Concrete Resurfacing Nightmares
Concrete Resurfacing sounds easy and can look great!
A total DIY Nightmare
We get calls for help far to often, which is why we wrote out last blog – Top 5 Mistakes when concrete resurfacing, so we thought we could continue the theme with this blog and our our Top 10 Tips for a better concrete resurfacing finish.
Get the right Advise from concrete resurfacing professionals
Get your advice of multiple trusted sources as like most industries there are a few untrustworthy people looking to do nothing but line their own pockets with your had earn money so don’t get court out.
If you are looking for a trusted source give Astute Asset Management a call, we have been in the industry for over 10 years and there is not much that we have not seen when it comes to concrete resurfacing.
Ben Walkom – Concrete Resurfacing Specialist
Book an appointment today on 07 5609 6698
Or click to send your details – Contact us
Knowing when to resurface your concrete
This is key to understand as you don’t want to do it to early as this just wastes time & money & you don’t want to leave it to late as you may get non-reversible damage to the surface such as Damage from the elements (uv light) resulting in discoloration, cracking or staining from liquids.
All manufactures have different recommendations so keep the info of what brand & product you used hand for when it comes time to resurface as this takes the guess work out
Calculations of product
So your recalled the product info on what product is on your surface so you can follow the resurfacing recommendations for that type of product on this info, they will also tell you what sort of coverage is expected for working out how much product to buy, now this allow 5-10% more products depending on the size of your job (<50m2 5% >50m2 10%) this coves any unforeseen variables & if you take the cost of your time having to run back to the supplier that alone should cover the 5-10% cost anyways.
DO A TEST AREA of the exact concrete your are going to be resurfacing!
Look at the patches!!
Always work to the joints in the surface or in the least noticeable area’s either when doing test area, prep cleaning or resurfacing as if you don’t 90% of the time it show’s through in the end finish.
Start off with a test area or the smallest area possible, buy doing this you build confidence with the products & method that best suits, as there is not one set hard or fast rule across the board when resurfacing concrete, so if you try one method & its not the result your after try a different approach.
This picture is a driveway in my street and it eeerkks me overtime I drive past it. The job has been going since before Christmas, its so patching its beyond repair!
Time Management
Note: This is not Better Home & Gardens or The Block so allow 15-20% more time then you think as if you rush the job due to time management you will cut corners leaving you with a resurfacing finish that is not desirable & your left with it for a long time, or worst case you have to call in the professionals!! keep this algorithm in mind when deciding DIY or Professional, don’t get me wrong I’m all for DIYing but you must be fair dinkum with your capabilities/skill set,
Your time + RRP on products & equipment + skill level= end results verse Tradesman’s time + trade discount prices on products & equipment + warranties + skill level= great results + warranties& or Grantee’s.
So what I’m saying is if you do DIY algorithm & for what reason have to + professionals algorithm + time to undo anything damage that has been done DIYing it’s a hell of a lot more costly.
And hey if you complete the job early have a cold drink & just admire what you have created, you know job satisfaction. & make sure to load it up on social media & let as may people know what you have created also. #thisbolg #AAM #DIY #resurfacing #whateverihavemissed
Components/equipment needed for a smooth concrete resurfacing project
Here’s a general guide for what you’ll need to resurface your floors:
Product Manufactures recommended Personal Protective Equipment PPE
- Gloves
- Dust mask to the correct standard
- Eye protection
- Correct clothing
Concrete Cleaning Equipment
- A Broom
- A Pressure Washer minable 2000psi (or similar) (you can hire these from Kennards Hire)
- Watering can to apply cleaner
- Correct Cleaner, oil grease remover, Mold killer
- Measuring jug for mixing cleaner
- A hand Scrubbing Brush
- Products (general amounts to follow)
- Another person (or a lot more time)
Concrete Resurfacing equipment
- A Squeegee
- A Trowel
- Electric drill (mixing)
- A container and tool for mixing (such as a paddle brush)
- Concrete Grinder
- Concrete Edger
Concrete Sealing equipment
- Leaf Blower
- Sealing tray
- Pole
- Masking tape
- Correct roller fame & sleeve
- Thinning agent
Don’t have all these things or added up the cost of all these things! Give us a call for a free quote!
No job is too big or too small we can do them all
Ben – 07 5609 6698
The basic steps involved once all aspects have been decided apon & thought out.
Cleaning your concrete surface
The first thing that you’ll need to do is get your floors properly cleaned with pressure cleaner (2000psi) removing any coating, build up of dirt & grime that have become ingrained into the surface. Begin by blowing down the surface with leaf blower, then by applying cleaning product with watering can & boomed in to help remove any stains with the correct Cleaner.
If you’re finding it very hard to clean the concrete, especially if the cleaner doesn’t seem to be soaking into the surface at all, you might have a sealant layer over your floor that has weakened over time, remove it with a sealant remover before continuing work.
Ready up your surface
Now you’ll need to get ready to apply the concrete resurfacer or Sealer. It might be tempting to save time & skip the pressure cleaning but by just hosing off your surface, however this will dramatically reduce the results & life span of the new resurface. Mask up up any areas you don’t want treated, check weather conditions, have signs & or barrier tape so no one walk on your treated areas,
Sealing application
Astute Note: Using a trusted brand is a smart choice looking for warranty & licensed or trained applicator is money well spent if you are looking for a professional.
Always follow the manufactures instructions, blow down the surface removing any lose leaves & debris making sure it dry usually the day after cleaning is fine using a paint tray to hold the sealing product using a roller & recommended sleeve ie solvent resent, paint brush for cutting edges. Working as not to get yourself stuck into a corner. As you cant walk on surface till sealer is dry, working to a wet edge & have your breaks in-between the joint section in the surface.
Looking to tackle another project? Astute Asset Management are your Gold Coast Pressure Cleaning Specialist!
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Have a commercial job, we can help
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