Tips For Making Your Concrete Patio Last Longer
Longevity in home design is a precious gift, and your concrete is one thing you hope will perform well. Though its a much stronger and ostensibly durable material than asphalt, concrete will still crack and wear out over time.
But you can significantly delay such effects with proper maintenance. Many factors contribute to the proper maintenance of a concrete patio. This guide discusses some useful tactics for preserving yours.
Option Seven: Paint It
Paint: If youre on a tight budget and dont need any major repairs done then paint can be the perfect option! It will definitely cover up the aggregate concrete so that your floor looks like new. The downside is if there are any spills or stain marks because they wont come off easily as compared to other coatings. However, if you do decide to go with this option make sure not to use latex paints for some reason those have never worked out well at all for me in terms of durability !!! So I recommend using oil based painters instead just remember that these types may contain a lot of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment so make sure you are doing your research and choosing options with good eco-friendly reviews.
Deck Over The Concrete Slab
Are you considering decking over the concrete slab? That’s another splendid way of making your concrete patio look amazing.
Concrete decking is simple and a great way to transition the outdoor space. So many people turn to it because concrete is versatile. You can transform it into any design you want through proper curing. That way, the concrete patio can match the exterior of your home.
Not to mention the whole process can turn into a DIY approach. Just gather the suitable materials and get to work. Once you complete decking the concrete floor, add white fascia boards at the edge. These make the space irresistible.
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Olympic Patio Tone Deck Coatings
Give your patio and deck a vibrant and protective coating with this Olympic coating. All you have to do is chose the tone you want and apply it to your deck. The coating is an acrylic coating, it is water based and because it penetrates into concrete deeply, it has a non-slip feature. It is recommended that it be applied in two coats one gallon will cover between 80 to 120 square feet if it is applied this way.
Another great thing about this coating is that it doesnt peel and it remains durable under extreme conditions. It is suitable for surfaces that have become worn-out, cracked or peeled.
What Color Options Are There
One of the best things about resurfacing is that it allows you to bring life to a colorless pool deck. Popular colors for pool decks include shades of brown, tan or gray that blend well with the natural surroundings. However, the color choices are limitlessweve seen white, blue, black and bold color combinations used on pool deck coatings.
There are many coloring options for your pool deck refinishing project. Here are the most common choices:
- Integral coloring is mixed into the material. It provides consistent coloring throughout that makes a great base for your new pool deck.
- Color hardeners are a dry shake powder applied to the surface of the concrete, usually before stamping. They provide a bit more intense color palette, and improve the surface strength.
- Surface-applied color are dyes, stains, and tinted release agents that can be used in conjunction with the first two options. Topical colors create variations that help make textures look more like the natural materials they resemble.
Tip: Some contractors can blend custom colors or even do hand-applied special effects that will replicate bluestone or other materials.
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Glue The Border Pavers Over The Concrete
Set each paver down and run some construction adhesive on the side of it. This will ensure the sand cant wash away from between pavers once youve set them down. As the concrete is drying, use a chalk line and a tape measure to outline the borders location carefully.
With the chalk line as your guide, glue the border pavers down along the house and across the patios two sides. If you end up with some squished-up adhesive between pavers, dont wipe it off. Allow it to harden, and then trim it off the patio blocks using a utility knife.
Is It Expensive To Resurface Concrete
Concrete resurfacing is an inexpensive, practical, and enticing patio restoration alternative.
Many other construction materials are generally expensive these include wood, brick, and stone, but not concrete.
The average cost to resurface 100 square feet of concrete is $400. Less expensive projects can run as little as $300, while more expensive ones are about $500. The price per square foot can range between $3 and $5.
We are talking in terms of product availability, the price of the product on the counter, durability of the product, and the amount you will be charged for installation in case you choose to have a professional do the renovation project for you.
But if you are psyched up, you could pull out a fine resurfacing job by yourself if you choose to, but of course, with the help of an extra hand. It will not only give you a pleasant experience but will also help you cut down on expenses.
Concrete, a mix of sand, gravel, and water and cement resurfacing products, are readily available, making them more affordable. Concrete will give you a value of between 10-20 years, depending on maintenance when properly mixed and properly applied.
Nothing is expensive when you badly desire it.
