It may be time to turn in your jackhammer for a squeegee. While serious structural problems still mean replacing concrete with old-school techniques, non-structural flaws in concrete can be repaired easily with new polymer-modified products. These products can remedy common surface blemishes, such as spalling, scaling, shrinkage or crazing—typically in a day or less. To bring concrete surfaces back to life, polymer-modified resurfacing products such as QUIKRETE’s Concrete Resurfacer can quickly cover unsightly flaws and also provide new beauty to old surfaces. Why use a polymer-modified resurfacing product? Polymers are designed to bond with existing concrete surfaces, and provide flexibility and strength. As the concrete expands and contracts with heat and cold, the polymer allows the resurfacer to expand and contract at the same rate as the substrate. This helps reduce spalling and scaling, and adds to the overall durability of the surface. Is Concrete Resurfacer appropriate for all climates and surfaces? Yes. It can be used in any climate, on any sound concrete surface. However, the temperature must be above 50F for at least eight hours for the resurfacer to properly cure. The repaired surface can be walked on in approximately six hours and driven on in 24 hours. Is resurfacing cheaper than replacing concrete surfaces? Tear-out and replacement costs for concrete surfaces can range from $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot for standard concrete, says Frank Owens, QUIKRETE vice president of sales. The cost of Concrete Resurfacer is approximately $0.25 per square foot. One 40-pound box of Concrete Resurfacer will cover up to 90 square feet at a 1/16-inch thick application. How long does the resurfacer last after it has been applied? Performance will depend upon surface preparation, curing, wear abuse, severity of freeze-thaw cycling and other environmental factors. If properly applied, the Concrete Resurfacer is as durable as the surface being applied to. Where can Concrete Resurfacer be used? Concrete Resurfacer can be used on any concrete surface with non-structural defects, including horizontal or vertical applications. The material can be applied with a trowel or squeegee, or can be brushed on, so it can be used on challenging surfaces such as steps and surfaces on a slight grade. The product can also be used through a special bond-coat process to resurface gunite pools. First, identify why a concrete surface is failing, and then determine whether there are any structural flaws that might compromise the integrity of the structure. But if the damage to the concrete is only skin deep, polymer-modified resurfacing materials can make a contractor’s job quick and easy, while providing beautiful and durable results. Aplicación Step-by-step application For detailed step-by-step application instructions and suggestions for other applications, visit QUIKRETE’s Web site at www.quikrete.com/PDFs/Projects/ResurfacingConcrete.pdf. (English only.)