Although it is one of the strongest and most durable building materials around, even concrete will show stains, cracks and surface peeling (aka flaking) over time, making it look old and worn. When the concrete in question is a terrace, it detracts from the look and feel of the entire yard. When using products such as Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer, re-laying the worn-out terrace is a simple DIY project. Some basic tools, a free weekend, and a few friends who are ready to roll up their sleeves are all you need to make that poor terrace look new-without spending any money or labor to dismantle and recast it.
The secret of a successful terrace resurfacing project is to properly prepare the surface and then apply the product evenly. Read on to learn the eight steps to get the best results with Quikrete Re-Cap, and check this video to watch the resurfacing project from start to finish.
In order for the Re-Cap to form a strong bond with the terrace surface, the existing concrete must be carefully cleaned. Grease, paint spills, and even algae and mold will reduce the adhesion of the resurfacing product, so don’t hold back when cleaning. Sweep, scrub, and scrape off all dirt and debris, and then use a high-power high-pressure cleaner (3,500 psi or higher) to clean it thoroughly. Using a high-pressure cleaner is an important step to ensure that the existing concrete is clean enough, so don’t skip it-you won’t get the same result from the nozzle.
For smooth and long-lasting terraces, cracks and uneven areas of existing terraces should be repaired before using resurfacing products. This can be achieved by mixing a small amount of Re-Cap product with water until it reaches a paste-like consistency, and then using a concrete trowel to smooth the mixture into holes and dents. If the area of the existing terrace is elevated, such as high points or ridges, please use a hand-push concrete grinder (suitable for large areas) or a hand-held angle grinder equipped with a diamond grinder to smooth these areas with the rest of the terrace. (For small points). The smoother the existing terrace, the smoother the finished surface after re-paved.
Because Quikrete Re-Cap is a cement product, once you start applying it, you need to continue the application process over the entire part before it can start to set and become difficult to use. You should work on parts less than 144 square feet (12 feet x 12 feet) and maintain the existing control joints to determine where the cracks will occur in the future (unfortunately, all concrete will eventually crack). You can do this By inserting flexible weather strips into the seams or covering the seams with tape to prevent spillage of the resurfacing products.
On hot and dry days, concrete will quickly absorb the moisture in the cement product, causing it to set too fast, making it difficult to use and easy to crack. Before using Re-Cap, moisten and rewet your patio until it is saturated with water, and then use a bristle broom or scraper to remove any accumulated water. This will help prevent the resurfacing product from drying too quickly, thereby avoiding cracks and allowing enough time to obtain a professional appearance.
Before mixing the resurfacing product, gather all the tools you need together: a 5-gallon bucket for mixing, a drill bit with a paddle drill, a large squeegee for applying the product, and a push broom for creating a non-slip finish. At about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (ambient temperature), if the terrace is fully saturated, Re-Cap can provide 20 minutes of working time. As the outdoor temperature increases, the working time will decrease, so once you start, make sure you are ready to complete the process. Hiring one or more workers—and making sure everyone knows what they will do—will make the project go more smoothly.
The trick to a successful resurfacing project is to mix and apply the product to each part in the same way. When mixed with 2.75 to 3.25 quarts of water, a 40-pound bag of Re-Cap will cover approximately 90 square feet of existing concrete with a depth of 1/16 inch. You can use Re-Caps up to 1/2 inch thick, but if you use two 1/4 inch thick coats (allowing the product to harden between coats) instead of using a single thicker coat, you may It is easier to control the uniformity of the jacket.
When mixing Re-Cap, ensure the consistency of the pancake batter and make sure to use a heavy-duty drill with a paddle drill. Manual mixing will leave clumps that can detract from the appearance of the finished product. For uniformity, it is helpful to have one worker pour out an even strip of product (about 1 foot wide) and have another worker rub the product on the surface.
A perfectly smooth concrete surface becomes slippery when wet, so it is best to add broom texture when the resurfacing product starts to harden. This is best done by pulling rather than pushing, pulling the bristle broom from one side of the section to the other in a long and uninterrupted manner. The direction of the brush strokes should be perpendicular to the natural flow of human traffic-on the terrace, this is usually perpendicular to the door leading to the terrace.
The surface of the new terrace will feel very hard soon after it is spread out, but you must wait at least 8 hours to walk on it, and wait until the next day to place the terrace furniture. The product needs more time to harden and bond firmly to existing concrete. The color will become lighter after curing.
By following these tips and best practices, you will soon have an updated terrace that you will proudly show off to family and friends.
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Post time: Aug-29-2021