Nothing can ruin your home’s curb appeal faster than an old, cracked concrete driveway or sidewalk. Most builders choose the material because of its low cost and ease of installation. Homeowners often love concrete for the same reasons. But concrete has a definite shelf life, being especially susceptible to damage. From stains to cracks, concrete will eventually show its age.
If your home has a concrete slab that’s started to look less-than-stellar, here are some overhaul options:
Fill it
The quickest and easiest option for repairing cracked concrete is simply to fill the cracks. This is an easy DIY project that works best for concrete with small hairline fissures (which are usually the earliest flaws to appear in a slab). This solution won’t work if your slab is already to the point of crumbling or if there are elevation issues from nearby tree roots pushing up on the concrete.
According to Mike Reedy, owner of Quality Built Exteriors, filling concrete cracks is usually a temporary solution—it doesn’t address the underlying cause, so the cracks could return and worsen over time. For this reason, Reedy said he doesn’t recommend this solution for most cases. There’s also the consideration that epoxy fill material rarely matches the existing concrete exactly, making it even more noticeable and unsightly than the cracks themselves.
However, for more daring homeowners wanting to add a little artistic flair, various colors or decorative materials can be used to fill the cracks! Anything from glitter to pebbles to shells, mixed with clear epoxy, can do the trick and create interest at the same time. Tinted or colored epoxy can also be used (like the chic gold filler above!).
Cover it
According to Reedy, if the old concrete slab is still in decent condition with just minor cracks and no crumbling, then you can have it covered in pavers for a completely custom look! In fact, he just had this done on his own aging driveway. The advantage is that for a paver project, you need to start with a hard, flat surface… so you just saved some time and money by repurposing your old concrete slab as the foundation.
No matter what look you’re going for, there are pavers for that! Pavers come in several price ranges, from basic to luxury, and almost any size, texture, shape and material imaginable. Homeowners can incorporate custom designs, patterns and color schemes to really make their home’s exterior unique, adding both flair and value.
If you’re considering a paver overlay on your concrete, you won’t want to miss Part Two of this series for fun and unique paver ideas.
Resurface it
Did you know you can overlay your concrete? Options range from simple to complex and can be done using a variety of different materials. For a quick repair project, the cracks can be sanded down, refilled with epoxy, and the entire surface can be stained and sealed to better hide the imperfections. More involved overlays can be done to mimic the look of stamped concrete. Full-coverage overlays can even be done with rubber, making them a safer option for homes with young children or elderly or disabled family members.
Before choosing an overlay option, be sure to point out any existing cracks to your contractor, so they can be properly addressed before the overlay is applied. Any material that is put over existing cracks can develop “mirror cracks” in the same spots if not mitigated in advance.
Break it
The most common and effective long-term solution for aging concrete is to demolish it. Get rid of it completely. Now you have an empty canvas again. If it’s a patio rather than a driveway that you’re removing, you might want to go with a deck or paver patio this time. Of course, you can also build a paver driveway or sidewalk.
Or you can simply start fresh with a new concrete slab—a logical and wallet-friendly solution. But this isn’t a DIY job, so you’ll need to budget for a professional who has the tools and knowledge to get the project done correctly. Be sure to address any drainage or elevations concerns with your contractor and to decide on any layout changes for the space before signing the contract.
Upgrade It
If you’re starting from scratch anyway, consider an upgrade to stamped concrete for a more polished look than a plain slab.
Stamped concrete is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Stamped concrete can imitate a variety of higher-end materials, from brick to wood to natural stone—at a fraction of the cost. It’s ideal for just about any hard surface you could need: pool decks, patios, driveways, walkways, porches, and courtyards. Best of all, unlike a labor-intensive paver hardscape, stamped concrete can be installed in just 1-2 days.
Most concrete repair and replacement projects, especially those in pool areas or in spaces with steep elevations or drainage issues, require professional installation and are not your typical DIY projects. Having a team of professionals complete the job will ensure you don’t run into future issues.
If you’re ready for help with your aging concrete, give Quality Built Exteriors a call today to schedule a free estimate.