To Overlay or Not to Overlay
Question:
I am getting ready to resurface concrete in front of two double garage entries. I have been told to have the concrete resurfaced with an acrylic overlay. But I have an estimate from a contractor to resurface using a cement-based overlay. I don't know which type of overlay to use or if an overlay is even the best remedy in this situation. Please help.
Answer:
The first question needs to be: What is the end result you are trying to achieve? An overlay will work in this situation, but so could other less costly methods. I am going to assume that you have settled on using an overlay because the existing driveway is damaged or has flaws that need to be covered. But if you only desire to dress up the surface, many different types of stains and solid-color toppings are available that will do just that. The important thing to remember is that these toppings just change the color of the existing concrete and will not correct the profile or hide damage.
If the concrete needs a new surface, a thin-section overlay, often called a “microtopping,” is a good choice. As with any overlay, surface preparation is the most important factor. A clean, properly profiled surface is critical for good adhesion. Other important factors include selecting the right material for the job and hiring an experienced applicator. Not all overlays are designed for exterior use. Ask to see a spec sheet for the product being applied, and feel free to contact the manufacturer to make sure the material will work in this scenario. No matter which direction you go, have your applicator provide references of previous jobs and a written warranty. Also ask to have all maintenance procedures and life-time performance expectations put down in writing before moving forward. A good applicator using a quality overlay material can provide a new surface that will last for decades.
I am getting ready to resurface concrete in front of two double garage entries. I have been told to have the concrete resurfaced with an acrylic overlay. But I have an estimate from a contractor to resurface using a cement-based overlay. I don't know which type of overlay to use or if an overlay is even the best remedy in this situation. Please help.
Answer:
The first question needs to be: What is the end result you are trying to achieve? An overlay will work in this situation, but so could other less costly methods. I am going to assume that you have settled on using an overlay because the existing driveway is damaged or has flaws that need to be covered. But if you only desire to dress up the surface, many different types of stains and solid-color toppings are available that will do just that. The important thing to remember is that these toppings just change the color of the existing concrete and will not correct the profile or hide damage.
If the concrete needs a new surface, a thin-section overlay, often called a “microtopping,” is a good choice. As with any overlay, surface preparation is the most important factor. A clean, properly profiled surface is critical for good adhesion. Other important factors include selecting the right material for the job and hiring an experienced applicator. Not all overlays are designed for exterior use. Ask to see a spec sheet for the product being applied, and feel free to contact the manufacturer to make sure the material will work in this scenario. No matter which direction you go, have your applicator provide references of previous jobs and a written warranty. Also ask to have all maintenance procedures and life-time performance expectations put down in writing before moving forward. A good applicator using a quality overlay material can provide a new surface that will last for decades.
posted by Chris Sullivan
at
11:43 AM
6 Comments:
Could you answer his question with specifics, so we homeowners who want to do our own work can learn? I have a small job such as his, and cannot find anyone to do the job. So, I need to know how to do it myself. What kind of cement? or combination of kinds?
Thanks
By
Anonymous, at 5:34 AM
After reading the article I guess I am still not sure what an "overlay" is ? Is it cement based ? Acrylic? All of the above and more types ? Home centers will know what i am asking if I ask for Cement overlay ? Are these overlays meant to fill in half inch deep holes that have crumbled out and then add a 1/8 or 1/4 inch to the entire surface to get a uniform appearance? Thanks
By
Anonymous, at 5:50 AM
This Blog is not designed to provide basic application guidelines, but instead troubleshoot or answer specific techncial questions and problems. In regard to what is an "overlay", it is a polymer modified cement based topping(Cement, sand, glue, fillers). "Overlays" can be used to patch holes, fix small areas, or cover large areas to provide a unform surface. Make sure to use an overlay designed to fix the problems at hand. Typically, holes and cracks needs to be fixed first, then after that cures, the rest of the surface is covered. Follow the guidelines on the prodcut you are using for best results. You might be hard pressed to find a good overlay at a large home center. You will have better luck buying high quality products at specialty concrete distribution houses.
By
Chris Sullivan, at 5:20 AM
I just had a 100' driveway poured yesterday and was hit by a huge storm right after. The driveway is pitted everywhere. Will an overlay work AND be as durable as the original concrete surface or will it eventually crack and blister up? The contractor is offering to pay for an outside company to do an overlay but I am concerned with how long something like that will last with a truck, 27' travel trailer, flatbed trailer, and a bobcat driving on it regularly. A concrete QC engineer told me the best thing to do was replace the driveway but the contractor does not want to do this. I will be satisfied with a repair if it is as good as the original but I need an opinion from a non-biased person. Please, any info you can provide will be very much appreciated. Thanks, Steve
By
meddmann, at 3:52 PM
Here in NJ, we have a patio around our pool that needs help! Our concrete is stained and ugly, and the plastic spacer strips are broken and chipped. Would an overlay work in this area, and how would you repair the plastic spacers?
Thank you!
By
Anonymous, at 8:19 AM
Regarding your pool patio in NJ, an overlay is only as good as the surface is goes down on. If the concrete is in good condition structurally, and does not have any major cracks, or is not moving or heaving, an overlay could be the solution. You have the option of either a thin micro topping type overlay (one color or with a stencil to resemble stone or brick) or a thicker stamped overlay to make your patio look like three dimensional stamped concrete. See concretenetwork.com for pictures and more info on these types of finishes. In regard to the broken strips, they can be removed before the overlay goes down, replaced or new ones used in the overlay coating (depending on overlay type used). Most of the time the broken strips are removed, the new overlay is placed right over the joint, and saw cut with caulk or grout, or new joint strip is placed in the overlay. Hire ONLY an experienced overlay applicator that can provide you with proof and testimonials of previous work of this type.
By
Chris Sullivan, at 6:04 AM
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