Concrete Resurfacing or Replacement in South Jordan

Understanding Concrete Resurfacing

A resurface is an inexpensive way to extend the life of your old, worn-out concrete by adding a thin layer of fresh concrete to give it a brand-new look. It costs anywhere from $3 to $7 a sq. ft. in the Salt Lake City area, so it’s much cheaper than replacing it entirely. Resurfacing does best on old, solid concrete with just some small hairline cracks, some minor scaling (spalling), or some cosmetic wear-and-tear. Contractors apply the new concrete to your old concrete using a special adhesive called a “bonding agent,” which makes sure the two layers will stick together.

Who Should Get Their Old Concrete Resurfaced?

If you live in South Jordan and have an old driveway, patio, or sidewalk with some small cracks in it, and/or some surface wear and tear, then a resurface might be right for you. The key here is that the old slab has to be structurally sound; if it’s broken up, cracked more than a half-inch deep, settled too far, etc., then resurfacing won’t do anything but cover up these big problems until they become even bigger problems. Typically, this type of work is recommended for slabs no older than 20 years, as well as for slabs that have had no more than five years’ worth of surface repairs.

When Do I Need to Replace My Old Concrete Completely?

Replacing concrete means tearing out the old stuff and laying down a whole new slab. Complete replacement typically runs $6-$15 per square foot, depending upon how thick you want the new slab to be, and what kind of decorative options you’d like. As such, replacement should be used whenever your slab has been severely damaged, is cracked wide open, has shifted significantly, or the ground under it has failed in some way. If your home is in a neighborhood where there are known underground water issues, or if you’re close to a park or other spot where the earth has moved, you’ll likely need to replace your entire slab instead of just resurfacing it.

How Will I Know When I’ve Gone Too Far?

Widespread crumbling, large cracks (over a quarter of an inch), shifting of the concrete (sinking or heaving) more than 2 inches, and repeated surface repairs all point to serious structural flaws that cannot be fixed with resurfacing alone. Additionally, concrete installations older than 25 years with multiple previous repair attempts often benefit from complete renewal. Severe freeze-thaw damage throughout Utah winters can compromise concrete integrity beyond surface-level repair capabilities.

Comparing Costs

In general, resurfacing concrete is going to save you money compared to replacement, usually around 40-60% of the total cost of a comparable amount of square footage. For example, resurfacing a 400 sq. ft. driveway would run you around $1200 to $2800, whereas replacing it would run you $2400 to $6000. Keep in mind, however, that replacement projects usually allow for a lot of upgrades that improve the overall functionality and quality of the finished product – such as new drainage systems, updated reinforcement, and extended warranties.

Long-term Performance

On average, resurfaced concrete lasts around 8-15 years, depending on how well you take care of it. Replacement installations can last as long as 20-30+ years. The climate in South Jordan affects both options differently, but generally resurfaced concrete needs to be sealed periodically (usually every 2-3 years) to keep moisture from seeping into the old concrete and causing the overlay to fail.

What Can I Expect Out Of These Projects?

For high-traffic areas and heavy-use applications like RV parking or commercial entryways, replacement projects are always going to give you a longer-term performance. For standard residential driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc., with moderate use, resurfacing is usually sufficient. Whether you live in one of South Jordan’s many established neighborhoods or are in a newer development, assessing the level of usage and required performance of your concrete is important.

Elevation-specific Challenges

Freeze-thaw cycles, common to Utah’s climate, pose unique challenges for both resurfacing and replacement projects. To combat moisture infiltration that causes damage during the winter months, proper drainage design is crucial. Sealers applied to resurfaced concrete need to be top-notch and used regularly to protect against South Jordan’s extreme temperature fluctuations due to its elevation.

Decision Assessment Process

Professional contractors evaluate several factors when determining whether to resurface or replace a piece of concrete, including the size, shape, and location of the cracks, the overall condition of the surface, whether the slab is structurally sound, and the stability of the subgrade beneath the slab. Before recommending a course of action, contractors inspect the existing drainage system and soil conditions, as well as review any previous repair efforts made to the slab. Depending on their findings, a contractor may recommend either resurfacing or replacement for a given slab located in South Jordan’s neighborhoods, particularly those near parks, schools, shopping centers, etc.

Benefits of a Professional Evaluation

Skilled contractors utilize advanced equipment and years of experience to locate concealed defects that impact the success rate of resurfacing. They evaluate the strength of the concrete, the moisture content of the existing slab, and the ability of the old and new concrete to bind together to determine the most effective treatment recommendation. Evaluating the condition of the existing concrete can also help homeowners avoid expensive mistakes caused by selecting an inappropriate solution for a particular condition.

Time Required for Each Option

Concrete resurfacing projects generally take 1-2 days to complete for standard residential applications. Replacement projects, which include the removal and installation of the new concrete slab, can take 3-5 days to complete. While resurfacing is minimally disruptive to your lifestyle and routine, replacement projects can provide opportunities to upgrade drainage systems, relocate utilities, and alter the layout of your property.

Customization and Decorative Options

Both resurfacing and replacement allow homeowners to personalize their new concrete with a variety of decorative options, including stamped designs, colored integrals, and textured finishes. With resurfacing, you can essentially change the look of your current concrete with overlays and surface treatments. Replacement projects provide homeowners with the opportunity to customize their new concrete slabs in terms of thickness, embedded features, and overall design to optimize property function and aesthetics.

Maintenance Requirements

Resurfaced concrete will require more upkeep than replaced concrete, which includes annual cleaning and re-sealing every 2-3 years to maintain maximum performance. Replaced slabs require similar maintenance, but less frequently, including periodic sealing and crack inspection. Regular maintenance of both options can help catch any minor problems before they grow into larger ones.

Disposal and Environmental Impact

Because resurfacing leaves the existing slab intact, it produces little-to-no waste, making it the environmentally friendly choice for structurally sound slabs. Replacement projects produce a significant amount of debris and are subject to local regulations regarding waste disposal. In some cases, old concrete can be crushed and reused as an aggregate, reducing waste and the associated disposal costs.

Choosing Between Resurfacing and Replacement

Ultimately, the decision between resurfacing and replacement comes down to the structural condition of your concrete, your budget, and your long-term plans for your property. If you plan to stay in your home for less than 10 years, resurfacing may be the most cost-effective option. However, if you’re looking to put a down payment on your home or have serious structural problems, then replacing your concrete may be the best option, regardless of the increased upfront costs.

South Jordan Concrete Pros is committed to providing homeowners with a thorough assessment of their concrete slabs and helping them choose the best solution for their situation. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and make an educated decision based on your individual circumstances and needs in the South Jordan area.