What is Concrete Resurfacing?
And what are your options?
Do you have old concrete you want to fix up, and are you wondering how to do it? You’ll be looking for concrete resurfacing solutions. In other words, any process of replacing an existing concrete slab with a new surface. There are several ways to do this, and we'll guide you through them in this article.
Dealing with damaged concrete? Keep reading to explore your options here.
How to Resurface Concrete
Simply pouring new concrete over old concrete is not a good idea. New concrete won't adhere properly to the old surface, since concrete lacks bonding agents in its chemical composition. This can quickly lead you back to square one, with concrete that deteriorates.
Traditionally, concrete resurfacing means ripping out the old concrete and having a new slab completely re-laid from start to finish. Nowadays, clients are often seeking alternatives to this so they can bypass the demolition stage. Removing old concrete can be an obstructive and time consuming process. For clients with a tight deadline or seeking less intrusion to the space (without heavy machinery and debris), this is not the best option.
Concrete overlays are a newer, more innovative way to resurface.
What You Need to Know About Concrete Overlays
An overlay just refers to any surfacing material that can be applied straight over existing concrete, like SEMCO X-Bond Microcement. Concrete overlay systems feature a special ingredient known as liquid polymer, which allows them to adhere to the surface underneath at a super strong molecular level (unlike concrete as mentioned above). It’s ultimately faster and easier than re-laying a new slab, as it doesn’t involve any demolition.
It’s important that your overlay features an advanced formula and is installed by skilled surface engineers to ensure the best performance.
Why Concrete Overlays Face Criticism
The term ‘overlay’ might raise some concerns, as they’ve gained a bad reputation over time due to the shortcomings of poor-quality products and inexperienced installers.
A crucial factor to the longevity of an overlay is the condition of the old concrete. The reason some overlays might fail is because the damaged concrete is un-repaired before application, which is a mistake that a skilled installer would never make. This includes sealing any cracks to ensure they won’t transfer through to the new surface coating.
SEMCO Liquid Membrane is one of the most advanced anti-fracture membranes on the market, doubling as a complete waterproofing system too. It should be applied it over any cracks, no matter how small, to prepare a strong base for the overlay.
Why Microcement Is The Best Concrete Resurfacing Solution
Around the world, perhaps the most popular concrete resurfacing solution among designers, builders and home owners is microcement.
SEMCO X-Bond is applied as a thin 1/8” coating on top of the existing concrete slab — whether it’s flooring, walls, or joinery. It can be installed on a range of other substrates, too, making it one of the most versatile overlay systems on the market.
What makes microcement so attractive as an alternative to concrete is that it provides a similar aesthetic to concrete but with added benefits. It’s just as strong and durable while being easier to install with a broader range of applications and design possibilities.
The benefits of microcement include…
Diverse Applications: Unlike other overlays, microcement stands out for its versatility across both internal and external applications.
Minimal thickness: Applied at a depth of only 1/8” over existing concrete, X-Bond won’t impact the height of your concrete flooring or its loadbearing capacity. It also extends the scope of application to intricate projects like concrete staircases, joinery, and pool copings.
Waterproof: Our waterproofing membrane makes X-Bond Microcement suitable for all wet areas like swimming pools, showers, and outdoor suraces exposed to heavy rain.
Resilience and Durability: X-Bond is suitable for UV exposure, extreme temperature changes, and underfloor heating. Added latex polymer greastly reduces the risk of cracks and de-lamination — in fact, we’ve never had a de-lamination issue in three decades.
No Demolition: Microcement makes renovations a lot easier as you can remodel your surface without removal.
Versatile Designs: The X-Bond range offers multiple texture finishes suitable for concrete resurfacing. Take your design up a level with a wide range of colors to choose from, including custom shades too. View the range here.
How To Change The Color of Concrete
If color is your only issue, there’s no need to install a totally new surface; you can simply use a concrete color stain.
SEMCO Prestain was developed through advanced engineering to provide a long-lasting color finish for concrete slabs — no matter how old it is. This formula penetrates deep into the pores of the concrete, yet doesn’t hide its natural texture to maintain its natural character.
It also solidifies crumbling surfaces, meaning you can refresh a damaged concrete slab with ease. Read this article on concrete color stain for deeper insights.
A public monument featuring raw concrete walls colored with SEMCO PreStain.