Concrete

Cracked, worn, or outdated concrete can affect both the appearance and usability of your property. Whether an existing surface needs cleaning or resurfacing, or you need a new driveway, patio, walkway, or structural installation, Nolascapes can evaluate the area and recommend an appropriate solution. We provide residential and light commercial concrete services throughout Greater New Orleans, with options ranging from traditional flatwork to decorative finishes and custom designs.

Our Concrete Services Include:

• Decorative Concrete. Add color, texture, or a distinctive finish to patios, walkways, pool decks, entryways, and other concrete surfaces. Available options can include staining, engraving, overlays, coatings, and other decorative treatments.
  
  
• Custom Concrete Design. Plan a concrete surface around the property’s layout, intended use, surrounding architecture, and preferred appearance. Customization can include the shape, dimensions, colors, patterns, borders, textures, and connections to nearby outdoor features.
  
  
• Flatwork Concrete. Install level or gently sloped concrete surfaces for driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, garage floors, and similar applications. Proper preparation, grading, drainage, reinforcement, finishing, and curing all contribute to the surface’s long-term performance.
  
  
• Poured Footers and Walls. Create structural concrete elements that support outdoor construction and other property improvements. The required dimensions, reinforcement, and concrete specifications should be determined by the structure, site conditions, applicable plans, and local building requirements.
  
  
• Power Washing. Remove accumulated dirt, organic growth, and certain surface stains from concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, and other exterior areas. The pressure and cleaning method should be selected according to the surface’s condition and finish.
  
  
• Stamped Concrete. Give new or suitable resurfaced concrete the appearance of materials such as stone, slate, or brick. Homeowners can choose from different patterns, colors, and textures to coordinate the surface with the home and surrounding landscape.
  
  

Concrete Design and Installation

A successful concrete project begins with more than choosing a color or finish. The design should account for how the surface will be used, expected foot or vehicle traffic, connections to existing areas, and the desired appearance. For exterior concrete in Greater New Orleans, grading, drainage, frequent rainfall, moisture exposure, surface traction, and surrounding landscaping should also be considered before installation begins.

The installation process may include removing an existing surface, excavating and preparing the site, compacting the base, installing forms and reinforcement where required, pouring and finishing the concrete, and allowing it to cure properly. The exact process depends on the project, soil and site conditions, intended loads, concrete specifications, and chosen finish.

What Is a Concrete Overlay?

A concrete overlay is a cement-based or polymer-modified material applied over a suitable existing concrete surface. It can refresh a worn or plain area, cover certain minor surface imperfections, and create a new decorative finish without necessarily removing and replacing the entire slab. Depending on the selected system, overlays may be used on patios, pool decks, walkways, garages, and some vertical concrete surfaces.

When to Use a Concrete Overlay

An overlay may be appropriate when the existing concrete is structurally stable but has surface wear, discoloration, minor imperfections, or an outdated appearance. It can provide a more economical way to update certain surfaces while offering choices in color, texture, and pattern.

However, an overlay is not the correct solution for every cracked or uneven slab. Significant settlement, ongoing movement, drainage problems, unstable concrete, or major structural cracks may need to be repaired before resurfacing or may require replacement. Nolascapes can inspect the existing surface and help determine whether cleaning, repair, resurfacing, or new concrete is the more appropriate option.

Types of Concrete Overlays

Several overlay systems are available, and the right option depends on the surface condition, location, intended use, preferred appearance, and budget.

• Stamped overlays. A stamped overlay can add texture and a pattern that resembles stone, slate, brick, or another paving material. Color may also be added to create a more customized finish.
  
  
• Spray-texture overlays. A spray-applied texture can create a more uniform, textured finish for pool decks, patios, walkways, and similar areas. The texture and coating should be selected with appearance, traction, and maintenance in mind.
  
  
• Micro-toppings and skim coats. These thin overlay systems can refresh a worn concrete surface and create either a smooth or lightly textured finish. Stains or dyes may be incorporated when a decorative appearance is desired.
  
  
• Self-leveling overlays. These products may be used in appropriate settings to create a smoother, more even surface before applying a final finish. They are generally intended for specific applications and do not correct every underlying structural or settlement problem.
  
  

Choosing a concrete overlay should be based on the existing slab’s condition rather than appearance alone. The surface must be evaluated and properly prepared so the selected system can bond and perform as intended.

Nolascapes provides residential and light commercial concrete services throughout the Greater New Orleans area. We can help with new installations, concrete resurfacing, decorative finishes, driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, footers, walls, and exterior cleaning. Contact us to discuss your project and request a free estimate.