Replace or Resurface: When to Spruce it Up or Start from Scratch

Concrete is one of the most widely used and durable materials available in the construction industry, but it still has its limitations.

Exposure to a harsh environments such as freeze-thaw cycles, chemicals used for melting ice and heavy equipment traffic can cause concrete to deteriorate over time. However, not all signs of damage merit a complete tear out and replacement of a concrete installation.

Many projects can be brought back to life with some simple rehab.If concrete is showing signs of age, there are a few things to consider to determine if the concrete requires complete replacement or if it can be resurfaced, saving contractors and clients both time and money.

Assess the Condition of the Concrete;

The first step to determine if a concrete installation should be replaced or resurfaced is to assess the condition of the concrete. A concrete slab must be structurally sound in order to be a candidate for resurfacing.

While hairline cracks and chipped concrete generally indicate entirely fixable wear and tear, deep, large cracks are a top indicator that the material cannot be salvaged. In addition, soft, scaling concrete surfaces must be removed by mechanical means to a sound, solid surface before it can be resurfaced.