Affordable Concrete Resurfacing for New Haven Driveways

Benefits of Concrete Resurfacing

Concrete resurfacing involves coating an existing concrete surface with a thin layer of special material to give it a fresh look at a portion of the price of replacing the concrete.

Concrete resurfacing generally has a cost of $3-$7 per square foot of concrete (depending on how thick the material is), whereas total replacement of a driveway can have a cost of $6-$15 per square foot of concrete.

Historic homes located near Marsh Botanical Gardens, newer homes in the downtown area of New Haven, and many of the commercial buildings within the city are good candidates for resurfacing if the structural foundation of the building is strong and there is cosmetic damage to the surface of the building.

The benefits of resurfacing a driveway include: minor cracking, surface spalling, and discoloration; the possibility of adding a decorative coat to the surface of the concrete; and an extended life span of the driveway.

Comparison of Cost to Replace

Replacing a driveway typically involves removing all of the old concrete, disposing of it, and then reconstructing the driveway, which is very costly and time-consuming.

Replacing the entire driveway is unnecessary because of the concrete resurfacing process, which will save you money and time. For most residential driveways, the time required to complete the resurfacing process is approximately 3-4 days.

In addition to saving time, the average homeowner saves 40-60% of what would have been spent on the entire replacement of the driveway, making the resurfacing process one of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck.

Resurfacing is also beneficial to homeowners who live in areas of heavy traffic or close to schools and universities, such as those located in the vicinity of Yale University, where the ability to quickly resurface a driveway without closing the street or causing inconvenience to neighbors, students, faculty, and staff is extremely important.

Assessing Your Driveway for Resurfacing

When considering whether to resurface your concrete driveway, it is essential to evaluate the condition of the driveway. A well-maintained driveway is essential for ensuring the longevity of the driveway and the overall aesthetic of the exterior of your house.

Typical Candidates for Resurfacing

There are several factors to consider when determining whether your driveway should be resurfaced. If your driveway has some cosmetic damage, such as small cracks (less than 1/4 inch), minor spalling, and/or discoloration, and the structural foundation is intact, resurfacing your driveway is probably the way to go.

If your driveway has large cracks, severe spalling, or significant settling, or if your driveway has been damaged due to improper drainage or soil movement, the chances of successfully resurfacing your driveway are greatly diminished. In these situations, it is usually best to consider using a different method of repairing the damage, such as concrete lifting.

Preparation for Resurfacing

Before beginning the resurfacing process, a representative from the company contracted to do the work will come out to inspect the driveway and determine if it can be resurfaced, and to make any recommendations for preparing the driveway for the resurfacing process.

This assessment is free of charge and is usually done in advance of scheduling the actual work. During this inspection, the inspector will examine the driveway to see if it meets the criteria for resurfacing.

Some of the things he or she will be looking for include:

• Cracks larger than 1/4 inch wide
• Minor spalling
• Discoloration

Other items that may cause concern for resurfacing include:

• Large areas of missing aggregate
• Areas where the slab has settled excessively
• Holes in the concrete

If the inspector finds any of these issues, it may be determined that resurfacing is not the best option for your driveway.

Decorative Concrete Options

One of the most appealing aspects of the resurfacing process is the variety of decorative options available. While the traditional gray finish is still popular, many people are now choosing to add a decorative finish to their driveway.

The options vary widely, but may include:

• Stamped overlay
• Colored concrete
• Textured finish

These decorative options not only enhance the appearance of the driveway but can also increase the value of your property.

Stamped Overlays

Stamped overlays are created by stamping a pattern onto the wet concrete. Once the concrete dries, the finished product resembles a high-end paving material.

While the stamped pattern is similar to many high-end materials, the cost to install a stamped overlay is much less.

Stamping is typically priced between $6 and $20 per square foot of concrete, depending on the pattern selected and the complexity of the job.

For example, if you want a simple grid pattern, the cost will be less than if you want a complex design that resembles natural stone.

Regardless of the design selected, the result is a beautiful and durable finish that will last for years to come.

Color Options

Many people choose to add color to their driveway in addition to texture and pattern. There are three main methods of coloring concrete:

• Integral pigment
• Acid stains
• Topical colorant

Each type of colorant produces a slightly different finish and is better suited to certain types of jobs.

For example, integral pigment is the least expensive but produces the most uniform finish. Acid stains produce a rich, mottled finish but require the surface to be prepared first.

Topical colorants allow for the most flexibility in terms of design but tend to wear off faster than the other two.

Regardless of which method is chosen, the result is a beautiful, vibrant finish that adds visual interest to the driveway.

Process for Resurfacing Concrete

Once the contractor has assessed your driveway and made the necessary preparations, the resurfacing process typically takes 2-3 days to complete.

Day One: Preparation of the Driveway

The first step in the resurfacing process is to prepare the driveway. This includes:

• Cleaning the surface of debris, dirt, and oils
• Repairing minor cracks and holes in the concrete
• Creating a profile in the concrete to ensure a good bond between the old and new concrete

Day Two: Application of the Resurfacing Material

On day two, the resurfacing material is applied to the prepared driveway. Depending on the type of material used, this may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to complete.

Once the material is applied, it is allowed to set and harden according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Day Three: Final Touches and Curing

On day three, the final touches are completed. This may include adding decorative elements such as colors or textures to the surface of the driveway.

Additionally, the contractor will apply a sealant to protect the driveway from the elements.

After completion, the contractor will also instruct you on how to care for the new surface to extend its lifespan.

Factors Affecting the Resurfacing Process

As mentioned earlier, the resurfacing process can be affected by weather conditions.

Ideal weather for the resurfacing process is typically found in the late spring or early fall when the temperatures are mild, and there is no risk of rain or extreme heat.

Temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are suitable for most resurfacing applications.

Avoid resurfacing in the middle of summer or in the dead of winter, as the hot sun can cause the resin to dry too quickly, and the cold weather can slow down the curing process.

Benefits of Using a Professional

While resurfacing is a relatively straightforward process, it does require a great deal of skill and knowledge to do correctly.

Using a professional to resurface your driveway will ensure that it is done correctly and efficiently.

Not only will a professional be able to properly prepare the driveway, but they will also know how to apply the correct amount of material and when to apply it to achieve the desired effect.

Using a professional will also provide you with a warranty and peace of mind knowing that the job was done correctly.

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Resurfacing

Resurfacing provides economic and environmental benefits for both the homeowner and the community.

By resurfacing a driveway instead of completely replacing it, you will be saving yourself the expense of having to remove the old concrete and dispose of it.

You will also be reducing the demand for new construction materials.

Another benefit of resurfacing is that it reduces waste generated by the construction industry.

Additionally, resurfacing a driveway helps to maintain the property value and the beauty of the surrounding environment.

In today’s world of sustainability and environmental responsibility, resurfacing is becoming a more and more popular choice among homeowners.

Conclusion

Resurfacing is a great way to breathe new life into an old driveway.

Not only will resurfacing save you money, but it will also preserve the structural integrity of your driveway.

From decorative stamping to color options, the choices are endless.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our professionals evaluate your driveway to determine if it is a candidate for resurfacing.