How to pour a concrete floor for an existing garage?

The article aims to answer the question “How to pour a concrete floor for an existing garage?”. It will also cover the types, requirements and methods you need to follow while overlying new concrete over old concrete.

How to pour a concrete floor for an existing garage?

• For the sub-base, use gravel, road base, or crushed rock inside your garage. If you reside in a cold environment, you don’t want expansive soils like clay as a sub-base.
• On top of the gravel, place a 6 mm plastic vapor barrier. A vapor barrier prevents moisture from the sub-base from permeating the concrete floor.
• You’ll want to inform the truck driver to mix the concrete to a 5″ or 6″ slump when it comes on site.
• Slump refers to how wet or dry the concrete is as it is unloaded from the truck. a six “When pouring a garage floor, slump is an excellent working slump to employ.
• To place the concrete, the concrete truck includes chutes that reach around 20 feet. Using concrete rakes, it’s usually rather simple to lift the concrete another 4 or 5 feet.
• You’ll want to inform the truck driver to mix the concrete to a 5″ or 6″ slump when it comes on site.
• Slump refers to how wet or dry the concrete is as it is unloaded from the truck. a six “When pouring a garage floor, slump is an excellent working slump to employ.
• To place the concrete, the concrete truck includes chutes that reach around 20 feet. Using concrete rakes, it’s usually rather simple to lift the concrete another 4 or 5 feet.
• Other methods will be required if you need to put concrete more than 24 feet away. To reach further, I use a 12′ or 16′ metal chute. (These are not available at tool rental outlets.) 
• You can also use a wheelbarrow to transport the concrete (this is much slower, but it works).
• To fill the space, pull and rake the concrete. You may make it level after you’ve poured out a quarter to half of the garage. You can screed using a straight 2×4 or a magnesium screed, like we do. (you may also rent this)
• Use the pre-marked grades on the perimeter and the grade pad you established in the middle to strike off the concrete.
• After screeding the concrete, smooth the surface with a bull float to prepare it for finishing.

What do I need to pour a concrete floor for an existing garage?

• Shovel 
• Screed
• Laser level
• Concrete rags 
• Bull float
• Protective gear 

How thin do you pour concrete over concrete in garage?

The most common thickness for pouring concrete is 2 to 2.5 inches. The same holds when fresh concrete is poured on top of existing concrete.

It would be too thin if it were any lighter than 2 inches. To determine how thick the new concrete should be, it is vital to consider the surrounding environment. When it comes to doors or staircases, the old concrete has to be removed and replaced with new ones.

You may question whether you can pour a fresh layer of concrete on top of the old one while you’re remodeling your backyard deck or driveway. Before making this choice, there are several things to consider, even if you believe you know a lot about concrete and how it works.

New concrete may be poured on top of old concrete. Cracks or frost heaves that remain unresolved in your aging concrete will transfer over to your new concrete if they aren’t addressed. It also has to be at least two inches thick.

If you’re not cautious, pouring fresh concrete might be more of a hassle than planned. When it comes to new concrete connecting old concrete, you must know precisely what you’re doing.

Can I put new concrete over existing concrete?

Yes, you can put fresh concrete over the old one. However, there are situations when you may not want to place fresh concrete on top of existing concrete. A few inches of cement may be added if a door or stairwell is in the way.

As a result of the obstruction provided by tree roots, the existing concrete has begun to rise or shift. Cracks in the concrete or an uneven surface.

It is necessary to remove the old concrete in each of these cases, fix the underlying issue, such as eliminating trees’ roots, and then replace it with new concrete.

Even if technically possible, you may be curious about the potential dangers of pouring fresh concrete over old. Even though it has certain benefits, everything has some drawbacks. Consider the following disadvantages:

• This means that concrete’s low maintenance may be eliminated by piling concrete on top of concrete. There is the possibility of frost heaves if you pour fresh concrete over an old slab.
• Consequently, understanding the proper thickness of a concrete slab is critical to achieving success. It’s the combination of freezing temperatures and defrosting soil that causes frost heaves. 
• Lifting of the concrete will produce fractures and separation due to temperature fluctuations.
• Make careful to fix any damage as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading. Sealing the new layer with a deep penetrating sealer is also necessary to avoid water damage. 
• It’s always best to call in a professional if everything else fails.
• All but the most extreme types of concrete failure may be avoided if you take proper care of your concrete. As detailed in this article, there are certain drawbacks to pouring fresh concrete on top of an old slab.
• To extend the life of your concrete, you should remove the old and replace it with fresh, adequately poured concrete. 
• There is a possibility of obtaining deep potholes if you pour fresh concrete on top of existing concrete. The existing slab’s state will dictate the new concrete’s condition.
• Before pouring fresh concrete on top of the old concrete, it is vital to be aware of the surroundings. Be careful of any doorways or stairs that might prevent you from placing concrete on top of the surface.
• To prevent people from tripping over themselves, you can consider adding a few inches of concrete to the sidewalk leading to your driveway.
• The walkway would be several inches higher than the driveway, which you do not want to be the case here. However, if you build a little ramp, you may fix it.
• Cracks are inevitable if the old and new concrete are not separated. Old concrete fractures would immediately grow into fresh concrete if any existed.
• Flexible and long-lasting results can only be achieved by separating the two slabs with a thin material layer.
• Stones, sand, or even plastic might be used to create this barrier layer. On the other hand, the use of plastic is strongly discouraged for those concerned about environmental degradation.

