Revamping Your Concrete Patio: A Step-By-Step Guide

Renovating a concrete patio can be a challenging task, but with the right tools, knowledge, and planning, it is possible to achieve great results. Whether your patio is old, stained, cracked, or uneven, there are several ways to improve its appearance and functionality. From power washing and sealing to more complex techniques such as concrete resurfacing, there are various options available to suit different budgets and skill levels.

Level uneven concrete slabs

Renovating a concrete patio can be a great way to give your outdoor space a fresh, new look. If your patio is uneven, you have several options to level it:

Lift the Settled Slabs

Concrete leveling can be done by drilling small, strategically placed holes through the uneven slabs and pumping a compound beneath the surface to fill any voids. This method can help eliminate trip hazards and create a safe, even surface. It is also a cost-effective solution, as it can save up to 70% of the cost of replacement.

Grind Down the Uneven Areas

Grinding down the uneven concrete can be a quick and cheap way to create a level surface. However, it may not be the best long-term solution as it can leave the concrete looking splotchy and discolored. Grinding also weakens the slab and makes it more susceptible to damage.

Use Expanding Polyurethane Foam

Expanding foam, also known as polyjacking or polyurethane foam injection, is a fast, non-toxic, and cost-effective way to level uneven concrete slabs. Small holes are drilled into the sunken sections of the slab, and the foam is injected to fill the voids and lift the slab. Once the foam has cured, you can walk or drive on the surface within 15 minutes.

Add New Concrete or Patch Compounds

You can also level uneven concrete slabs by adding additional concrete or patching compounds to the uneven surfaces. However, this method is usually temporary, as the new concrete can chip or crack off due to expansion and contraction during freeze-thaw cycles.

Replace the Uneven Slabs

If none of the above methods work for your situation, you can always replace the affected slabs. However, this option is more costly and time-consuming, and it may be difficult to match the color and texture of the existing concrete.

Fill in cracks and breaks

Filling in cracks and breaks is an important step in renovating a concrete patio. Not only do large gaps or breaks create tripping hazards, but they can also prevent patio furniture from sitting properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you fill in the cracks and breaks in your concrete patio:

Step 1: Remove Weeds and Debris

Before you start filling in the cracks, it's important to remove any weeds, dirt, or debris that may be present in the cracks. This will help ensure that the filling material adheres properly to the concrete surface.

Step 2: Choose a Filling Material

You can use a concrete repair patching compound or a close colour-matching caulk to fill in the cracks and breaks. A concrete repair compound will provide a stronger bond with the existing concrete, but colour-matching caulk will result in a more aesthetically pleasing finish.

Step 3: Mix the Filling Material

If you choose to use a concrete repair compound, follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix the compound with water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Fill the Cracks and Breaks

Use a trowel or putty knife to apply the filling material to the cracks and breaks. Get the edges of the patch as close to flush with the surrounding concrete surface as possible. Smooth out the material to create an even surface.

Step 5: Allow the Filling Material to Harden

Once you have filled all the cracks and breaks, let the repaired areas harden and cure completely. This may take several hours or even a full day, depending on the product you are using and the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Step 6: Sand and Clean the Repaired Areas (Optional)

After the filling material has hardened, you may need to sand down any uneven patches or excess material to create a smooth and level surface. Clean the repaired areas with a broom or brush to remove any dust or debris.

Step 7: Seal the Concrete (Optional)

While not necessary, applying a concrete sealer can help protect your patio from stains and water penetration. It can also enhance the colour and texture of the concrete, making it more aesthetically pleasing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Clean and seal the surface

Cleaning and sealing your concrete patio is a vital step in the renovation process. It will ensure that your patio looks good as new and is protected from future damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a clean and sealed concrete patio surface:

Clean the Surface

Start by giving the patio a thorough sweep to remove any dirt and debris. If you are pressure washing the patio, you do not need to worry about removing tough stains at this stage, as the pressure washer should take care of that. However, if you are opting for a simple garden hose clean, you will need to scrub the patio with a liquid dish soap and a push broom or a brush. Rinse the patio with a garden hose until there are no more soap suds. If you are pressure washing, be sure to select the appropriate pressure washer spray tip or nozzle based on the depth of any stains. The wide-pattern spray tips are lower pressure, while the narrow-pattern tips are for tougher stains. Keep the tip at least 8 inches away from the surface.

Remove Stains

If you have any stubborn stains, such as grease, oil, mastic, or paint, you will need to treat them with the appropriate products. For grease and oil stains, use a powdered spill absorber on fresh stains, followed by a degreaser. Scrub these stains with a brush. For paint stains, apply a paint stripper or solvent and scrub with a brush or rag. Rust and dirt stains can be removed with a rust or concrete cleaner.

