There are many benefits to benefits of overlays:
1. A concrete overlay helps preserve and protect the original concrete, rehabilitating old, dull, or even cracked concrete into a beautiful new, long-lasting surface. The ability to incorporate colors and designs into the overlay is practically limitless.
2. An overlay is environmentally friendly, producing no waste materials to be disposed of. The overlay is just that – a concrete layer placed directly on existing concrete.
3. Concrete overlays are much less time-consuming than having to tear out any existing concrete and re-pouring. This naturally leads to more cost efficiency in providing long term improvements to the appearance of patios, walkways, pool decks, or anywhere concrete is used.
When thinking of building materials, most people don’t think in terms of historical significance.
From the time man first moved out of caves and onto the land, the search was on for materials with which to build shelter from the elements. Wood, animal hides, and even sod were all used, none of which proved to be long-lasting or without constant need of repair or replacement. Concrete, however, has survived down through history.
The first known users of concrete was a civilization dating back to 6500BC. Since that time, the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and others have used various forms of concrete in the construction of the pyramids, temples, and palaces. Many of these structures still stand today.
In more modern times, a patent was issued in 1824 for Portland cement and the move was on to discover all the ways this wonder product could be used. Ohio, in 1891, paved the first road in the United States using concrete. That road is still in use.
By the early 20th century, concrete was quickly replacing wood and steel as the preferred material in commercial buildings. Thomas Edison envisioned concrete homes as the wave of the future, building the first ones in Union, New Jersey in 1908. His vision didn’t catch on as quickly as he’d hoped – it was many more years before concrete homes became a reality.
As concrete evolved in the modern era, a way was found to overlay existing concrete.
In 1938, John Crossfield patented his process of adding latex to Portland cement, aggregates, and other materials to overlay ship decks. This method was soon being used in other applications as well. Today, polymer resins have replaced the latex additive, making the use of overlays more versatile and long-lasting.