Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Project: Beazer Home – Community Pool Deck  Renovation

Installation by: ACM

Material Supplier: SureCrete Design

Total Sq Ft: 14,000 sq ft

Products Used: Flash Patch, SureTex, , Eco-Stain, Pigmented SureSeal 20%

A Beazer Home’s community clubhouse had issues with their pool deck, during the initial installation of the almost 14,000 sq ft pool deck it encountered rain and a poor finishing technique. Although the builder was disappointed in the outcome, they were not prepared to do a major overhaul immediately.Why? They wanted the concrete pool deck to naturally go through its curing process and have time to make any movement and cracks. This way they could ensure a new aesthetic and functional  look that would stand the test of the traffic it would bare from it’s community. Let’s see the process that the team at ACM used to make this a successful decorative concrete makeover.

The first phase was to patch all dips and uneven spots that were causing water run off issues. To do this they used a concrete patch and blend product called Flash Patch. After all areas were level the cleaned and profiled the concrete pool deck to get it ready to receive its new decorative concrete surface. With slip and fall a major issue on a pool deck surface, the team at ACM choose a decorative concrete overlay mix from SureCrete, called SureTex. This product is designed to create the strongest bond to the concrete pool deck surface and create a classic knockdown or cool deck look. It’s mix design is single component, “just add water”, and therefore is Zero VOC and considered a Green or environmentally friendly concrete overlay.

After mixing SureTex with a pre-measured color pack and the right amount of water, they began the base coat on all 14,000 sq ft. They were able to cover the square footage with ease using a stand up squeegee. This was probably a wise choice of tool, as it does not require the applicator to bend over and be on their knees for  such a large project.

Once the base coat was dry on the concrete pool deck surface, they mixed up some additional SureTex with color, but this time sprayed it our of a hopper gun hooked up to an air compressor. This technique delivers a splatter affect on the surface, creating the beginning stage of the classic knockdown look. As part of the team is mixing and spraying the SureTex onto the surface the other half are using the stand up squeegee to flatten or knockdown the splatter texture to create the gorgeous new decorative concrete look.

After letting the material dry overnight, they then used a pigmented sealer to waterproof and ensure a consistent color across the entire concrete pool deck surface. As recommended by the manufacturer, they applied 2 coats of sealer for optimal performance and water and stain repellance to complete the project.

Our team took the time to speak with many contractors and understand their concerns in repairing the spalled concrete versus tearing the damaged slab out and pouring a new slab. In doing so we noticed a technique that addressed the contractors fears while delivering a sound and consistent repair and resurfacing solution to spalled concrete. Below are the top concerns that guided the development of their technique and the products they used for application.

How do we remove the loose spalling concrete?

Most contractors will begin with an aggressive pressure washing or scarifying of the concrete surface. The goal of this process is to remove all lose concrete and create a sound surface. A turbo tip and a pressure washer of 3,500 psi or greater will generally be sufficient.

How do you control or stop the current spalled damage to the concrete?

Prevention of further damage to the spalling concrete is not an exact science. A sound option for prevention is the use of a Lithium densifier. The use of a Lithium Densifier will harden and increase the surface PSI and increase the durability. Use of conventional sodium or potassium sodium hardeners are not recommended as they may leave a high concentration of salts deposited on the surface of the concrete and may add to surface cracks.

What material should we patch the spalled concrete areas with?

With Freeze-Thaw an important part of the equation in deciding upon a material, Flash Patch is an ideal material choice that delivers a hard surface while giving you a chemical and mechanical bond to the concrete slab. In addition to those attributes this material allows you to patch all areas of the spalled concrete surface. Once applied your down time is  a matter of 15-30 minutes, then you can begin applying  your resurfacing topcoat material.  Flash Patch is a single component (just add water), cement based concrete patching compound. With a quick set time, this product allows you to stay on the job site and delivers a compressive strength of over 6200 PSI.

How do we create a freshly broomed surface over the spalled concrete?

If the desire is to provide a fresh broomed concrete surface, a product like SureBroom is a smart choice. This product is a single component (just add water) mix that delivers a fast cure time and a compressive strength of 6100 PSI. With two coat process the only tools you need is a metal squeegee and a horse hair or nylon horse hair concrete broom. This system delivers simplicity of technique and  a low material cost.

What can be done to delay or prevent deicing chemicals from affecting the new surface?

Use of a solvent acrylic sealer provides deep penetration capabilities and the ability to minimize the slick surface texture. A product with 20% solids delivers the needed attributes which aids in repelling deicing agents and preserving the renewed surface from Spalling and other causes which deteriorate and the surface. A common question after application is how often should we reapply sealer? We would love to give a solid time table like 2-5 years but the simple fact is many factors come into play that decrease the life span of a sealer.

How can you tell if your sealant is weakening? Try a water test. When water is applied to the surface it should bead up as water would on a waxed surface. If the water beads your protection is still sound. With regards to the sheen or gloss look of the surface, that is determined by the individual and their desired look.

To see a live video of this resurfacing material, please visit www.SureCrete.TV
If you would like to know more about the products mentioned in this article please contact SureCrete Design:

Toll Free 1-800-544-8488
Email: Whatsnew@SureCreteDesign.com