Expertise: Concrete Resurfacing

Over the years, harsh weather can cause cracks and other damage on a home's concrete surfaces. Homeowners may put off repairs due to cost concerns, but replacing that concrete is not always the answer. Gwen Kunkel, owner of New Castle Artisan, can breathe new life into your existing surfaces – whether it's your driveway, pool deck, patio; practically any concrete surface around your home – with improved products and techniques.

House & Home spoke with Kunkel about the economic and aesthetic value of concrete resurfacing.

Why would someone want to resurface concrete versus replacement?
The benefit of resurfacing is instead of just fixing a problem like cracking, pitting or damage from mold, you can make a home improvement. Right now if you have concrete that's cracked or un-level, you can repair or replace it with new concrete, but you'll just have new concrete. It doesn't increase the curb appeal of your home. It doesn't increase the value of your home. With resurfacing, we add design and we carve the cracks into the existing pattern after we repair them, so you've got something that looks like you spent money to do a home improvement and not just a home repair. That makes it more valuable financially and aesthetically.

Why do you use polymer cements?
Our polymer cements are the best alternative for exterior projects because they resist erosion. Applied properly, they do not peel, flake or delaminate. They are absorbed into the existing concrete, grow spines that expand creating a new cement surface that is incredibly durable as well as stain and chemical resistant.

How long does your work last?
Resurfacing has been around since the 1960s. It is not new technology but I have personally had jobs down for over 25 years in South Jersey. We offer a two-year warranty that can be extended. If the bond is done properly, it will last a lifetime with some routine resealing maintenance.

You also resurface pool decks. How cost effective is that?
The cost to rip out and replace a pool deck is usually considerably more than resurfacing. Being that most pools are located in the backyard, just the concrete can cost up to 35 percent more because they have to wheelbarrow it in, which is labor intensive.

Will it ruin my landscaping or grass?
No. As a matter of fact, aside from it being beautiful, you wouldn't even know we were there. You don't have to take down any fences. We don't use any heavy equipment. Everything we bring is carried in and carried out, so your landscaping looks exactly the same.

Do You Do Custom Colors And Designs?
Yes! New Castle Artisan offers you a variety of shades and textures for your concrete resurfacing project. Plus, you can choose from a large selection of design templates, or even submit your own! It's our passion to ensure we create something you'll love to live with!

How much experience does New Castle Artisan have?
The experts at NewCastle Artisan have over 30 years of experience in the concrete resurfacing industry. Our family-owned and operated business has locations in both New Jersey and Florida. We work daily with multiple generations of artisans to ensure your property gets the best of our expertise.

New Castle Artisan
Blackwood, N.J.
(856) 725-3333
NewCastleArtisan.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 4 (March 2024)
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