Stamped Concrete Overlay Problems

The sticky gray material is the epoxy that was used to repair the original crack.

Stamped concrete overlay problems.

Stamped concrete overlay is much thinner than a typical concrete driveway bed or patio slab. We can apply a concrete overlay and customize its look all while making it a durable surface that can withstand vehicle and foot traffic. When it is time to pick a finished surface for your patio driveway or walkway it is likely that you want a product that is aesthetically pleasing. The causes of these problems must be addressed so that the stamped concrete overlay can be successful.

A simple gray concrete driveway is functional but a decorative concrete driveway is functional and transforms the look of a home or business. No matter the overlay the layer must bond with the concrete beneath it. Overlays can also be placed over other flooring materials such as vinyl tile or wood. This patio i repaired the small cracks lightly ground the surface applied the overlay with a hand trowel at about 1 16 inch thick then dragged a broom across the overlay to give it a broomed finished look.

One major problem is that stamped concrete cracks and chips especially in harsher climates that experience frost. The original colored and stamped concrete slab had developed cracks running through about 30 of the slab. Stamped concrete overlays have all the aesthetic advantages of conventional stamping or paving but they re easier and almost always less costly to install. The price of a standard 38x16 foot driveway ranges from about 4 900 to 12 200.

The crack in this stamped overlay is caused by a crack in the underlying concrete that reflected through to the overlay. It s less labor intense than a regular stamp job and more controllable says mike mcanulty president of vegas hardscape a. Overlays can be laid just inch thick. For many mortar layers owners must first lay down a concrete adhesive to cement the two together without this adhesive the top layer can develop cracks and other structure problems.

Learn more below about the pros and cons of stamped concrete overlay application. The total depends on the stamped design s complexity as well as the square footage. A decorative concrete overlay or microtopping is a great solution for restoring and enhancing worn damaged or discolored concrete floors. Stamped concrete is typically one of the less expensive options up front however there are some long term factors to keep in mind before you make your decision.

All you need is a fairly decent slab foundation.