Overlays are cementitious coatings consisting of portland cement, aggregate and a polymer admixture that gives it properties such as superior bonding, tensile and compression strength over that of ordinary concrete. An overlay can be applied as thin as a feather-edge (about 1/16 inch, also known as a microtopping) to as much as two inches thick. Overlays can be applied in a variety of colors and designs and this directly affects the costs. Prices range from $4 a square foot for a single color finish, to about $8 a square foot for multi-color textured designs such as natural stone, or brick borders. Compared with the cost of repouring a new concrete slab, most overlays will cost between 1/2 to 1/3 less, since demolition will not be required.

Overlays can be used to correct slopes in concrete, for example, to redirect the flow of rainwater, or to fill low spots or "birdbaths" that cause water to puddle. Ordinary concrete can't be applied very thinly, hence it doesn't serve well for correcting slopes. Prices for slope correction depend largely on the amount of material required to correct the slope. Also large slope corrections need to be done in layers, with adequate drying time in between. If you have a large slope to correct, contact us for a free estimate. Minor puddles can be corrected without charge or as part of the normal overlay process.

Hairline cracks up to 1/8" can be "chased" or opened with special cutting tools, and filled with either epoxy injections or polyurethane caulks, or where movement is not expected, is filled with a normal cementitious overlay. In the case of moving cracks, we offer a variety of cut-flagstone looks where existing cracks are incorporated into a pleasing design.

See the original cracks? Hint: one of them runs down the middle.

We offer a variety of sealers designed for your specific needs, such as for interior smooth floors, kitchen counters, or exterior surfaces. All of our overlays are finished with high solids acrylic stains and sealers, that offer superior resistance to stains and harsh chemicals. For exterior finishes, we offer skid resistance additives which are ideal for pool decks or applications where a rough texture would not be appropriate. Sealers cost anywhere from $0.75 a square foot and depend largely on the amount of surface preparation required. We recommend a two-part sealer on top of integrally colored concrete overlays. First is an acrylic emulsion stain, UV resistant and easy to maintain, followed by a same system clear sealer to provide that extra sheen.

For cracks 1/4" and greater, we recommend reinforcing the seam with large steel "staples" such as Torque Locks. The Torque Lock™ Staple is a revolutionary technique that is great for repairing structural cracks on any solid cement based surface. Using its patented Cam Lock™ technique, it stabilizes the crack by creating up to 5000 lbs of compression torque for each staple installed and keeps those 1/4" fractures from becoming a 1/2" fractures.