Old concrete drive way losing its finish
Mooney
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Old concrete driveway is losing its finish. Ive got a drive way that has lost its top finish. about an inch of it in the worst places. This has been this way for deveral year . Question is do I repair it with what , or bust it up?
It has to match existing concrete in good shape.
Thanks in advance,
Tim Mooney
Replies
Sounds like it has spalled. Before you go to patching, it might be worth finding out why it spalled. Do you salt it in the winter (where are you)? May have had too much cement applied to the top surface when it was being troweled. There are several topping products that can be used to apply a new thin layer. I think Ardex is one, I'm sure you'll hear about others. Don't try to use regular concrete or sakrete from Home Depot, it won't work well in the thin layer you described.
I live in Arkansas and [lol] Ive never salted it and pretty sure noone else has dont it either. I think it was straight portland used on top of the pour from what little I know. driveway if 20 something years ols and Ive been here 10 years. Been that way since Ive been here. I think there is some hollow spots still in it if I remember right. My wife has made her demands !!!!!!!! One thing I was worried about is what it will look like repaired ???????
It will look like a patch job. But then, since you live in Arkansas... :)
If appearance is a an issue, consider topping the entire driveway.
Hey !!! Its a pretty nice house in Arkansas !!! LOL
Ok, with what ? I like toppng the whole section better too
Tim Mooney
Take out the driveway and park in the front yard like the rest of yer neighbors do.
Seriously, you've got nothing left to patch and unless you're moving in six months the patch job will be a complete waste of time. If you want some advise on how to avoid this problem with any new flatwork you're planning email me directly.