Get matched with top concrete resurfacing pros in Kyle, SD

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.

Small cracks should be filled with a flexible crack filler, like a rubberized asphalt-emulsion crack filler or a flexible masonry crack filler. Larger cracks need something a bit more solid to prevent further movement and to avoid having to use too much of the flexible filler. For concrete, you can use a concrete backer rod while asphalt can handle sand, gravel, or even dirt.

You'll find a slurry of natural and synthetic polymers, rubbers, epoxies, and resins used to bond old concrete to new concrete. The right bonding agent depends on the method of concrete pouring you choose and whether you're adhering concrete over concrete or concrete over sand and gravel. Some concrete resurfacing mixtures contain bonding chemicals as well.

Concrete contractors typically charge anywhere from $6 to $14 per square foot. Cost factors include job size, site prep, base material, accessibility, your location, concrete finish, and concrete thickness. Removal of existing concrete, asphalt, deck, pavers, and grass will cost anywhere from $1 to $6 per square foot. Homeowners can often save money by removing and disposing of existing pavers, decks, and grass. Breaking up and hauling away concrete and asphalt is difficult and time-consuming without the proper equipment and may be worth having the pros do that work.