SELF-LEVELING OVERLAY APPLICATIONS
THERE ARE SEVERAL APPLICATIONS THAT THESE OVERLAYS ARE IDEAL FOR. HERE ARE A FEW OF THEM:
RESTORE WORN OR UNEVEN CONCRETE
Self-leveling overlays can be used to structurally restore worn or damaged concrete. The overlay smooths out on its own to create a flat, level surface over the concrete. They can be up to one inch thick in order to smooth out all of the imperfections in the concrete beneath. When a concrete surface is full of dips and divots in the surface, these overlays will not only coat the surface for aesthetic purposes but also fill in these imperfections to actually make the concrete slab more structurally sound. They can be designed in multiple styles and colors as well.
STAINED CONCRETE FLOORS
These concrete overlays can be stained in order to impart colors to meet the design needs of a home or business. If you have a concrete floor that is unsuitable to be finished on its own, but would like a colored concrete floor a self-leveling overlay can be a fitting solution. Most acid stains come in a wide variety of earthy tones to choose from. These hues can be used to create solid colors for the floor or even a distressed look that can resemble natural stone floors. Patterns can also be implemented to create a more complex, elegant look to the concrete flooring.
POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS
An uneven concrete floor can be a costly project if you’re seeking to have it polished. Polishing will require many pass overs in order to smooth out the surface of the floor to the polished sheen. Still, the aggregate in the concrete may be exposed from having to make the concrete flat. By using a self-leveling overlay, this costly process can be avoided as concrete overlays can be polished the same way as a concrete floor. This will achieve the desired look of polishing without having to go through an extensive repair process or exposing the aggregate.
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INSTALLATION
Installing a self-leveling overlay first requires the surface of the concrete to be prepped. This does involve some repair work if any cracks are present in the slab. Once the cracks have been filled, the concrete needs to be resurfaced. The most recommended method of resurfacing for a concrete overlay is by shot blasting. After the surface has been profiled it will need to be primed as well. Priming seals the pores of the concrete and ensures proper adhesion of the overlay. Then the overlay can be mixed and poured along the surface of the concrete. After the overlay has cured, the floor is finished.
SELF-LEVELING OVERLAY PRICING
An overlay can save you a significant amount of money when compared to the cost of demolishing and replacing your existing concrete floors. Installing a self-leveling concrete floor overlay can range between $3 and $7 per square foot. This price is dependent on a few factors, such as incorporating stains and patterns. The price can increase to $15 per square foot or more when textures, embeds or saw cuts are added to the design. Keep in mind, the more elaborate the design, the more it will cost.
INSTALLATION TIME
The installation process will take several days to complete depending upon the size of the project and weather conditions. The area should be kept clean as it dries. The stain and finish applications must also be protected from soiling and surface contact while it cures. The concrete overlay should be left alone after each action to ensure proper adhesion of the coating. The area must be avoided throughout the process and shouldn’t be used until the coating has fully cured. The time it will be safe to walk on will be determined by the weather conditions. Usually, a 24 hour period is required after the final finish is applied.
The Benefits of
Self-Leveling Concrete Overlays
Versatility
These concrete toppings have a wide variety of patterns and colors that can be applied.
Affordability
This a much more affordable solution than many other types of flooring or needing to demolish and replace an existing concrete slab.
Environmentally Friendly
Utilizing the existing concrete surface is much more eco-friendly than demolishing and replacing, which would result in a large amount of waste.
Durability
Covering concrete with a self-leveling overlay enhances the durability of concrete’s already tough surface.
Lifespan
FEATURES THAT MAKE SELF-LEVELING OVERLAYS IDEAL FOR CONCRETE FLOORS
THINNER FLOORS
ADAPTABLE
RESTORATIVE ABILITIES
WHY ARE SELF-LEVELING OVERLAYS BETTER THAN REPLACING CONCRETE?
OUR EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION HAS POSITIONED AS A LEADER AMONG CONCRETE CONTRACTORS
COST-EFFICIENCY
Replacing concrete is an expensive project to undertake. It requires the demolishment of the old concrete, the removal and disposal of the debris left over from the demolition, and then prep for a new concrete slab. At this point, you still haven’t paid for the new concrete to be poured yet, let alone finishing techniques. By utilizing a self-leveling overlay, you can achieve the desired look for your concrete and restore its structural integrity without breaking the bank.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Tearing out a concrete slab wastes a large amount of material. Choosing a concrete overlay instead of replacing the concrete is an environmentally-friendly alternative. This takes advantage of the current surface while using fewer materials to form a new floor. Considering concrete overlays last longer and aren’t as easily damaged, you’ll not have to replace them as soon as other flooring types, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
FASTER INSTALLATION
The time needed to install an overlay is much faster than that of a total concrete replacement. The steps in replacing concrete involve tearing out the existing concrete, hauling off the debris, prepping the area for new concrete, and pouring then finishing the new surface. For overlays, it’s simply cleaning and resurfacing the concrete, pouring the overlay, and finishing the surface. This process will reduce your downtime significantly in comparison.