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Break Apart Your Concrete Patio
Continuing from your starting location, use the sledgehammer to break apart pieces of concrete while another person lifts up the section with a pry bar. Lifting will make the concrete easier to fracture and break.
Pro Tip: If you are using a sledgehammer, remember to let it fall onto the concrete patio naturally. Attempting to swing it down can result in injury. Simply lift it and let gravity do the work for you.
Clear the debris as you work, and if you run into any mesh cut it apart with the bolt cutters. Continue the pattern of breaking, cutting and clearing out the concrete until youve reached the end of your patio.
Resurfacing Patios: Make Your Patio Look Better With An Overlay
SUNDEK of San Antonio in San Antonio, TX
Concrete patios with minor damage, but in otherwise good condition, can be transformed with concrete resurfacing. Instead of starting over with a new patio, you can upgrade its appearance and strength with a cement-based overlay.
Find patio contractors near me
Your resurfaced concrete patio can be stamped, stained, or stenciled and have color added. A professional contractor can determine if your surface is a good candidate, as well as make it look like wood, brick or stone with a combination of different colors and patterns.
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Kilz L573611 Interior/exterior Enamel Porch And Patio Latex Floor Paint
The KILZ brand has built quite a reputation and this porch and patio paint is just as durable and functional as their other products. A good porch and patio paint should be easy to clean, it should not crack and it should not fade. Also, it should be able to prevent mold and mildew growth. The KILZ L573611 offers all these and more.
This acrylic paint is also suitable for painted surfaces, so if you have painted your patio before and you need to repaint, this is just the right paint to use. Just a gallon of this paint will cover more than 300 square feet on smooth surfaces.
What Can I Use For Concrete Overlay
They include:
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Seven Maintenance Tips For Concrete Patios
The low-maintenance facet of concrete patios is one of its most popular features. Its also cheaper to install than pavers, a wood deck, or stone.
You get greater value for this particular investment, but its still not something you want to see go down the drain because you didnt take care of it properly. You can make concrete last for decades only as long as you maintain it. Follow these seven rules for to preserve your concrete for years to come.
Option Eight: Use Tiles
Tiles: Another option for covering aggregate concrete is tiles. You can get them installed overtop, on top of or in front of the old finish.
This could be a great solution if its just for an area that needs a quick remodeling job as opposed to something more major like replacing all flooring throughout your entire house .
The downside to any type of tiling is definitely budget because they do cost quite a bit more than other types such as paint but theyre also less expensive compared to new floors which may also be out of reach.
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Kilz L378601 Decorative Concrete Paint
This is another paint from KILZ that will give your patio and concrete surfaces the protection they need. Also, it is a produces a very attractive look and is suitable for your patio, garage floor, driveways, and porches. The paint is slip-resistant, making it perfect for places high traffic areas. Unlike some paints that peel or crack after some time, the KILZ L378601 Decorative Concrete Paint doesnt crack and it doesnt peel.
The quality and its decorative effect make it one of the best paints for patios and concrete surfaces. One gallon of this KILZ decorative paint will cover about 50 square feet when applied in double coat.
Stamped Concrete Vs Plain Concrete Patios
Concrete in any form can be an affordable, attractive, and durable option for your patio floor, but there are differences between stamped versus plain in terms of maintenance. Stamped concrete is designed to look like brick or concrete pavers without the higher maintenance.
It has detailing in the surface and often incorporates coloring to match your taste and other décor. To preserve the detailing, a color hardener and sealant must be applied.
People often choose stamped concrete because its more decorative than plain concrete. Its also more affordable than pavers, bricks, or stones and its more environmentally friendly, with a high-end look. Stamped concrete features the look of a brick or stone paver patio, but maintenance and longevity are far superior.
Plain concrete is more affordable than the other options. Its cheaper than stamped concrete, but you can still get a fairly high-end look if it has the right finish. The maintenance requirements are actually a little higher for plain concrete because it entails fewer treatments to the surface, but the durability is similar to what you can expect with stamped concrete.
The primary difference in maintenance concerns between stamped concrete and regular concrete is the finish. The sealer, which creates the shine on the surface when its finished, may need to be replaced often, but its more visible with stamped concrete.
