Resurfaced Concrete in Spokane: Fix Worn Driveways, Patios & Floors Without Replacement
In Spokane, cold winters and heavy snow crack and damage concrete over time. Your driveway, patio, and garage floor can look worn and broken. Concrete resurfacing fixes these surfaces without tearing them out. A professional checks if your concrete can be resurfaced. Most jobs take just 2–3 days. Licensed concrete contractors put a strong new layer on top that lasts 10–15 years and makes your property look better.
Concrete Resurfacing Fixes Surfaces Without Tearing Out the Slab
Spokane homeowners with cracked driveways, stained patios, or worn garage floors can use resurfacing instead of costly replacement. The bottom layer of concrete needs to be solid and strong. This process costs less because you don't pay for demolition and removal. Contractors can apply a fresh layer in just 1–2 days without much disruption.Spokane's harsh winters cause surface problems. When water gets into concrete and freezes, it expands and breaks off small pieces. This gets worse every winter. Resurfacing puts a protective seal over the concrete that stops water from getting in. The new layer protects the old concrete from moisture, road salt, and temperature changes.Resurfacing works best when the concrete underneath is still solid. Small cracks, minor stains, and cosmetic damage are perfect for this fix. The contractor puts a cement-based layer—usually ⅛ to ¼ inch thick—right over the prepared surface. It bonds to create a renewed slab. This costs 40–60% less than complete replacement while giving you a like-new look and longer life.
Professional Equipment and Materials Last Longer Than DIY Kits
Many Spokane homeowners think about using resurfacing kits from big stores. These products promise easy application and savings. But they rarely last 10+ years like professional resurfacing does, especially in Spokane's tough climate.The difference starts with the materials. Professional contractors use special overlays made to flex when temperatures change. Spokane has big temperature swings—from below zero in winter to 90°F in summer. Concrete naturally expands and contracts with these changes. DIY products often lack the special additives that let the overlay move with the base slab without cracking. Within 1–2 seasons, homeowners usually see their DIY job crack and fail.Professional equipment also makes a big difference. Industrial concrete grinders get the right surface depth and consistency that hand tools cannot. Professional application gets rid of air pockets and weak spots that happen with DIY projects. Contractors also use commercial-grade sealers that give better protection against moisture, freeze-thaw damage, and chemicals from de-icing products.Professional resurfacing costs more upfront but lasts 10–15 years. A DIY kit might cost $200–400 and last 1–3 years before needing repair. Over time, the professional approach saves money and eliminates the frustration of repeated failures.
Overlays Can Go Over Solid Existing Concrete
Property owners checking their damaged concrete often wonder if resurfacing will work for them or if they need complete replacement. The answer depends on how solid the concrete is. A professional contractor's inspection gives the final answer.Good resurfacing candidates have slabs that stay stable and properly supported. Small surface cracking—usually hairline cracks or cracks under ¼ inch wide—work for resurfacing. Staining, scaling, spalling, and cosmetic damage are perfect situations for overlay application. When these conditions exist, resurfacing costs 40–60% less than tearing out and replacing the entire slab while lasting just as long.Spokane's clay soils cause small settling in many areas. Small cracks often result from normal concrete curing and minor ground movement. Contractors fill these small cracks during preparation before applying the overlay. The resurfacing process gives you a fresh start without the expense and disruption of demolition.However, some conditions make a slab wrong for resurfacing. Major heaving—where sections have lifted a lot from frost or root growth—needs to address the underlying cause and typically needs replacement. Deep cracks that go through the entire thickness show foundation problems that overlay cannot fix. Exposed or rusty rebar means the slab has deteriorated beyond surface treatment. Heavy settling that creates drainage problems or safety hazards needs more complete repair.The contractor's inspection looks at crack patterns, checks the concrete for hollow spots, checks for proper drainage, and evaluates if the slab meets requirements. This assessment protects your investment by making sure resurfacing will deliver the expected performance rather than hiding problems that will come back within a year or two.
Spokane Concrete Needs Proper Prep to Handle Winter Freeze Cycles
Property owners in Five Mile, South Hill, and North Spokane face regular freezing temperatures in winter. Proper surface preparation is critical. It's not just about looks—it's about creating a bond strong enough to survive Spokane's tough climate.Preparation starts with grinding. This removes weak surface layers, old sealers, and loose material. The grinding also opens up the concrete's tiny holes so the new layer can grip tightly. Without this step, the new layer just sits on top instead of bonding.After grinding, thorough cleaning removes all dust, oil, grease, and chemicals. In Spokane, winter road salt and de-icing chemicals get into concrete and must be completely removed before resurfacing. Snow melt and ice create constant moisture during winter months. Poor preparation leads to the new surface peeling away within 2–3 winters. Professional contractors know that prep work takes about half the project time. This determines whether your resurfaced concrete lasts 2 years or 15 years.
