Why Experts Don’t Recommend DIY Concrete Resurfacing

DIY projects may be calling your name this summer, but going it alone is not always the best course of action when it comes to your big summer project. It may seem cheaper at first blush to do it on your own. Avoiding labor costs or sourcing cheaper materials might sound like the right choice for you, but working with a concrete restoration company will not only improve the quality of your project but also save you time and money if a botched DIY project leads to costly repairs down the line.

As properly certified concrete experts, Fresco Deck & Patio Coatings is here to guide you toward success. We’ve compiled some of the most common mistakes we see when it comes to DIY projects, as well as our top five reasons to hire a pro instead.

5 Common Mistakes with DIY Concrete Resurfacing Projects

1. Improper damage assessment of concrete surfaces

Any solid concrete project starts with a comprehensive damage analysis. Before trying to resurface your concrete driveway or apply an acrylic coating, you need to have a nice, workable base coat. Without the proper knowledge of and experience with the material, it can be difficult to fully ascertain how damaged your concrete really is and what the appropriate next steps are. Missing cracks under the surface, improperly identifying the cause of damage, or merely skipping over a comprehensive assessment can cause your DIY project to crash and burn early into the process. Working with a concrete restoration company can make this process much easier.

2. Inadequate surface preparation tools and techniques

The next step is a thorough surface preparation. Many people miss this step in their DIY journey, either because they don’t have the right tools or because they don’t know enough about the process. In order to get the best results from your project, you need to thoroughly clean the concrete and remove all clutter around and on the surface area. For applications of acrylic overlays, this may require more work, such as creating a textured surface to work on or grinding down larger concrete projections. This can be a difficult and time-consuming step–one that’s easy to not do correctly on your own.

3. Lacking the proper tools and materials

In tandem with the prior point, many DIYers lack the proper tools and materials that professional concrete restoration companies have access to. Experts know the best places to source concrete and acrylic products, making their projects more durable and cost-effective. Additionally, buying all the tools needed to carry out a concrete project is expensive and wasteful unless you plan on reusing them for later projects.

4. Not allotting enough time to complete your project

Concrete projects can be very time-consuming. These projects usually take quite a bit of time to do on your own and aren’t always doable over the weekend. Concrete restoration companies employ teams to take care of these large-scale projects for a reason–teamwork makes the time fly! DIYers may look at the long weekend and think, “Well, I can definitely get this little job out of the way.” But, come Monday, you’re looking at an unfinished mess that may dry up before you have the chance to finish working with it.

5. Safety risks pose a threat to inexperienced DIYers

Concrete can be dangerous to work with and accidents happen–even for professionals! It’s heavy and unwieldy at times and preparing concrete for pouring involves its own set of safety concerns. When working with concrete on your own, make sure to take the appropriate safety precautions, or better yet, leave it to concrete resurfacing experts who have the necessary training, tools, and know-how to work with the material.

4 Reasons to Hire Concrete Specialists

1. Save yourself more money in the long run

DIY projects may seem more cost-effective, but an improperly executed project will lead to more frequent fixes and check-ups. The margin for error is small with some projects, meaning if you don’t do it right, you can’t just spot-treat the problem. Paying a professional to do your concrete restoration project for you may cost more up-front, but it’ll save you from having to get it redone within the year.

2. Proper assessment of damages and better access to the best materials

Professionals have the right tools and materials to get the job done right quickly and efficiently. They understand how to perform a rigorous damage assessment and have industry-leading tools to carry out the job. Instead of relying on what your local Home Depot has in stock, you can trust a concrete restoration company to bring its A-game.

3. Professionals deliver experience-driven results

We’ve been doing this work for years and have seen countless concrete decks, walkways, and pathways. We know what works and what doesn’t, and have experience working with the Arizona environment and climate. Choosing a concrete restoration professional means you’re also choosing the years of experience they’ll bring to your project.

4. Professionals provide a warranty in case things don’t go as planned.

One of the biggest reasons to choose professionals over doing it yourself is a warranty policy. If something goes wrong with your DIY project, there’s no one to help get your money back, no one to do repairs for you. Working with a professional makes sure that you’re covered in case something does go wrong. Fresco Deck offers a two-year warranty on labor and materials, providing you with peace of mind even after your project’s done.

DIY projects are great ways to decorate and improve your space without breaking the bank, but there is a time and a place to call in experts. As a concrete restoration company, we field many queries every week from people needing to repair their DIY concrete projects. Our advice? If you’re interested in embarking on a concrete resurfacing project, consider opting for the experts the first time around to save your money and your weekend.

Fresco Deck & Patio Coatings offers complimentary consultations on all projects. Whether it’s fixing a potholed driveway or redoing your concrete pool deck, we’re Arizona’s one-stop shop for concrete installation and restoration.