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How to Resurface a Cracked and Sunken Concrete Porch

Sunken and cracked concrete will require plenty of labor before you can achieve a new, refinished surface. A polymer concrete surface can transform the appearance of your porch, making it smooth while protecting it from damage. First, the cracks should be filled, and a seriously sunken porch may require a slabjacker to fill the voids below the problem area. Once these problems are addressed, you can apply a coat of polymer to resurface the whole porch, improving its appearance greatly. You may also want to consider a decorative overlay for higher aesthetic quality.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire brush
  • Mortar
  • Epoxy concrete
  • Container for mixing
  • Trowel
  • Wood float
  • Slabjacker
  • Concrete
  • Sand
  • Polymer concrete
  • Hopper gun
  • Sealcoat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep the surface of your porch with a wire brush to remove any debris before beginning repairs.

    • 2

      Prepare a mortar mixture and epoxy concrete according to the package instructions. Mix the epoxy in with the mortar in a bucket or another container.

    • 3

      Put the mixture into cracks using a trowel and pushing it all the way into the crack as far as the trowel will allow. For large cracks, fill with the mortar until slightly above the concrete surface.

    • 4

      Smooth the surface out with a wood float to remove excess concrete.

    • 5

      Drill holes in sunken areas with a slabjacker, a special tool for lifting sunken areas of concrete. This process is cheaper than replacing the slab, which is the only other option for fixing sunken areas. Sunken concrete is a result of placement of poorly-compacted base soil and is caused by voids below the surface.

    • 6

      Pump with a grout mixture that contains, cement, sand and other additives. Once the void is filled, the slab will raise the appropriate height.

    • 7

      Patch drill holes with a concrete mixture.

    • 8

      Prepare a polymer concrete mixture to completely resurface and improve the appearance and texture of your porch. You should only attempt this after cracks and dips are repaired and fully dry.

    • 9

      Spray the polymer concrete with a hopper gun to make an even coat. Spread and texture with a trowel for desired affect.

    • 10

      Apply clear seal coat to protect the surface from degradation.