has the right equipment it's a job that most likely will take a couple hours.

Have the old removed, leave the house the morning they do it, then redo the surface the way it should be done.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I don't know, but I also have old concrete slabs around my pool and would be interested in seeing any advice, so I'll follow along.

I am going to a Home Show this weekend (hopefully). There are supposed to have two exhibitors, concrete coatings and concrete resurfacing. I'll report back if I go.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

People always think removing old concrete is more involved than it really is. When the contractor has the right equipment it's a job that most likely will take a couple hours.

Have the old removed, leave the house the morning they do it, then redo the surface the way it should be done.

We had 2 new driveways and a walkway put in. Very good company, great job. But the pounding/breaking up cement was horrible. Shook my whole house. Had to empty china cabinet, dishes, etc. And, oh my goodness, the cost. $26k.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Why do you want to resurface? If there are issues relating to uneven, broken or sagging concrete then pouring something over the top of that won't fix the problem with whatever is underneath. If it is more related to mold/mildew/discoloration then a good powerwashing might resolve that.

I would assume anyone who gives you an estimate would first have to look at the condition of the current deck to make suggestions about what the actual issues are and how to best resolve them. Poor drainage or soil that has shifted over time needs to be addressed in order to solve this type of issue. Overlays won't solve a drainage or poor subsurface issues.

At a prior home, the builder had to resurface a patio (at their expense) since there was an ice storm right after they poured the original concrete. As I recall, they had to pour an additional 3-4" over the top of that so it wouldn't crack and create other issues. Worked out fine after that. I would avoid anyone who offers to do a thin 'resurfacing' layer since it would likely crack over time and creat a problem bigger then you are already trying to solve.

I don't think there are structural issues, but I'd leave that up to the professionals to tell me. It just looks bad. Never liked how the previous owners did it. I power wash it. But it's still ugly. I'm going to look into different options including just replacing it, but I don't want to break the bank on this.

 

[_19disnA]

I am still not clear on the problem. Are you mostly trying to fix cosmetic surface issues (i.e. mold/mildew/discoloration/etc.) or is it uneven/broken concrete?

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I am still not clear on the problem. Are you mostly trying to fix cosmetic surface issues (i.e. mold/mildew/discoloration/etc.) or is it uneven/broken concrete?

Yes, more cosmetic issues. Previous owners put squiggly lines thru it. It has also texture here and there, very odd. I think they may have painted it or put some sealer on it that looks thick and ugly.

 

[princesscinderella]

Our neighbors have done a similar thing with stamped concrete over their asphalt driveway where we live to avoid having to permit and go by the new codes and it has better curb appeal. In their cases the driveway would have to be narrowed because they require an easement on the property line which wasn’t the case years ago and their driveways go right to the property line. The stamped concrete layer has help up surprisingly well and still look good, there’s some cracking but considering they are driving cars over it on a daily basis I never thought they would hold up. Since you are doing a pool deck I would expect and even longer lifespan since it won’t have the heavy weight on it regularly like it does in the driveway.

 

[barkley]

Yes, more cosmetic issues. Previous owners put squiggly lines thru it. It has also texture here and there, very odd. I think they may have painted it or put some sealer on it that looks thick and ugly.

if it's strictly the look you don't care for-have you looked into concrete dying? there's a process called acid staining that results in a marbled appearance that masks the appearance of lines and sporadic texturing. this can be much less expensive than new concrete applications.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

if it's strictly the look you don't care for-have you looked into concrete dying? there's a process called acid staining that results in a marbled appearance that masks the appearance of lines and sporadic texturing. this can be much less expensive than new concrete applications.

Haven't heard of that. Thank you.

 

[cvjw]

My in laws did the concrete around their pool. It looked great and held up for years. Made their pool area much more appealing.

 

[GroguAndStitch]

we did a concrete overlay over an existing stoop when we re-did our patio. I hate it. It looks bad and is wearing off after only 3 years. Only a small sample size here, but I would not do it again.

 

[firefly_ris]

My in-laws had this type of thing done over the concrete around their pool several years ago:

https://www.pebblestonepros.com/pebble-epoxy-flooring-concrete-resurfacing/

It looks cool and has held up well to Buffalo winters.