Concrete Restoration and Finishing
Restoring concrete gives it a fresh, new appearance. When concrete cracks or shows signs of weathering, restoration of the area is in order. Concrete is used for patios and sidewalks leading to and surrounding homes. When these areas break down from time or other elements, they aesthetically affect the home. Commercial contractors are readily available to fix the issues, but the problems may be fixed as a do-it-yourself project for a determined homeowner. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Concrete mix
- Water supply such as a garden hose
- Bucket
- Metal stir stick
- Trowels
- Plastic sheeting
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Push broom
Instructions
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1
Clean the concrete area. Sweep away dirt and debris then wash down with water. Leave the area damp.
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2
Identify cracks in the area for restoration. These are the first area of focus. Wet the cracks with water, letting it run through the cracked area.
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3
Mix a small amount of concrete, thicker than recommended. If the package directions call for 2:1 ratio of concrete to water, mix 3:1. Stir into a thick paste.
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4
Apply the thick paste to the cracked area. Use a trowel to press the thick substance into the cracks, filling to the top, even with the unaffected areas.
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5
Create a thin mix of concrete by adding more than the recommended water. For example, if the directions call for a 2:1 ratio, mix 2:2.
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Apply the thin mixed concrete over the crack and smooth with a trowel. The mix should blend evenly into the surrounding concrete.
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Apply a small amount of water to the fresh concrete and cover with a sheet of plastic. Allow the area to dry according to the manufacturer's directions for regular concrete use. Remove the plastic when dry.
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Mix concrete according to the manufacturer's directions into a wheelbarrow using a shovel to stir. Mix enough to put a new layer of concrete on the entire working surface.
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9
Slowly pour the mixed concrete onto the surface, spreading initially with a shovel. Move the wheelbarrow while pouring to spread the concrete faster.
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Smooth the new concrete with a trowel or push broom. A wide trowel will give a smooth appearance. A push broom will give a rough surface. Cut the edges of the area using a trowel. As the concrete begins to stiffen, straight edges may be created by running the trowel along the pre-existing edge.
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Tips & Warnings
When filling cracks, work quickly as paste will dry fairly quickly, becoming stiff and difficult to work with.
Do not fill large holes with this technique. Fill large hole with a regular concrete mix and allow to dry before resurfacing.
