Often asked: How To Overlay Concrete?

What can I use for concrete overlay?

SAKRETE concrete topping & resurfacing products offer an easy-to-use, cost-effective alternative to concrete replacement and will restore your concrete surfaces to a like-new finish. Flo-Coat® Concrete Resurfacer – Polymer modified concrete resurfacing material requiring only the addition of clean potable water.

How thick does a concrete overlay have to be?

The minimum recommended thickness is 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) for a fully bonded concrete overlay placed on a base slab that is practically free of cracks and in which the concrete is sound, clean, and of good quality.

Will concrete overlay last?

Concrete overlays are only as good as the surface, it is being applied to. You need to keep in mind that if the concrete is cracked or surfacing up, then the overlay will also break and come up. You need to be sure that if the concrete is heavily damaged, your overlay won’t last long.

Can you put concrete over concrete?

In most cases, the answer is YES! You can do that, but the existing slab must fulfill certain conditions to support a new concrete layer.

What is the best concrete overlay?

Broom Finish Concrete Overlay



SureBroom is our strongest overlay, has the largest aggregate, and is suited for the highest wear surface including vehicular and foot traffic. Trowel or spray applications.

Do concrete overlays crack?

Unfortunately, most concrete has a tendency to crack, usually as a result of improper design or poor construction practices. As an overlay installer, you have no control over these factors. You are responsible for repairing any cracks in the existing concrete before resurfacing.

Can you put a thin layer of concrete over concrete?

Yes, you may pour a concrete pad overlay over an existing slab. You need to consider the added height and weight of the overlay on the existing structure. Overlays may include polymers, portland cement concrete, or epoxies.

How do you attach concrete to old concrete?

When using a liquid bonding agent, paint the bonder onto the existing concrete and allow it to dry until it is tacky. This usually takes only a few minutes. Then apply the repair material. Just as in the process described above, after the bonder has become tacky apply a scratch coat and then apply the repair material.

How long does it take concrete overlay to dry?

Drying time(final coat)- 10 hours minimum to 24 hours or more in colder weather or more humid weather. Allowing to cure 48 to 72 hours is best, especially in cooler weather. If you are doing an exterior project then you are complete.

Is concrete overlay expensive?

Concrete Overlay Cost for Floors, Patios & More. A basic floor overlay runs from $3 to $7 per square foot, which is comparable to high-end carpet or tile. The price can increase to $20 or more per square foot depending on textures, embeds, saw cuts, or other design elements that are added to the design.

How do you remove concrete overlay?

Once you have a place started where the overlay is broken through, continue to remove the concrete overlay. This is easily done by prying up the concrete from underneath and breaking it into smaller pieces. Use a flat scraper with a long handle to drive under the overlay and lift up.

Can I pour new concrete over old?

If done properly, new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab. For this to be feasible, the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick, use smaller aggregate, and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.

Should you cover concrete with plastic?

Covering the curing concrete with plastic keeps it cleaner, but there is a more important purpose behind this practice. To prevent cracks, plastic is placed over the curing concrete to trap the water inside and regulate its temperature, ensuring gradual curing.