Concrete for Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes Homeowners
Homeowners in the Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes — the 55+ active adult community built between 1967 and 1977 — own concrete that is now 50 to 60 years old. That’s well beyond the design lifespan of the original poured concrete, and it explains why concrete services are consistently in demand throughout this Tamarac community. This guide is written specifically for Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes residents: what concrete conditions are common in 1960s–70s South Florida construction, what services are most relevant, and what the realistic costs are for this area of Tamarac.
Concrete Services for Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes
Call Tamarac Concrete Pros at (888) 376-0955 for a free assessment of your Mainlands property.
Why Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes Homes Have Unique Concrete Needs
The Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes was developed in seven sections from 1967 to 1977, during a period when South Florida construction standards — particularly for concrete subgrade preparation and sealing requirements — were significantly less rigorous than current practice. The concrete installed in that era was often mixed and placed to the standards of the time, which means thinner slabs (3 inches was common vs. today’s 4-inch minimum), minimal reinforcement in many cases, and no sealing protocol appropriate for Florida’s UV environment.
After 50 years of exposure to Broward County’s subtropical conditions — 62 annual inches of rainfall, extreme UV levels, and the wet-dry seasonal cycle — this original concrete has reached or exceeded its structural limit. Pool decks show extensive surface spalling. Driveways have developed significant cracks, often accompanied by section settlement as the sandy subgrade beneath them has shifted and settled with decades of water cycling. Walkways have become safety hazards with raised sections and deep surface deterioration.
The good news for Mainlands homeowners is that, in most cases, the original concrete slab is still structurally intact enough to support resurfacing overlays — meaning full replacement can often be avoided at substantially lower cost than a complete new pour.
Types of Concrete Projects Most Common in Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes
Pool Deck Resurfacing: The most prevalent concrete project in Mainlands. Original pool decks are typically bare broom-finish concrete with no overlay coating — surfaces that have experienced 50+ years of pool water splash, foot traffic, UV exposure, and Florida’s thermal cycling. Resurfacing with a Kool Deck or stamped travertine overlay is typically $8–$12 per square foot for Kool Deck and $14–$20 per square foot for decorative overlay. A 600-square-foot Mainlands pool deck resurface runs $4,800–$12,000. See our pool deck resurfacing guide for full option details.
Driveway Replacement: Mainlands driveways from the 1960s–70s are typically cracked, settled, and well past their useful life. Because of the community’s active adult nature, accessibility and safety on smooth driveway surfaces is a priority. New concrete driveway installation costs $8–$12 per square foot for standard broom finish. Many Mainlands HOA sections have specific requirements for driveway finishes and colors — confirm with your section’s HOA before selecting a contractor.
Walkway Replacement and Safety: Raised or cracked walkway sections are fall hazards for Mainlands residents and guests. Walkway replacement typically costs $8–$12 per square foot. Raised sections adjacent to landscaping are often caused by the same root intrusion that affects driveways throughout established Tamarac neighborhoods — root management is part of a lasting repair.
Lanai and Porch Slab Resurfacing: Florida lanai and screen enclosure slabs in the Mainlands have typically been exposed to significant moisture from the enclosed pool environment. Overlay resurfacing for lanai slabs runs $6–$10 per square foot for standard overlays.
Practical Uses — Project Types for Mainlands Homeowners
Pre-Sale Concrete Assessment: Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes properties change hands frequently — it’s an active 55+ community with a fluid resale market. A concrete assessment before listing identifies which surfaces need replacement or resurfacing before a buyer’s inspection surfaces the issues. Pool deck condition and driveway condition are two of the most visible items in any property showing.
Safety Improvement for Accessible Living: Smooth, level walkways and driveways are not just aesthetic preferences for 55+ residents — they’re functional safety requirements. Raised sections, cracked surfaces, and areas with significant spalling create real fall hazards. Concrete safety upgrades in Mainlands properties often qualify for immediate scheduling priority, as the homeowner need is urgent.
Community Standards Compliance: Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes has community standards governing property appearance. Severely deteriorated driveways and pool decks may trigger compliance notices from the HOA. Understanding what finish and condition standard your section requires prevents the additional cost of re-doing work that didn’t meet specifications.
Seasonal Timing: The October through March dry season is the optimal window for concrete work in Tamarac. Mainlands homeowners are often in residence year-round and can schedule work during the cooler months when disruption to outdoor living is minimal and curing conditions are best.
How South Florida Conditions Affect 1960s–70s Concrete
Concrete chemistry has improved significantly since the late 1960s. Admixtures that improve workability and durability, air-entraining agents that help concrete tolerate moisture cycles, and modern mix designs that achieve higher 28-day compressive strength are all standard today — and were not present in the concrete poured in Mainlands during that era. This is the primary reason the concrete in Mainlands deteriorated more rapidly than concrete installed today would be expected to.
The high water table in Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes — built on former Everglades-adjacent land with canal systems throughout the community — accelerates moisture interaction with the underside of slabs. Moisture wicking through sandy soil keeps the underside of slabs perpetually damp, which contributes to reinforcement corrosion where rebar was included. Concrete repair and replacement in Mainlands should always include vapor barrier specification for any enclosed application and proper drainage gradient design for open slabs.
Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes Concrete Assessment
Call Tamarac Concrete Pros at (888) 376-0955. We assess 50-year concrete and recommend the right approach for your Mainlands property.
Cost Factors
Concrete projects in Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes run from $6–$8 per square foot for basic walkway resurfacing to $14–$20 per square foot for decorative pool deck overlays. Key cost factors include surface condition (severely deteriorated concrete requires more prep), drainage design requirements, HOA finish standards, and permit processing through the City of Tamarac’s ePermits system. Tamarac permit fees for residential concrete work range from $150 to $500 depending on project scope. All projects over $5,000 require a Notice of Commencement recorded with Broward County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 1960s–70s concrete in Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes be resurfaced rather than replaced?
Often yes — if the structural concrete is sound (no widespread full-depth cracking, no active settlement, no subsurface void formation), resurfacing overlays can be applied over the original concrete. A contractor assessment determines whether the substrate is suitable for overlay adhesion. Resurfacing avoids the cost and disruption of full slab removal when the original concrete is structurally adequate, just visually deteriorated.
Does the Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes HOA have requirements for concrete finishes?
Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes is divided into multiple sections with independent HOA governance. Finish standards and color requirements vary by section. Always confirm your specific section’s requirements for driveway, pool deck, and walkway finishes before selecting a contractor or signing a contract. Tamarac Concrete Pros is familiar with Mainlands community standards and can help homeowners navigate HOA requirements.
What concrete permits are required for Mainlands projects?
All new concrete installations in Tamarac — including driveway replacement, pool deck replacement, and lanai slab pours — require City of Tamarac building permits submitted through the ePermits system. Surface resurfacing overlays generally do not require permits. Projects over $5,000 require a Notice of Commencement recorded with Broward County before work begins. See our Tamarac permit guide for the complete process.
Free Concrete Assessment for Mainlands Homeowners
Call Tamarac Concrete Pros at (888) 376-0955. Serving Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes and all Tamarac neighborhoods.
Related: