Concrete is one of the most popular building materials across the world due to its long life, affordability, and strength. It is made of cement, sand, stone, and water. You can also put in reinforced steel rebars along with concrete for the huge scale constructions (such as dams and buildings). People commonly use concrete for flat works in home areas including driveways, walkways, sidewalks, and patios. However, over a period a concrete structure may also undergo some amount of damage due to causes including weather conditions, vibrations, weight, impact, use, and sun rays, among others.
Fortunately, you need not replace the entire concrete surface when it has been damaged. You can resurface your concrete flatwork and construction by hiring a service for concrete resurfacing in OKC. It can ensure that you can furnish a new-like concrete surface again at the least expenditure.
Concrete resurfacing of a Driveway (or any other Flat Work)
Over a period, concrete surfaces (including driveways and patios) may acquire hairline and minor cracks. However, instead of demolishing the entire slab, you can simply refinish and resurface it. The new layer of concrete (called a resurfacer) is poured over the existing surface. While it may look like the usual concrete material, it differs from it. The resurfacing material includes a bonding agent that helps it to bond with the older concrete material and slab. The bonding agent is used along with concrete to ensure that the old and new concrete materials can bond together.
The concrete resurfacer also includes extraordinarily strong additives. While your older concrete slab may be up to 6 inches thick, the thickness of the resurfacing layer will only be up to half or 1 inch. While the new layer itself would be thin, it consists of very strong additives and bonding agents, which make the material very dense. A driveway could last for years when it has been resurfaced. However, like all other things in life, you also need to take care of the resurfaced concrete in your driveway, walkway, and/or any other home area.
The Cost of Concrete Resurfacing
The cost of resurfacing a concrete driveway or any other flat work may vary between $ 300 to $ 2000. Basic concrete resurfacing costs somewhere between $ 300 and $ 500 for a hundred square feet. The cost of “decorative” resurfacing of a concrete driveway will involve additional polishing, colors, and finishes and may vary between $ 500 and $ 1000 per one hundred square feet. The “stamp” concrete resurfacing is the most expensive and may cost up to $ 2000 for 100 square feet.
Caring for Your Concrete Resurfaced Flatwork
As stated, concrete resurfacing for a driveway may easily last up to 20 years (or even more). However, you can also follow certain tips listed below to ensure that your concrete surfaces and the resurfacing material have the longest life.
- Cleaning: a concrete surface should be cleaned properly before any resurfacer is poured onto it. It ensures excellent bonding between the surfaces.
- Repairs: a concrete surface should also be repaired properly before any resurfacer is used and poured, for the better life of the entire resurfaced flat work.
- Maintenance: concrete surfaces and the resurfaced concrete flatwork do not require any extensive maintenance. However, you can add a sealer to the surfaces for better resistance to damage caused by water and sun rays.
Conclusion
A re-surfaced concrete driveway would retain its strength, shape, and structure easily for up to 20 years and even more. The concrete stain OKC professional services may make your existing concrete flatwork shine like new and resurface it to enhance its life for many more years.