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How To Resurface A Concrete Patio
The are the steps required in the resurfacing process:
Can You Install Composite Decking Directly Onto Concrete
An existing concrete patio will make your deck installation much easier and faster, and you can install your deck directly onto the concrete.
You will want to account for water drainage and material expansion/contraction, so it is best to place boards called sleepers underneath the deck. It is also a good idea to add small spacers between the sleepers and the concrete patio.
- When you install your sleepers, keep them no more than a foot apart. You want to provide as much support for the top planks as you can, and too much distance can leave your deck feeling unstable and springy. It can even be dangerous nobody wants to put a foot through the deck.
- Some composite decking can be installed directly onto concrete without sleepers. In this case, you will want to make sure your patio is very level and well settled. If your concrete patio sinks an inch in various places over the years, so will your deck. Do yourself a favor and check the manufacturer installation guide before you decide on a deck built flush to the concrete.
- In either case, there will be a need to attach some elements to the concrete. To do this, you will need to drill holes and add plastic anchors to the concrete. Regular nails and screws will not attach to concrete.
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Option One: Use A Surface Coating
This may be the best option if you have small cracks or holes in your concrete because it will keep water off of them and prevent major damage to occur from freezing temperatures . Its also an inexpensive way, although I still recommend using one that has sealant properties for more effectiveness. Some pros and cons of this approach are:
Rtg Deck Porch Patio Anti
This simple RTG paint is a perfect option for your patios as it is easy to apply, it makes for a beautiful finish and it has an anti-slip property. It is particularly designed to withstand wear and tear, and it is protects adequate protection from water. With this RTG paint, you dont have to prime the surface before using the paint.
There are four different colors you can choose from. It is one of the paints that dont fade and you can use it on your wooden, concrete, and sealed surfaces.
Pros
on Amazon.
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Covering A Concrete Patio With Wood
Covering a concrete patio with wood is an excellent way to make it cozier and warmer. Its also another good way to cover up the imperfections on your concrete patio. The process is straightforward. You can floor the patio with wood either by using conventional tongue-and-groove floorboards or 5/4 treated decking.
Gather All The Necessary Tools And Equipment
Yuka Kato from Fixr explains that the tools needed to break apart a concrete patio all depend on the structure. Most concrete patios are un-reinforced, meaning that there is no rebar. So, in that case, a jackhammer is the best method to break the concrete into smaller pieces that can be shoveled away. If the area is very small, and the concrete is already cracked, a sledgehammer could also get the job done.
However, if you do have a patio that has been reinforced with rebar you will need some heavy equipment. This includes things like a hydraulic lift to raise large sections at a time, or an excavator to dig up and lift the pieces.
If your concrete patio is not reinforced with rebar, heres how to remove it.
Tools to Have On-Hand:
Pro Tip: Only use a jackhammer if your concrete patio is more than 4 inches thick. Otherwise a sledgehammer can get the job done. You will also only need bolt cutters if your concrete is reinforced with mesh.
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Prepare Your Patio & Fill Dents With Cement
Before you start laying the carpet, you need to ready the concrete surface. It should be flat, clean, and dry. If there are any dents on the surface, you can level it up using a floor patch.
For deep gouges, filling with cement is a better idea. With the surface adequately fixed, youll have a cleaner installation when you finish.
Add Curves With Pavers
A square concrete slab is standard, but you can add curves around your concrete patio with the help of pavers. For instance, you could add a half circle to one side to create a fire pit area. Or use pavers to border off a circular garden at one corner of your patio.
You can see how we added a curved retaining wall during our backyard patio project, plus a matching fire pit.
This is such a pretty way to make over a concrete patio.
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Spray Applied Or Stenciled Concrete
While not as popular for interior finishes, spray coatings have been around for decades for exterior coverings for pool decks, and patios. In recent years these types of finishes have become more popular in high traffic interior spaces because of their durability, low cost, ease of application, and range of patterns and colors. The type of finish all depends on the spray pattern and method of spray application. They can also be used with adhesive backed stencils to create unique designs . Either a clear or colored sealer is then applied for maintenance and aesthetics.
A 3/8 inch self-leveling floor overlay for a luxury apartment complex. Hyde Concrete in Pasadena, MD