1

Parts of my concrete patio are eroding from around the gravel on the surface. I think it was built in the 70s or 80s. Some parts of the patio are in great condition, others are very bad. Shown below is the worst part and a close-up of it.

Question: What is causing this failure, can I stop it and/or is there a way I can resurface it as a DIY project?

enter image description here enter image description here

Next image shows both fair and bad spots in the same area: enter image description here

Next image shows the tile in best shape: enter image description here

Improve this question
5
  • 1
    Are you sure it's not supposed to be that way? That looks like a "washed" surface (I think that's what it's called) where they intentionally power wash some the surface away to expose the aggregate. That gives a desired (by some) look to the concrete as well as better traction. Can you add a picture, for comparison, of some of the "great condition" portions? The pinkish portion in the 1st pic looks like a step and like it's from a totally different pour, finished in a different way.
    – FreeMan
    Mar 29, 2021 at 17:57
  • I added a pic showing the best area, and one showing a very bad and not so bad area near each other. Correct that the stair is a different pour, probably more recent. And for some reason pink but that can be a different question. :)
    – jay613
    Mar 29, 2021 at 19:39
  • 1
    Any concrete will show degradation after 40 or 50 years. The trouble with resurfacing here is that you don't have a monolithic slab, you have a bunch of individual pavers. You'd have to work them separately.
    – isherwood
    Mar 29, 2021 at 20:20
  • After looking at the additional pics, I'd agree with you - your concrete isn't in the best condition anymore. :(
    – FreeMan
    Mar 30, 2021 at 12:25
  • @FreeMan that's kind of you. So I do not have The Tate's Manzoni: tate.org.uk/art/artworks/manzoni-artists-shit-t07667, just a regular bag of sh*t. At least that's settled.
    – jay613
    Mar 30, 2021 at 15:22

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

It looks like the different surfaces were made that way by an amateur. So, not a matter of deterioration except for the rotting wood. Concrete with rough aggregate was poured , then at the "right" time , a stiff broom was used to sweep cement and fines from the surface leaving the aggregate. Appearance depends a lot on timing and broom action. The angular surfaces of the black aggregate show that it is hard and not wearing. Same answer; It needs to be replaced if you want to change it.

Improve this answer
0

No, you can't resurface the surface economically, as it needs skill, and is a labor intensive business. You can repave, or adding topping concrete though. The original cement facing has simply flaked out due to weathering.

Improve this answer
4
  • Skill and labor needn't be expensive if you're providing them yourself.
    – isherwood
    Mar 29, 2021 at 20:30
  • I'm not knowledgeable enough to understand the distinction between resurfacing, repaving, and adding topping concrete. If "resurface" means something specific, I didn't mean that. If there is some way I could repair this without breaking it up and starting again, that is what I meant. Hopefully something I can do myself in a few weekends at a cost that would be justified by another, say, 10 years of life. If so what's the high level approach or type of material I should be investigating?
    – jay613
    Mar 29, 2021 at 20:45
  • @isherwood The skill required is usually beyond the casual DIY, it is rather a professional job. As always, more skilled labor time = more $$. It pissed me off this morning, $515 to replace two faucets (kitchen and bathroom), labor only, material not included.
    – r13
    Mar 29, 2021 at 20:50
  • 1
    I would say repaving is easier to handle. Go to Home depot to select patio bricks/paving blocks, then clean the existing surface to receive mortar paste, and setting the selected material. But this will raise your pavement, that causing other problems. Have you talked to a contractor? Better get 3 estimates and compare, and decide if you can handle yourself.
    – r13
    Mar 29, 2021 at 20:57

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.