We had Northland pave our driveway, create a new interlocking front walk and epoxy our front steps and porch in 2014. Now, 5 1/2 years later the epoxy work on the front steps is cracking and heaving. We were very careful every winter to not use ice melter or salt on the interlock or epoxied areas so it wasn't caused by that. I'm disappointed that I now have to put out more money to repair the problem. It should have lasted much longer.
June 6 Update - As response to Northland's comments, I would like to say that I was never told that there was a chance that the epoxy could crack and heave due to moisture getting underneath. Be aware if you purchase this product/service that you may have to re-do it in a few years.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $9,000.00
- Company Response
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. Allow me to explain the nature of epoxy coating finishes. Epoxy coatings are an extremely durable resurfacing product used to beautify or cover up older concrete surfaces. It is not structural but it's longevity directly reflects on the condition of the old concrete beneath it. It is the most economical way of updating an older concrete surface.
A concrete porch/step recovering product performance will basically depend upon two factors. The first most important would be the condition of the old concrete beneath it. If the old concrete has any cracks, fissures, spalling scaling or shifting occurring then this would have a direct impact on the integrity of the coating as it reflects the conditions it rests upon. The second would be the nature of our Canadian weather patterns. Moisture has a way of seeping in between the layer of epoxy and concrete surface and our freeze and thaw cycles contribute to expansion and retraction.
We are faced with limited options when trying to beautify a front porch. If it is not feasible to replace them since that is a major expense, then we try to cover them with either tiles (and tiles man made or natural stone are subject to the same weathering issues as moisture seeps through the mortar joints, freezes and contracts causing loose or heaving tiles) or an epoxy coating.
We have a set of concrete steps on display in our yard that have been refinished with epoxy and after 10 years it is still in excellent condition. The concrete beneath the epoxy was in good condition and this has contributed to its longevity.
In short, like staining a deck epoxy coatings also may need maintenance to keep it looking new.
Stay Safe!
Northland Paving
Hi Kathy,
Not having seen the issue, it is possible that fissures were created when the surface beneath the epoxy shifted as the ground is Canada shifts with each freeze and thaw cycle.
Have a nice day!