Best concrete resurfacing pros near Redlands, CA

You can patch minor cracks and damage yourself using concrete fillers or mortar. Larger damage may require full replacement of affected slabs. However, water damage to your concrete will never disappear unless you address the root cause causing the water to cumulate. To prevent future damage, you can also waterproof your concrete.

For thin driveway cracks that aren’t widening or lengthening, a polyurethane crack filler is usually the best way to seal the crack and prevent further damage from water and ice. If you have cracks that are more than ⅛-inch wide or driveway cracks that continue to grow, you should call in a professional driveway repair company to fix underlying problems—like insufficient support from the soil underneath—before filling in the cracks. An epoxy sealant is a better option for wider cracks after the surface is leveled and the underlying problem is fixed.

Concrete resurfacing is the process of applying a new, thin layer of concrete over an existing concrete slab to enhance its appearance and durability. The terms 'concrete resurfacing' and 'concrete overlay' are often used interchangeably, though the exact meaning can vary between contractors. Generally, both refer to applying a layer of pre-blended concrete, typically between 1/4-inch and 1-inch thick. Some contractors may use 'overlay' to describe a thicker application that adds structural integrity, while 'resurfacing' might refer to a thinner, more cosmetic layer. This process is a cost-effective alternative to completely replacing the concrete, as it uses significantly less material than pouring a new 4-inch slab. Resurfacing also provides an opportunity to add new colors or stamped textures. Other names for this process include concrete restoration, concrete refinishing, and concrete rejuvenation.

A concrete overlay on an existing slab can range from 1/4 of an inch to 2 inches thick, though a minimum of 2 inches is often recommended to ensure stability and quality. The ideal thickness depends on the condition of the existing concrete and the depth of any planned designs or imprints. Before applying the overlay, it's important to repair and clean the surface, then apply a primer. For specialized work like a stamped concrete overlay, hiring an experienced contractor is recommended to determine the correct thickness and ensure the new layer isn't too high or heavy. For context, most standard concrete slabs are between 4 and 6 inches thick.