A viable option when you need to update the look of your floor is a concrete overlay. They serve a decorative function and are also low costing. Instead of having possible replacement or removal done, the overlay provides with you with another option of hiding the imperfections (cracks and stains) on the concrete.
Overlays are just like resurfacing. They are applied on top of existing concrete surfaces to help revitalize the look of the floor. They can even imitate the look of other flooring types such as slate, brick, wood, and stone.
Regarding application, another layer of concrete is spread on top of the pre-existing one. The new coating helps to update the look of the floor while it keeps the sub-floor intact. The process is similar to resolving an old pair of shoes. The concrete overlay is often used with stamped concrete as it effectively disguises the new coating.
When should concrete resurfacing be done?
As long as the surface of the concrete is stable, a concrete overlay can be used on any form of concrete. Another critical thing to note is that the concrete must not have any cracks or spalls.
The soil also needs to be stable.
Should you notice any moisture under or within the concrete, then an overlay cannot be done. The high level of humidity can easily seep into the overlay and cause breaks or cracks. But, if the cracks or stain are minor ones, using a concrete overlay is possible.
In case the sub-floor of a property is still intact, an overlay can be used to make it the main floor. Such an example is when a tile is removed from its concrete base. Instead of installing new tiles, a simple overlay would be enough to update the concrete’s look and make it the new floor.
How to Install an Overlay System?
To install an overlay system, caution is needed. It is best to hire the services of a professional such as Concrete Pro Chattanooga. But, in the event you decide to do it yourself, take note of the following tips
- The first step is to properly clean the concrete surface to prepare it for the new overlay.
- The second step is to repair minor cracks on the old surface.
- If there are holes, make use of an epoxy filler to close it.
- The old concrete also needs to be reinforced with underlayment or fabric.
- Get a polymer resin concrete overlay to start patching over the old surface.
- Ensure that the overlay is smoothly applied along the concrete surface.
- Make use of a hopper gun to spray polymer concrete on the surface.
- For the finish, use a trowel over the texture.
- If you want to change the color, then now is the time to do so.
- You can also stamp the concrete when it is semi-hard.
- Leave the concrete to sit for a while before staining.
- Then seal and cure.
