A thin shell concrete structure must be carefully laid up by craftsman familiar with the technique. In regular construction, the thinnest that is normally used is about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in thickness.
Similarly, it is asked, is it OK to pour concrete over existing concrete?
If the existing concrete is in good shape structurally, you can pour new concrete over it to freshen it up. Proper prep work is key to success when layering new concrete over old. If the existing concrete is in good shape structurally, you can pour new concrete over it to freshen it up.
Similarly, can you pour a thin layer of concrete over existing concrete? Yes, you may pour a concrete pad overlay over an existing slab. You need to consider the added height and weight of the overlay on the existing structure. Overlays may include polymers, portland cement concrete, or epoxies. You should improve the drainage of the slab by having a good slope on the overlay.
Also to know, can I pour concrete 1 inch thick?
There aren’t many reasons to have only a 1-inch thick concrete surface. It is too thin to use as a flooring just by itself; however if you need to resurface damaged concrete, a 1-inch layer is a good amount. The old surface is prepared so that the new concrete will adhere, then the new cement is added.
How do you bond new concrete to old concrete?
When using a liquid bonding agent, paint the bonder onto the existing concrete and allow it to dry until it is tacky. This usually takes only a few minutes. Then apply the repair material. Just as in the process described above, after the bonder has become tacky apply a scratch coat and then apply the repair material.
17 Related Question Answers Found
Does concrete resurfacing last?
Thanks to its advanced bonding properties, concrete resurfacing can last for quite a while. A properly resurfaced floor can last from 8-15 years.
Can you pour concrete over dirt?
Pour concrete over a solid, well-drained base Because concrete slabs “float” on the soil, soft ground or voids underneath may cause unsupported areas to crack under heavy weight like vehicles. Pack about 4 in. of sand or gravel over clay and other poorly draining soils to provide even support.
How thick does a concrete overlay have to be?
The minimum recommended thickness is 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) for a fully bonded concrete overlay placed on a base slab that is practically free of cracks and in which the concrete is sound, clean, and of good quality.
Is it OK to pour concrete in cold weather?
Never pour concrete over frozen ground, snow, or ice. Concrete in cold weather is recommended to have a low slump, and minimal water to cement ratio, to reduce bleeding and decreases setting time. Use concrete curing blankets to prevent freezing and keep the concrete at an optimal curing temperature.
How do you make a sloped concrete ramp?
To create the slope of the ramp, build the sides of the form with pieces of plywood cut at an angle along the top. The key to shaping the concrete into a slope is to use a stiff mixture; if the concrete is too wet, it will slump down to the bottom of the ramp, seeking its own level.
Can a concrete driveway be resurfaced?
Concrete resurfacingIf your driveway is experiencing cracking, scaling or spalling, the best solution is to resurface it with a concrete overlay. Before you can resurface existing concrete, it’s important to remove any unsound concrete and repair noticeable cracks so the overlay has a solid base to bond to.
Does new concrete stick to old?
Bonding New Concrete to Old Concrete. Wet the old concrete thoroughly. In order for the concrete to adhere together effectively, it cannot be dry. The concrete must be damp so the water permeates into the older concrete to help achieve a strong bond.
Can I pour concrete 2 inches thick?
A: Concrete is typically applied at a thickness of 2 inches or more, but the thicker it is, the stronger the slab will be. The thinner applications would include drives, walkways, slabs and footers, just to name a few. With this type of application, both a fine and coarse aggregate are required.
What is difference between concrete and cement?
The difference between cement and concrete Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Cement comprises from 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume.
Do concrete overlays crack?
But overlays are only as good as the subbase they are applied to. They are not intended to fix bad concrete. If you put an overlay directly over a cracked surface, the overlay is likely to crack as well.
Can you smooth concrete after it dries?
There are basically two methods used to smooth off hardened concrete surfaces. They are dry grinding and wet rubbing. Dry grinding is done of dry concrete surfaces to remove fins and marks caused by forms. The water, plus the rubbing action, brings up a cement paste which results in a very smooth, plaster-like surface.
Can you skim coat concrete?
Skim coating concrete entails applying two layers of finish. The first layer is Thin Finish and it should be 1/8 inch thick. Spray the driveway with a hose so the finish will form a strong bond with the concrete. Spread the Thin Finish with a squeegee and wait for it to dry.
What is the best concrete resurfacer?
The best concrete resurfacing material is the Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer (No 1131). The QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer (No. 1131) is a special blend of Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers and other additives.
How can I make my concrete white again?
Apply vinegar or bleach to the discolored areas. If you use vinegar, do not dilute it. Pour it onto the concrete and scrub it into the surface with a scrub brush. If the discoloration starts to fade, repeat until it disappears completely.
When can I remove concrete forms?
Removing forms before the concrete is truly dry. The forms or “molding” that holds the concrete in place until it dries should be left alone for at least two days to ensure that the concrete is completely dry.
How thick should a garage floor be?
six inches thick
How do you level existing concrete?
Here’s what to do: Fill any cracks with epoxy. Apply latex bonding compound over all the concrete when the floor is absolutely dry. Mix the self-leveling compound with water, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the self-leveling compound immediately, because it can dry very quickly.