Resurfaced Driveways and Patios Last 10–15 Years with Simple Care
Spokane residents in neighborhoods like Manito and Comstock want long-term improvements that add value while reducing ongoing maintenance. Professionally resurfaced concrete delivers both, giving over a decade of reliable performance when properly installed and maintained.The sealed overlay fights many types of damage common to Spokane properties. Oil stains from vehicles no longer soak into the surface. Freeze-thaw cycles that destroyed the original concrete surface cannot reach the protected base. Research from Science.gov confirms that freeze-thaw cycles are one of the most damaging actions affecting concrete, particularly in cold climates where temperature fluctuations occur frequently. UV rays from Spokane's high-desert sun don't cause the same fading and damage. The overlay creates a protective shield that handles daily wear and environmental stress.Spokane's climate has about a 70°F temperature range each year—from winter lows around 10°F to summer highs near 95°F. Quality resurfacing materials handle these extremes. The special overlays expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or separating from the base.Maintenance stays simple but important. Annual resealing gives continued protection against moisture and extends the overlay's life beyond 15 years. Basic cleaning—sweeping debris and occasionally pressure washing—keeps the surface looking fresh. Fixing any small cracks or damage quickly prevents small issues from becoming big problems. Many Spokane homeowners find that their resurfaced concrete needs less attention than the original surface did.
Grind and Clean the Surface Before Applying Resurfacer for Best Bond
Commercial and residential clients in Spokane often ask why surface preparation takes as long as the overlay application itself. The answer is adhesion—the bond between old and new concrete determines whether your resurfaced slab lasts 2 years or 15 years.Grinding opens the concrete's tiny holes through mechanical scraping. This creates a rough surface that gives the overlay something to grip. Think of it like sandpaper preparing wood for paint—smooth surfaces don't hold coatings well, but properly roughened surfaces create strong bonds. The grinding equipment removes the top layer of weak, weathered concrete along with any old sealers, paints, or coatings that would prevent adhesion.Pressure washing follows grinding to remove all grinding dust, dirt, oil, and loose material. This step is especially important in Spokane because of winter road salt and de-icing chemicals commonly used on driveways. These chemicals leave residues that contaminate the surface and prevent proper bonding. Snow-heavy areas of Spokane see a lot of chemical exposure, making thorough cleaning essential for long-term performance.The cleaning process also removes oils from vehicles, fertilizers from nearby lawns, and organic material that builds up over years. Any contamination left on the surface creates a barrier between the old and new concrete. Instead of bonding, the overlay simply sits on top of this contamination layer. When freeze-thaw cycles create stress, the overlay separates—a failure that's frustratingly common when preparation is rushed or inadequate.Professional contractors in Spokane give enough time for proper prep work because they understand local conditions. They've seen DIY jobs and cheap contractor work fail due to poor preparation. The grinding and cleaning process typically takes a full day for a standard driveway. This investment in prep work ensures the overlay performs as expected for its full 10–15 year life.
Common Questions About
Resurfaced Concrete in Spokane
Is concrete resurfacing a good choice for Spokane driveways?
Yes, concrete resurfacing is an excellent choice for Spokane driveways—as long as the existing slab has no major settling or deep cracks. The resurfacing process seals the surface and protects against freeze-thaw damage that's particularly severe in Spokane's climate. Professional overlays typically last 10–15 years and cost much less than complete replacement. A contractor inspection determines whether your specific driveway qualifies based on its condition.
How long does resurfaced concrete last in Spokane winters?
Professional concrete overlays last 10–15 years in Spokane's harsh winter conditions when properly installed with special materials and annual resealing. How long it lasts depends on proper surface preparation, quality materials that flex with temperature changes, and basic maintenance. Overlays made for freeze-thaw resistance handle Spokane's winter cycles far better than standard concrete or DIY products, which often fail within 1–3 years.
Do I need to grind my concrete before resurfacing in Spokane?
Yes, grinding is essential before resurfacing concrete in Spokane. The grinding process removes weak surface layers, old sealers, and contaminants while creating the rough surface needed for proper overlay bonding. Spokane's winter conditions make strong adhesion critical—overlays applied without proper grinding typically peel away within 1–2 winters as freeze-thaw cycles stress the weak bond. Professional contractors never skip this step because it determines long-term performance.
Can I resurface my concrete driveway myself?