How can I attach concrete to the old concrete?

• To prevent fractures and separation from forming, it is vital to join fresh concrete with existing concrete correctly. The concrete may need to be replaced sooner than you’d like if you don’t do all necessary to avoid it.
• When fresh concrete is attached to old concrete, cracks will likely emerge, and the pieces will begin to separate. When pinning them together, you may use rebar to prevent this from happening.
• Reinforcing bars, often known as rebar, maintain and strengthen the connection between the two concrete slabs in a construction project.
• Depending on how much concrete you have, the size of the rebars will change. The heavier the concrete, the more rebar it will need, although smaller concrete like a sidewalk or driveway will only require approximately half an inch of rebar.

Here are the measures to ensure that fresh concrete is adequately bonded to existing concrete:

Hole-punch the old concrete 6 inches deep with 5/8-inch-diameter drills. Drill the holes at a distance of 12 inches apart.

If the joint is more comprehensive than tall, arrange the holes horizontally, but if it is taller, place them vertically.

To avoid chipping, make sure the holes are at least 6 inches apart from any edges.

Fill the holes with water and run the faucets.

If there are any gaps, be sure to fix them with epoxy before putting them back together.

Rebars of 12 inches long should be twisted into the holes and surrounded by an equal layer of epoxy.

Using duct tape, insert it through the end of the rebar and pull it down to the hole to keep the epoxy from leaking while it cures.

Prevent rust on exposed rebar by taping it with metal primer.

Once the new concrete surrounds the rebar pins, it’s time to finish the job.

Whether or not you can stamp concrete on top of existing concrete is essential.

To stamp concrete, you’ll need a new batch that’s still damp from the previous day’s pour. To stamp concrete, you will need to pour a fresh layer over the old concrete, but only if the existing concrete is in excellent shape.

As noted before, the new layer of concrete is only as good as the current one below, so be sure to seal any gaps below and separate the two levels.

When stamping concrete, there are two distinct approaches to consider. You may use textured rollers or hand stamps. It may be beneficial to purchase many handstamps when working with a broad area to prevent drying before completing.

There are numerous stamp designs to consider, such as basic brickwork stone texture. Some stamps are made to seem like stones or bricks set in a circle. You may even have a little bit of fun using pawprint stamps.

Make sure the existing concrete is as clean as possible. You could consider power washing to prevent any material from getting in the way.

Once you pour the new concrete, you must be quick with the stamps as they need to be set within 15 minutes of running the concrete. To avoid any stress, pace all tools beside you to speed up the process.

You may need to ask a few helpers to assist you to help with the process of laying down the new concrete and stamping it.

The concrete should be about 2 inches thick and be quick to make sure the new concrete is leveled and smooth before using the stamps. That is when your helpers will be of assistance to you.

Can the concrete be resurfaced?

Yes, concrete can be resurfaced. Resurfacing concrete is a term that not everyone is familiar with. It’s a way to spruce up your concrete and make it look brand new. It isn’t uncommon, and you should consider it as an option.

However, it’s common knowledge that replacing the concrete rather than resurfacing is preferable. Concrete patios can be covered in a variety of ways. You’ll save money and resources by resurfacing your driveway or parking lot.

It is important to remember that resurfacing would not fix any underlying problems with your concrete. If it begins to heave or lift, resurfacing is not an alternative, and you’ll need to replace it. If you have any significant cracks or freeze/thaw damage, this will not help. 

A wide variety of decorative overlays are available when remodeling. As previously mentioned, concrete can be stamped, but it can also be painted, stained, engraved, or even stenciled.

Keep in mind that concrete preparation is as necessary as any other step. Indeed, it’s a crucial component. Overlay failure can occur if you don’t have a clean surface to attach to. 

Are concrete overlays durable?

