Cracks, pitting, stains, or uneven slabs can make your concrete patio an eyesore. Simple repairs may fix the problem, but they often result in an even uglier appearance. If your patio has seen better days, you may not need to replace it. Concrete restoration can breathe new life into the concrete, making it even more beautiful than it was originally.

General Fixes

Damage must be repaired before the aesthetic portion of restoration can occur. Your contractor will fill wide cracks with a concrete putty, which will cure rock hard. Heaved slabs may require cutting and reseating so the patio is level again. Minor cracks and pitting may be patched if they only cover a small area, or your contractor may decide that they are shallow enough to be covered when the entire patio is resurfaced.

Resurfacing

The difference between a basic repair and a full restoration is resurfacing. This covers up all the repair work and patches, along with any stains, so your concrete is pristine again. Resurfacing is also where you can begin to have fun with your patio design. The following are two popular options:

  • Color. Concrete can be tinted or dyed a variety of colors, from muted yellow, oranges or blues to dark charcoals that resemble stone.

  • Texture. Aggregate surfaces provide attractive and durable texture. Gravel or stones are mixed in with the concrete to provide beauty and texture.

Personal Touches

After resurfacing is complete, you have even more options to beautify the restoration project. Stamping is one popular choice. Your contractor will stamp a design into the wet concrete to create a pattern. This could be as simple as a few geometric lines, or as complex as a faux tile design that mimics a mosaic. Cobblestone and brick stamps are also popular and timeless design options.

Further color can also be added once the concrete cures. This is done using special concrete paint and stains. Stains are especially durable and can lend realistic color to the concrete, so it really does resemble stone or brick. Stains are also often used to add color to the mosaic tile look on a restored patio.

The Final Seal

Your contractor will likely recommend sealing the concrete once the project is done. This protects both the design and the concrete surface from weathering and damage. You can then keep the concrete like new by reapplying the seal every few years.

For more tips about restoring your concrete patio, contact a company like Epoxy Stone Inc.

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