Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Overlays

If you have old, existing concrete foundations on your property, it is likely that they are in need of a little restoration or repair. One of the most cost-effective and easy options for old, existing concrete improvement are overlays. Concrete overlays are installed directly on top of existing foundations, which means there is little to no demolition or excavation necessary. They are great options for sidewalks, patios, driveways, and more.

Continue reading to learn some answers to the most frequently asked questions about concrete overlay application, performance, appearance, and maintenance.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Where Can Concrete Overlays Be Applied?

Any existing concrete surface that is in sound condition is a good candidate for overlay installation. A few cracks here and there are not usually an issue, but if the foundation is heaving, crumbled, or full of crevices, it is not a good candidate. A professional concrete contractor can provide an assessment to determine if your property is a good candidate for concrete overlays. Everything from sidewalks and driveways, to patio, pool decks, and more can be overlain with a fresh layer of concrete. Overlays are a great option for stained or discolored surfaces.

Are Concrete Overlays Durable?

Concrete can last a long time with good care. And with proper installation and sealcoating, an overlay can last for several years. It is important to have concrete surfaces re-sealed every few years to prolong this level of longevity and protection. They can also be polished to a smooth, even finish. This adds more protection, especially in high-traffic areas. Polishing is a great option for surfaces that are blemished, discolored, or stained.

What Does a Concrete Overlay Look Like?

The great thing about concrete is its versatility. It can be polished, stained, colored, stamped, and more. These options can give standard grey concrete a decorative appearance, and can even mimic higher end materials like brick, tile, cobblestone, and marble. This makes it an extremely cost-effective alternative to these materials and more. Concrete is also easier to clean and care for, making it less labor-intensive for the property owner.

How Do I Maintain Concrete?

Routine sweeping, occasional power washing, and bi-annual re-sealing is all concrete needs to maintain its fresh appearance. Keep in mind that concrete is not meant to last forever, so eventually, you will need to overlay it, or have new concrete installed.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete installation and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial concrete services, ranging from concrete staining and stamping, to repair, overlays, pressure washing, and much more. Best of all, we retain the proper resources, skills, knowledge, and equipment to accurately implement a flawless concrete staining project in a time-frame that’s convenient for you. Get started today by requesting an on-site estimate.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

The 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Pouring a Concrete Slab

There are several reasons why it is important to hire a professional for any type of concrete slab work. In fact, the most common mistakes made by those who choose the “do-it-yourself” approach are the reasons why professional concrete service is so critical to the outcome of a concrete slab project. So if you are a property owner who is considering a DIY concrete slab project, be sure you are fully informed before getting started.

Continue reading to learn the top four mistakes made when pouring concrete slab on your own. You might decide that professional concrete installation is the best route to take.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Common Concrete Slab Mistakes

Even the most experienced handyman or home improvement buff is better-off hiring professional concrete service for their slab work needs. Without the proper resources, a person can have a lot of trouble pouring concrete on their own, and a low chance at achieving quality results. This includes the proper tools and materials, specialized equipment, and a sufficient team of helpers. In addition to the proper tools and resources, adequate training and hands-on experience is essential to pouring concrete slabs skillfully.

Here are the top 4common mistakes made when pouring concrete:

❶ Site Preparation

Pouring concrete is a complex job that requires a significant amount of preparation. Those without experience often overlook the importance of proper site preparation. For concrete can be poured, the site must be perfectly level and thoroughly compacted. In most cases, this requires preliminary site excavation work. Depending on the quality of your work site’s surface, various adjustments may be needed to achieve a good outcome.

❷ Concrete Mixing

Another common mistake made by novice concrete installers is improperly mixing the concrete or using the wrong type altogether. Even the mix is only slightly off balance, it is worthless and shouldn’t be used. Also, not all concrete projects call for the same type of concrete mix, so it is important to differentiate products from one another. Using the wrong concrete would be disastrous to your project, not to mention a huge waste of your money and effort.

❸ The Weather

Very few people consider the weather before starting a concrete installation job, which is highly influential to the overall project. If weather is hot, cold, or wet, certain precautions and adjustments must be made in order to achieve the proper results. So failing to check the weather report before scheduling a concrete slab work day can be a huge setback.

❹ Finish Work

It is very common to forget the finish work required for pouring concrete slab. Before it’s finished, it needs to be screeded, edged, and floated. Failing to do so will result in a bubbly, uneven surface. If this is not completed, then the entire project is essentially a waste of time, money, and effort. This goes for any project that is only done halfway.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors You Can Trust

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable concrete pavement work in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, all at the most competitive prices in town. Request an estimate, today!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Why You Should Pressure Wash Your Driveway

Pressure washing is a common method for keeping the exterior of your home clean. But pressure washing can do much more for the aesthetic appeal of your property. It is also highly-effective at cleaning exterior concrete, especially driveways. Pressure washing delivers several benefits that support investment protection and structural longevity. Continue reading to learn these benefits, and who to call for professional pressure washing services you can trust.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Driveway Maintenance

It is important to keep your concrete driveway clear of damaging elements and products, such as grease, oil, grime, salt, and chemicals. Routine driveway cleaning will protect your concrete from premature wear and tear, which is good for your wallet and your vehicles. Pressure washing is one of the best strategies for driveway cleaning because it is quick, uncomplicated, and effective. All of this adds both beauty and value to your home. In fact, regular pressure washing can increase your property value by thousands of dollars!