Yes, concrete overlays are more reliable than ceramic or porcelain overlays. There are certain drawbacks to using ceramic or porcelain tiles over concrete overlays.

These materials are readily broken, unlike concrete, which can endure a great deal of damage and yet provide a longer service life. They are impervious to scuffs and stains because of a penetrating sealant penetrating the surface.

Once the sealer is applied, the overlay floor may remain the same for decades. Unlike wood and other materials, Concrete overlays need little to no upkeep. As long as you use a medium-bristle brush to clean it, it should be OK.

Compared to alternatives like wood flooring, concrete overlays are a more environmentally responsible solution. Sand, gravel, water, or cement make these overlays. Recyclable and non-harmful to the environment, they are all naturally occurring elements.

An excellent example of this is cement, made from clay, a widely accessible soil that isn’t often utilized in agriculture. There are also no agricultural soils in sand and gravel. These materials may be put to good use by making concrete.

However, a hardwood floor requires the chopping down of trees to get the wood. In addition to being harmful to the environment, this is also unsustainable.

It is challenging to deal with concrete because of the material’s inclination to break. When the overlay is applied over a damaged or unstable surface, it might cause the concrete to fracture.

Patches, expansion gaps, joints, and fractures with one side higher and the other lower are all examples of surface irregularities that might occur. Before laying the concrete overlays, identify and correct these problem spots.

That will prevent the overlay from cracking. With proper care, a concrete overlay may last up to 20 years. Additionally, the overlay must be well sealed. It would be best if you resealed the overlay every five to seven years to guarantee that the sealing lasts.

Surface application is also a significant determinant in how long the overlay will persist. When a slab is broken or significantly damaged, the concrete overlay used to resurface it may eventually crack.

Clean the underlying surface well to remove dust and other debris to ensure the overlay sticks to it. Pressure washing may be used to efficiently remove all of the dust and filth from the surface.

Put your concrete overlays when the temperature is just right for a long-lasting result. The best conditions for putting concrete overlays are between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and overcast.

Applying the overlay to temperatures below 40 degrees can considerably weaken the concrete, making it more susceptible to cracking. As a result, the overlay is prone to breaking, which will shorten its lifespan.

Overlays might be subject to shrinkage and cracking even before the concrete sets due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, according to a report from American Concrete Institute (ACI).

The water to cement ratio decreases due to high temperatures and low humidity, which lowers the concrete’s strength.

Using micro-topping overlays, not only are the overlays thin, but they are also stain-resistant. You may use micro topping overlays to remodel and renew a surface. They provide a beautiful finish to a simple surface by covering cracks and chips.

Additionally, micro-topping can emulate the appearance of a variety of natural and artificial materials. Micro-topping overlays are the thinnest available, as little as 1/16 of an inch thick. One inch is the maximum thickness of the overlay.

A squeegee is all that is needed to apply the thin topping. Sadly, because of their small size, they cannot be polished. 

Conclusion

It is essential to weigh the pros and disadvantages of pouring a fresh layer of concrete over the old one before making a final decision.

Make sure that adding a few inches of concrete does not interfere with the garage door. For more information on constructing concrete patios, see our article regarding concrete patios.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS): How to pour a concrete floor for an existing garage?

How to pour a concrete floor for an existing garage?

For the sub-base, use gravel, road base, or crushed rock inside your garage. If you reside in a cold environment, you don’t want expansive soils like clay as a sub-base.

On top of the gravel, place a 6 mm plastic vapor barrier. A vapor barrier prevents moisture from the sub-base from permeating the concrete floor.

You’ll want to inform the truck driver to mix the concrete to a 5″ or 6″ slump when it comes on site. Slump refers to how wet or dry the concrete is as it is unloaded from the truck. a six “When pouring a garage floor, slump is an excellent working slump to employ.

How thin the concrete overlays should be?

The most common thickness for pouring concrete is 2 to 2.5 inches. The same holds when fresh concrete is poured on top of existing concrete.

It would be too thin if it were any lighter than 2 inches. To determine how thick the new concrete should be, it is vital to consider the surrounding environment. When it comes to doors or staircases, the old concrete has to be removed and replaced with new ones.

Can the concrete be resurfaced?

Yes, concrete can be resurfaced. Resurfacing concrete is a term that not everyone is familiar with. It’s a way to spruce up your concrete and make it look brand new. It isn’t uncommon, and you should consider it as an option.

Bibliography

Harrington, D. S. (2008). Guide to concrete overlays for resurfacing & rehabilitating existing pavements: seminar.

Newbolds, S. A. (2007). Evaluation of performance and design of Ultra-Thin Whitetopping (bonded concrete resurfacing) using large-scale accelerated pavement testing (Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University).