Cost Savings & Timeline for Concrete Resurfacing in Union City

Cost Savings Compared to Replacement

The average cost to resurface a concrete patio or driveway in Union City is $3-$7 per sq. ft., which is roughly 50-70% less expensive than completely replacing the concrete. The average 400 sq. ft. patio resurfacing project will cost around $1,200-$2,800, whereas a full replacement of the same size would cost an estimated $3,200-$5,600. Decorative resurfacing, such as stamping or multi-colored resurfacing, will range in price from $6 to $20 per sq. ft. and also offers significant cost savings compared to a full replacement project. Additionally, when you factor in the costs of removing and disposing of the old concrete, the cost savings of resurfacing become even more apparent. In many of Union City’s older neighborhoods, resurfacing becomes especially beneficial because it maintains the current water drainage systems and any existing landscaping and hardscaping.

Breakdown of Materials and Labor Costs

Materials used in the resurfacing process represent about 20% of the overall cost of the project. Polymer-modified overlays and bonding agents generally have a price point of $0.50 to $2.00 per sq. ft. Professional labor is typically the largest expense, ranging in cost from $2 to $5 per sq. ft., depending on the amount of surface prep required and how complex the decorative features are. Depending on where you live in Union City, there could be some added expense related to coordinating the delivery of materials and staging of equipment for difficult-to-reach job sites. Surface preparation (cleaning, crack repair, profile grinding) can cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per sq. ft., but is essential to provide a good bond between the old and new concrete and ensure the longevity of the finished product. As we all know, good preparation is key to having a durable finish in the freeze-thaw environment that exists in New Jersey.

Efficient Timeframes for Projects

Typically, concrete resurfacing projects in Union City take place in 2-5 days, depending on the square footage of the surface area being treated and the complexity of decorative features being installed. Most basic resurfacing jobs will take 1 day to clean and prepare the surface and apply the overlay; then, after 24-48 hrs. the surface is ready for light foot traffic. More complex decorative jobs,s such as stamping or multiple-color resurfacing, can take 3-5 days to complete; however, these jobs are completed much sooner than a full replacement project. Inclement weather has a major effect on the scheduling of concrete resurfacing jobs. Ideal application conditions include a temperature between 5 and -85 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity. Typically, Union City homeowners can expect to return to normal usage within one week of completing their project.

Scheduling Considerations Based on Season

Spring and Fall are usually the best seasons for performing concrete resurfacing in Union City due to the relatively comfortable temperatures and lower humidity levels, allowing for the best possible curing conditions. If a project needs to be scheduled during the summer months, the best option is to do the project in the early morning to avoid working in extreme heat. During the winter months, projects will require the use of temperature-controlled materials and longer curing times. Contractors typically plan and schedule projects based on 3-5 day weather forecasts to ensure that the application and curing conditions are met. In addition to rain delaying the timeline, having a covered workspace can help to protect the project from inclement weather and help to keep the project on track if the weather does not cooperate.

Preparation of the Surface Area

Good surface preparation is necessary to produce successful resurfacing and to guarantee the long-term performance of the project. The average time to properly prepare a surface area for a residential project is 4-8 hours. The first step in preparing the surface is pressure washing to remove dirt, oil spots, and loose particles from the old concrete. The second step is to diamond grind the surface area to create the proper surface profile for the bonding agent. Third, cracks should be repaired using either a polymer injection or routing and sealing to prevent further cracking and to create a uniform appearance. For severely damaged areas, the contractor will typically need to fill in the damaged area with a repair mortar prior to applying the resurfacing overlay. Each surface area is assessed individually by experienced contractors to determine what level of surface preparation is needed and how much time is required to complete this task.

Quality Control of the Application Process & Curing

The timing of the application of the resurfacing material is important to the success of the project, as most resurfacing materials need to be applied within 20-30 minutes of mixing. Professional crews will coordinate the preparation and application of the material to ensure that there is a consistent layer of material across the entire surface area of the project. The initial curing time for most resurfacing materials is 24 hours prior to foot traffic and 72 hours prior to vehicular traffic. However, the full strength of the cured material takes approximately 28 days to develop. Homeowners can normally begin using the surface again much sooner than 28 days.

Long-Term Return on Investment

When done correctly, resurfacing provides an additional 8-15 years of usable life at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement. Maintenance costs for annual upkeep are very low and consist mainly of sealing the resurfaced area every 2-3 years for $0.15 to $0.30 per sq. ft. Resurfacing is also environmentally friendly due to the reduction in energy used in producing and transporting the raw materials. Improvements in property values are often greater than the cost of the project itself, particularly when the resurfaced area is highly visible, such as front porches and driveways in Union City’s competitive real estate market.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance of the resurfaced concrete is vital to maintaining its appearance and extending its service life far past what is normally expected. Cleaning up spills and stains immediately will prevent permanent damage and discoloration, while sealing the surface periodically will prevent moisture from penetrating the surface and causing damage from freeze-thaw. Using deicing salts and harsh chemical cleaners on the resurfaced surface can cause damage to the overlay material and reduce the overall quality of the surface. Regular inspections (every 2-3 years) performed by professional inspectors can identify minor issues before they become costly repairs. In many cases, well-maintained resurfaced concrete outlasts the original surface area in terms of durability and appearance.

Options and Design Flexibility

There are many different ways modern resurfacing techniques allow for design flexibility in creating visually appealing surfaces, from a simple change in color to elaborate designs with stamped patterns simulating natural stone or brick. Color is available through integral coloring, which allows the color to run throughout the thickness of the overlay material, or topical staining, which creates a varied color effect and deepens the richness of the color. There are also a variety of textures available, including:

• Broom finishes
• Exposed aggregate
• Smooth troweled surfaces

These allow for a wide variety of aesthetic and functional uses. Accent and border areas can be created to add visual interest and sophistication to plain concrete surfaces. While the increased design options increase the cost slightly, they greatly improve the aesthetic appeal and value of the resurfaced surface area.

Benefits of Having a Professional Perform the Job

Experienced professionals perform the correct surface preparation, select the right materials, and apply them correctly, all of which are necessary for a successful resurfacing project. Professionals also ensure that the correct ratio of mixing, the correct thickness of application, and the correct timing of the application are maintained in order to obtain uniform results and a long-lasting finish. Additionally, professionals understand the unique environmental challenges that exist in Union City, such as soil types and extreme temperature fluctuations, that affect the performance of the concrete. All of the professionals at Union City Concrete Works stand behind the quality of our work and provide warranties that cover both the materials and the labor to protect your investment from premature deterioration. By hiring us to perform your resurfacing project, you can be assured that your concrete surface will look its best, last for years, and add value to your home for years to come.