Power Washing Service

It is wise to hire a professional company to provide pressure washing service for your driveway. Not only do they have the training and experience to implement the job efficiently, they already retain the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right the first time around. They also have the proper resources to meet the state’s pressure washing disposal requirements.

Power washing a driveway includes the use of eco-friendly chemical-free cleaners, brighteners, and low pressure washing strategies. Surfaces are generally pre-treated with a concrete brightener, saturated with concrete cleaner, thoroughly rinsed with a power washer, treated once again with an eco-friendly cleaner, and then given a final pressure rinse. This practice effectively removes dirt, grime, stains, discoloration, and more.

Indianapolis Concrete Restoration and Repair

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete restoration and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer a full-range of concrete construction services and related developmental management services for all properties and residences. No matter how small, large, or complex your concrete needs may be, our skilled and experienced contractors can deliver the proficient results you expect using innovative designs, quality materials, and professional service. Request an estimate, anytime.

FAQS Regarding Concrete Resurfacing

Are you a homeowner who is convinced that a cost-effective solution for repairing old, cracked, concrete surfaces does not exist? If so, you are in the right place! Because we are here to tell you that there ARE options, many of them, for restoring old concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more. And best of all, they do not require a complete demolition, removal, and replacement of your existing concrete surface! This makes the price more affordable since the need for labor is reduced.

Continue reading to learn answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about concrete work and more!

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

What are the Different Concrete Resurfacing Options Available?

The most common methods for concrete resurfacing include concrete overlays, concrete coatings, concrete staining, and concrete stamping. These options provide infinite possibilities to mimic higher-end materials like brick, cobblestone, tile, marble, and more, as well as, customize colors, hues, seals, and finishes. You can even choose to have concrete engraved or printed with a custom emblem, symbol, logo, or picture.  

What Makes Concrete Acceptable to Resurface?

Any underlying concrete surface must be sound in order to be resurfaced successfully. So unfortunately, if a concrete surface has structural implications such as several cracks, heaving, crumbling, or freeze/thaw damage, it is not a safe candidate for resurfacing. Also, soil quality is a factor in determining the suitability of concrete resurfacing. Non-structural cracks, like shrinkage and crazing cracks, can be sealed prior to resurfacing. Talk to a contractor to assess the quality of your concrete surfaces.

Which Surfaces Can Be Resurfaced?

As long as concrete passes the test for soundness, many surfaces can be resurfaced. This includes the more common areas, like driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and garage floors. But it also includes unique areas like kitchen floors, basement floors, pool decks, fire pits, decks, and more. The options are virtually endless!

What is the Most Important Priority in the Concrete Resurfacing Process?

The most important factor in terms of the concrete resurfacing process is proper preparation. The underlying concrete substrate must be thoroughly cleaned and prepped before the resurfacing process can ensue. Preparation includes cleaning, crack filling, profiling, and more.

How Long Do Resurfaced Concrete Floors Last?

Decorative concrete is known for its longevity benefits, as well as its low cost and low maintenance. If you refinish your concrete floors, you can expect to enjoy the results for as long as you can foretell. Simply take care of them and they won’t let you down! A quality sealant is a big help as well.

Where Can I Find Skilled Concrete Contractors in Indy?

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need professional concrete contractors in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, pre-construction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for concrete installation, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request a written estimate, today.

Restoration By L & B, LLC is Your Solution to Affordable Remodeling and Renovation Services in Indianapolis

We Will Beat Any Competitor’s Price, Guaranteed!

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

When you call Restoration By L & B, LLC for residential and commercial remodeling services, you will get the best price in town. And that’s our guarantee! We won’t just match any competitors’ prices, we will BEAT them! Restoration By L & B, LLC is general construction company based out of Indianapolis, but we serve various parts of Central Indiana too. We specialize in professional-grade restoration, remodeling, renovation, and repair for residential and commercial structures.

This includes single family homes, multilevel homes, condominiums, apartments, office buildings, hotels, strip malls, retail centers, and more. From drywall and painting, to new additions, space conversions, rubber roofing, concrete, and more, our team is fully-equipped to provide a long list of residential and commercial construction services for any type of establishment.

The Highest Standards of Excellence at the Most Honest Prices in Town!

Our licensed contractors are highly-skilled and retain extensive hands-on experience in the construction industry. They use a concentrated approach of planning and implantation to deliver the highest standards of excellence for home and commercial remodeling work. We treat every project as our top priority no matter how large or small. And regardless of size or scope, our company is fully-equipped and staffed to provide outstanding results in a convenient time frame.

We encourage you to call us anytime at 317-454-3612 if you have questions about a home remodeling project, or simply wish to request an estimation for any needed work you have in mind. Our services extend well-beyond the ones listing in this blog, so visit our Homepage to check out everything we do!

Indianapolis Remodeling Services

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for trusted commercial and home remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about your remodeling work needs, any time. Call our office at 317-454-3612 and speak with a friendly company representative about scheduling an appointment to receive a written estimate for Indianapolis remodeling and renovation, today.