Is the top surface of your driveway starting to flake, pit, and crack. Not only is such damage unsightly, but it can be dangerous. There was a time when damage to your sidewalk was the end and there was nothing to do but rip out the old sidewalk and replace it. Now, with the right skills, you can resurface your sidewalk.

Step 1: Thoroughly Clean Your Sidewalk

In order to make proper repairs, you need a clean surface for your repair compound to bond to. Thus, you need to cut back any grass that has grown over your sidewalk, clean out any weeds or grass that have started to grow in the cracks, then sweep and pressure wash it.

Step 2: Filling Cracks

Once you have cleaned your driveway, you can start to fill cracks. Use a putty knife to force caulking into the cracks. Give the caulking time to dry before you move to the next step.

Step 3: Tape off Joints

Your sidewalk will have joints in it. If you feel these joints with resurfacing compound, it can leave the new surface of your sidewalk prone to cracking. Thus, you will want to tape off these joints to make sure you don't get any resurfacing compound in them. 

Step 4: Mix the Compound

Use a mixing paddle and an electric drill to mix a bag of resurfacing compound with the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to thoroughly mix the compound, so that you don't have any lumps of dry compound, which will leave your new surface prone to pitting and cracking. 

Step 5: Apply the Compound

Use a concrete towel to scoop compound out of the bucket and apply it to your sidewalk. Be sure to use a lot of pressure with the trowel to force the compound into the cracks and depressions in the surface of your sidewalk. 

Step 6: Create Texture

A textured surface will help you find traction on your sidewalk when it gets wet. To create texture, simply apply gentle pressure to a push broom and pull it across the surface of your sidewalk.

If you have the physical ability to complete all the steps involved in resurfacing your sidewalk, you can take on the project by yourself. On the other hand, if you don't think you are up to the physical labor involved in resurfacing your sidewalk, then you can hire a professional (such as Michael Bianco & Sons) to do the job for you. 

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