Concrete is everywhere in Plano. Homes, sidewalks, patios, driveways – you name it! And WE know concrete. As Plano’s top concrete contractor, customers ask us all the time: “Can I just pour new concrete over my old concrete?”
Our answer? It depends! Let’s dive in and understand what it takes to get a concrete overlay job done RIGHT.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Concrete Overlays?
Concrete overlays are when you pour a new layer of concrete over an existing slab. Simple, right? Well…not so fast!
You can’t put new concrete on just ANY old surface. The original concrete has to be in good shape. Here’s a quick checklist to see if YOUR slab makes the cut:
- No major cracks or chunks missing
- Mostly smooth and level
- Made with a compatible mix of concrete
If your concrete looks iffy, STOP! Consult a pro concrete contractor like us ASAP. We’ll assess the damage and guide you on the next steps. Pouring over bad concrete is a recipe for disaster!
Getting Ready: 3 Must-Do Steps to Prep Your Concrete
Once you get the all-clear, it’s time to get that surface ready. Trust us, this step is KEY. Skimp on the prep and your overlay won’t stick.
Step 1: Clean it up! Grab a power washer and blast away all that dirt and gunk. Make it sparkle!
Step 2: Fill ‘er up! Use a concrete patch to fix any cracks and dents. Get it smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Step 3: Rough it up! You want the new concrete to grip, so use a grinder to scuff up that slick surface.
See how important good prep is? Miss these steps and you’re gonna have problems down the road.
Choosing Your Overlay: Bonded vs. Unbonded vs. Hybrid
Time to pick your overlay style! Here are the 3 main types:
- Bonded Overlay
- Sticks right to the existing concrete
- Only about 2-3″ thick
- Best for surfaces in decent shape
- Unbonded Overlay
- Puts a barrier between old and new concrete
- Needs to be at least 4″ thick
- Works well on slabs with some damage
- Hybrid Overlay
- A mix of bonded and unbonded
- Strong and stable
- Great for repairing more beat-up concrete
So which one’s right for you? It depends! As your local concrete contractor, we can look at your unique situation and help you choose.
Thickness Matters: Pour It Right for Maximum Strength
Okay, you picked your overlay type. Now let’s talk THICKNESS. This is important stuff, folks!
Too thin and that new layer won’t last. Too thick and you’re just wasting $$$. You gotta hit that sweet spot:
- For BONDED overlays: 1-2″ max
- For UNBONDED: 4″ minimum
- For PARKING GARAGES or BRIDGES: 6″+
Trust your concrete contractor to get measurements just right. We have the tools and expertise to ensure your overlay is poured at the optimal depth for your needs.
Reinforcements: Give Your Overlay Some Backup
Want to give your overlay superpowers? Two words: STEEL REINFORCEMENTS.
Rebar is like the skeleton that holds your concrete together. It keeps your overlay from cracking under pressure. For heavy-duty surfaces, it’s a must!
For a lighter touch, you can also mix in fibers with the wet concrete. Polypropylene or nylon fibers give your overlay flexibility and fight off shrinkage. Pretty cool, huh?
Before You Pour: A Checklist for Success
Now you’re almost ready to get pouring! But WAIT – don’t forget these important steps:
- Check the weather forecast ⛅
Too hot, too cold, or too rainy? Reschedule that pour! Extreme temps and moisture will mess with the curing process. - Allow proper drying time ⏳
Once the concrete is poured, give it time to set! Bonded overlays need at least a day, while thicker unbonded overlays can take a week. - Consider the cure 🕰️
After drying, concrete needs to cure to reach full strength. Keep it moist and let it cure slowly. Patience pays off!
Concrete Overlay FAQs: You Asked, We Answer!
Will the new concrete stick to my old slab?
If your existing concrete is properly prepped (cleaned, repaired, profiled), then yes! The key is creating a good bonding surface.
What do I do if the overlay starts flaking off?
This means the bond between old and new concrete failed. Get a concrete contractor to inspect ASAP! You may need to grind down and reapply the overlay.
This seems like a lot of work…should I even bother?
We get it, overlays aren’t always the easiest fix. But they’re often more affordable and less disruptive than totally ripping out your old slab. It’s worth considering!
What if my concrete is just too far gone for an overlay?
If your slab is majorly cracked, uneven, or crumbling, an overlay won’t cut it. You’re better off removing the old concrete entirely and starting fresh with a new pour.
The Bottom Line: Call Your Plano Concrete Contractor!
There you have it, folks! The 101 on pouring new concrete over existing slabs. It’s not a quick and easy job – a lot goes into doing it RIGHT.
But don’t stress, that’s what we’re here for! As your trusted Plano concrete contractor, we have the skills and smarts to get your overlay done correctly. We’ll walk you through every step from assessment to finishing touches.
So give us a call! Let’s breathe some new life into that tired old concrete. With our expertise (and maybe some rebar), your overlay will be durable, long-lasting, and looking sharp.
Don’t settle for sad slabs – contact us today and get the five-star concrete you deserve! 🌟