Repair Damage

Before sealing your concrete patio, it is important to repair any damage, such as cracks or pitting. Fill in any cracks or holes with a concrete repair patching compound or concrete crack sealer, smoothing it over with a putty knife. Allow the repaired areas to dry completely before proceeding.

Apply a Bonding Agent (optional)

If you are using a cement-based overlay method for resurfacing, such as a stamped overlay or micro-topping, you will need to apply a bonding agent to the prepared concrete. A bonding agent will create a stronger bond between the old concrete and the new overlay material. Use a ⅜-inch nap paint roller to roll the bonding agent onto the surface, following the manufacturer's directions.

Seal the Surface

Before sealing, check that the concrete is completely dry and that the weather conditions are dry as well. The temperature should stay above 50°F during application and drying, which can take up to three days. You can apply the sealer with a garden sprayer or roller. With a garden sprayer, add the sealer to the sprayer's tank and thoroughly cover the concrete with overlapping strokes. With a roller, apply the sealer as you would paint, using a large paintbrush for the edges and seams. Apply two thin coats of sealer, waiting at least two hours between coats. Ensure the sealant is completely dry before walking on it.

Your concrete patio is now clean and sealed, providing a protective barrier that will make it easier to clean and maintain in the future.

Remove tree roots

Removing tree roots from concrete patios can be challenging and may require multiple steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Assess the Situation:

Before starting any work, it is important to understand the extent of the problem. Inspect the patio to identify the areas where the pavers have lifted or become unstable due to the tree roots. Take note of the size and condition of the concrete slabs near the affected areas.

Consider Professional Help:

Removing tree roots and repairing a concrete patio can be a labour-intensive and time-consuming task. It may be worth considering hiring a professional contractor, especially if you have limited experience with such projects. Contact several contractors to get estimates and ask for itemized quotes. This will help you understand the cost of different aspects of the job, and you can decide which parts you may want to do yourself.

Rent or Purchase Necessary Equipment:

If you decide to tackle the project yourself, you will need to rent or purchase the necessary equipment. This may include a jackhammer to break up the concrete, a saw to cut through the roots, a trailer to haul away the debris, and a plate compactor to create a solid base for the new concrete.

Break Up the Concrete:

Using the jackhammer, carefully break up and remove the concrete slabs that have been affected by the tree roots. Be cautious and follow safety guidelines when operating power tools.

Remove the Tree Roots:

Once the concrete is removed, cut through and remove the tree roots that are causing the issue. Ensure that you have the appropriate tools, such as a root saw, to effectively cut through the roots.

Prepare the Base:

After removing the roots, fill the area with fill dirt to create a level base. Use the plate compactor to ensure the base is well-compacted and stable.

Pour New Concrete:

Purchase concrete mix and, if desired, wire mesh to reinforce the concrete. Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions, and pour it into the prepared area. Use a trowel or float to level and finish the surface of the new concrete slab.

Allow the Concrete to Cure:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing the new concrete. Avoid walking on the surface or placing any weight on it until it has reached the specified strength.

Re-lay the Pavers (if applicable):

If your patio had pavers, you can now re-lay them on the new concrete base. Ensure they are securely placed and level.

Remember that working with concrete and power tools can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous. Always wear the appropriate safety gear and take precautions to protect yourself and those around you. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult with a professional contractor.

Clean and caulk concrete joints

Over time, concrete patios will crack due to natural processes such as freeze-thaw cycles and the soil moving below it. Special joints are installed in strategic locations to control where the concrete will crack or allow the slabs to move freely and prevent cracking. However, these joints can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris over time, and weeds and plants can grow in the cracks that form within the joints.

Step 1: Clean the Joints

Use a pressure washer to clean built-up dirt, mould, and other stains from the concrete surface. Pay close attention to areas underneath trees, bushes, or other messy plants, as fallen leaves and petals may need extra power to dislodge.

Step 2: Remove Old Caulk

If there is old caulk in the joints, remove it using a chemical cleaner or mineral spirits. For latex caulk, pour caulk remover over the caulk, let it sit for two hours, then dig out the caulk with a stiff putty knife. For silicone or polyurethane caulk, or if you are unsure what type of caulk it is, use mineral spirits. You don't need to remove every last piece of caulk, especially if it's at the bottom of the gap, but the top inch of the crack should be cleaned off.

Step 3: Fill in the Joints

Fill wide cracks with foam backer rod before caulking. Push the rod into the gap so the top is about a quarter of an inch below the concrete surface.

Step 4: Apply Caulk

Use a caulk that is formulated for use with concrete. Fill the gap with caulk and smooth it with a plastic spoon.

Step 5: Finish the Caulk

Tool the caulk with a plastic spoon to create a smooth, even bead.

Frequently asked questions