Pouring concrete over old concrete instead of directly over a new gravel foundation limits your ability to maximize the slab s lifespan.
Pour concrete over old slab.
It is possible that you may have to remove the existing slab prepare the supporting subbase properly and then pour a new slab to achieve the results you desire.
There are cases when pouring new concrete over old just isn t a viable solution.
If you have to level a sloped site or bring in a lot of fill hire an excavator for a day to help prepare the site.
In the video below i poured a new stamped concrete patio slab right over the old existing concrete.
The slab should not sound like it is hollow under it or that it is thin at that point.
The bulk of the work for a new slab is in the excavation and form building.
A well poured concrete slab with a deep sturdy foundation can last for 30 to 40 years.
Then figure on spending a day building the forms and another pouring the slab.
If you re concrete has large cracks and the slab may still be moving due to freeze and thaw conditions or settling then a tear out and replace is a better solution.
The condition of the existing slab is the primary factor that determines how long the new concrete will last.
How to pour a concrete slab.
A well poured concrete slab with a deep sturdy foundation can last for 30 to 40 years.
Pouring concrete over old concrete instead of directly over a new gravel foundation limits your ability to maximize the slab s lifespan.
The condition of the existing slab is the primary factor that determines how long the new concrete will last.
Concrete repair guide aci 546 and guide for concrete floor and slab construction aci 302 1.
The old concrete was over 20 years old.
Make sure the braces are level and lay down a barrier of wire mesh over the existing concrete inside of the barrier.
Then build a perimeter or a wood brace that is the same height as you want the concrete to be.
You ll find a lot of useful information in two aci reports.
When wouldn t i want to pour new concrete over old concrete.
One way is to tap on the slab around any cracks and then in a good area.
The slab in this situation is over 40 years old and if it is stable then good results might occur on the other hand you can t really tell by looking at it.