Concrete Driveway Resurfacing

Concrete driveway resurfacing is a process to make the top of your concrete look like new without the cost and trouble of tearing out your existing driveway and pouring it again. Driveways are not the only concrete surfaces that can be resurfaced, but are often the most in need of it because of the heavy driving and wear and tear it undergoes.

Resurfacing your driveway is an option if the existing concrete base is structurally sound. This means that there can't be any heaving, nor movement of the concrete. Resurfacing is a great option for concrete that is flaking (spalling), or has surface defects.

Fill Holes

If the structure is sound, fill all holes. This is important to do, as the new surface that will be placed over the top will only be about a 1/32 to 1/8th of an inch thick with a maximum thickness of 1/2 an inch. Fill the holes with a patching compound.

Clean the Surface

The next step is to make sure that the surface is free of all contaminants that would break the bond between the new surface to be placed and the existing concrete. This would include paints, oils, dirt, dust, sealers, and form release. To remove these, you or a contractor may sand blast, power wash, shot blast, scarify, or use chemicals to eliminate these potential bond-breakers.

Mix the Resurfacing Compound

Finally, you mix the resurfacing compound. There are many different choices in driveway resurfacing compounds. Miracote, Ardex, Quikrete, and Mapei are a few brands that work well. In the Minneapolis area, Ardex K301 is a great self leveling floor compound because it resists the freeze/thaw cycle. There are directions regarding tools and mixing ratios on the packages of these compounds. Make sure the consistency is slurry (runny).

Apply the Resurfacing Compound

Apply the compound with a steel trowel in a small section of your driveway. When applying the resurfacing compound, work from control joint to the next and take a concrete broom and broom it in one direction over the surface before the product takes a firm set. The product dries very quickly, therefore it is essential to fill in a small area first and then move on to the next. Most driveways are cut in squares for control joints. Apply compound to one square and then broom finish before moving on to the next.

Seal the Driveway

After the compound has set, seal with a water-borne, breathable concrete sealer to help resist damage from pooling water, salt, oil, staining, and marking. Click here for directions on how to seal concrete.

Here are before and after photos showing how a resurfacing compound covered a large crack going through the middle of a porch and some chafing on the riser's edges:

Decorative Resurfacing

You can also update your existing driveway by adding an integral color to the compound mix, or simply staining the resurfacing compound once it has dried and before you seal it.

If you live in the Minneapolis and surrounding area and would like a free estimate from Cornerstone Custom Concrete for concrete driveway resurfacing, fill in a bid request.

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