When an Overlay Fails,
This Is What Comes Next
Quite often, we are called in after an overlay has already failed. This New Jersey project shows exactly what that looks like, and what it takes to fix it properly. From removing a deteriorating KoolDeck to sculpting the original concrete, this transformation highlights the difference between a temporary surface and a lasting result.
Called In After an Overlay Failure
Quite often, we are called in to remove overlays that were installed by someone else before. This project is a perfect example of that. The property is a multi-million-dollar home in New Jersey, and interestingly, it is also one of the very first projects where, back in 2015, we applied our Granite Slate color theme. Before we got involved, the homeowner had Kool Deck installed. At the time, it was about 8 to 10 years old.
What Failure Actually Looks Like
As you can clearly see in the before & after photo, the failure pattern is very typical. The material chips and delaminates, almost always along control joints. We see it along cracks, and sometimes even right in the middle of the slab. In the Northeast climate, Kool Deck eventually fails. It is not a question of if, but when. At this point, we spend an unbelievable amount of time grinding off old Kool Deck. The process generates massive amounts of dust and waste that ultimately gets thrown away. It is unfortunate, but it is also necessary if the goal is a long-term solution rather than another temporary fix.
The Transformation
We came in, completely removed the Kool Deck, and then sculpted the existing concrete to give it the look and feel of real, natural stone. This is where the difference truly shows: After the graduation party, the homeowners told us that guests kept asking where they got the flagstone. Nobody said, “I like what you did with your concrete.” That difference may sound subtle, but it is incredibly important.
Seven Years Later
What you are seeing in the after photos is actually seven years after the original installation. Over that entire time, the homeowner only called us once or twice for a simple refresh. We clean the surface, address any minor wear, and bring it right back to life. This project is a phenomenal example of both the longevity and the authenticity of a RenuKrete installation. It also shows what concrete can truly become when it is treated as a finished surface, not something to be covered up.