While DIY concrete resurfacing is possible, it rarely achieves professional results or longevity in Spokane's climate. Store resurfacing kits typically lack the special additives necessary to flex during Spokane's big temperature swings, leading to cracks within 1–2 seasons. Professional contractors use industrial equipment for proper surface preparation and commercial-grade materials that outlast DIY products by 5–10 years. The cost difference between a DIY job that fails in 2 years and professional work that lasts 15 years makes the professional approach save money over time.
Can you put new concrete on top of old concrete in Spokane?
Yes, contractors can successfully apply new concrete over old concrete in Spokane through the resurfacing process. They apply thin overlays—typically ⅛ to ¼ inch thick—over solid existing slabs. The base must be stable with no major settling, heaving, or deep cracks. The old surface needs proper preparation through grinding and cleaning to ensure the overlay bonds chemically and mechanically. This approach costs 40–60% less than complete replacement while lasting just as long when the existing slab meets requirements.
What neighborhoods in Spokane see the most concrete resurfacing projects?
South Hill, Five Mile, and Manito neighborhoods see high demand for concrete resurfacing because of the age of homes in these areas. Properties built 20–40 years ago now face concrete damage from decades of freeze-thaw cycles. Settled driveways and freeze-thaw damage are especially common in these established neighborhoods. North Spokane and areas with clay soils also create a lot of resurfacing demand because of minor settling that creates surface cracks without major problems.
Yes, concrete resurfacing is an excellent choice for Spokane driveways—as long as the existing slab has no major settling or deep cracks. The resurfacing process seals the surface and protects against freeze-thaw damage that's particularly severe in Spokane's climate. Professional overlays typically last 10–15 years and cost much less than complete replacement. A contractor inspection determines whether your specific driveway qualifies based on its condition.
How long does resurfaced concrete last in Spokane winters?
Professional concrete overlays last 10–15 years in Spokane's harsh winter conditions when properly installed with special materials and annual resealing. How long it lasts depends on proper surface preparation, quality materials that flex with temperature changes, and basic maintenance. Overlays made for freeze-thaw resistance handle Spokane's winter cycles far better than standard concrete or DIY products, which often fail within 1–3 years.
Do I need to grind my concrete before resurfacing in Spokane?
Yes, grinding is essential before resurfacing concrete in Spokane. The grinding process removes weak surface layers, old sealers, and contaminants while creating the rough surface needed for proper overlay bonding. Spokane's winter conditions make strong adhesion critical—overlays applied without proper grinding typically peel away within 1–2 winters as freeze-thaw cycles stress the weak bond. Professional contractors never skip this step because it determines long-term performance.
Can I resurface my concrete driveway myself?
While DIY concrete resurfacing is possible, it rarely achieves professional results or longevity in Spokane's climate. Store resurfacing kits typically lack the special additives necessary to flex during Spokane's big temperature swings, leading to cracks within 1–2 seasons. Professional contractors use industrial equipment for proper surface preparation and commercial-grade materials that outlast DIY products by 5–10 years. The cost difference between a DIY job that fails in 2 years and professional work that lasts 15 years makes the professional approach save money over time.
Can you put new concrete on top of old concrete in Spokane?
Yes, contractors can successfully apply new concrete over old concrete in Spokane through the resurfacing process. They apply thin overlays—typically ⅛ to ¼ inch thick—over solid existing slabs. The base must be stable with no major settling, heaving, or deep cracks. The old surface needs proper preparation through grinding and cleaning to ensure the overlay bonds chemically and mechanically. This approach costs 40–60% less than complete replacement while lasting just as long when the existing slab meets requirements.
What neighborhoods in Spokane see the most concrete resurfacing projects?
South Hill, Five Mile, and Manito neighborhoods see high demand for concrete resurfacing because of the age of homes in these areas. Properties built 20–40 years ago now face concrete damage from decades of freeze-thaw cycles. Settled driveways and freeze-thaw damage are especially common in these established neighborhoods. North Spokane and areas with clay soils also create a lot of resurfacing demand because of minor settling that creates surface cracks without major problems.
Complete Service Area Coverage
Concrete Revival proudly serves all of Spokane County and surrounding areas, including:
- Spokane and Spokane Valley
- Coeur d'Alene metro area
- Deer Park and Newport
- Liberty Lake and Otis Orchards
- Cheney and Medical Lake
- Post Falls and Rathdrum
Get Started with Decorative
Concrete Floors in Spokane
Ready to transform your concrete floors? Contact Concrete Revival today for a free quote. We'll look at your space, discuss options that fit your budget and timeline, and schedule your work within 48 hours of your approval. Call (509) 608-3211 or visit www.concreterevivals.com to get started on decorative concrete floors that look brand new after one Spokane winter—and many winters to come.