What to Do About Concrete Spalling

If you've ever asked yourself, "What should I do about concrete spalling?", this article is for you!

It you have a concrete patio, walkway, pool deck, or other outdoor living area that was poured many decades ago, you’ve probably noticed that chipping, pitted, or the surface is flaking. That's what concrete contractors call spalling.

What are the Causes of Concrete Spalling?

• Harsh Cold Weather and Freeze-Thaw Cycles

  Freeze-thaw cycles harm concrete as water infiltrates its pores, expanding by when it freezes. This causes the concrete to crack as it weakens the structure. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles result in spalling, cracking, and structural failure.

  
  

• Underlying Rebar Failure

  Rebar is short for 'reinforcing bar' and it is the structure buried deep within your old concrete slab to provide strength and stability which is crucial for any concrete slab or foundation. If your rebar was constructed of metal many years ago, it may have corroded. When it does, the rebar pushes against the concrete and causes spalling on the surface.

  
  

• Chemicals Exposure

  When you expose use de-icing salts on your concrete to melt ice, if they contain Sodium Chloride, this can damage your concrete and can lead to spalling.

  
  

• Poor Concrete Installation

  If a concrete contractor did not install your concrete slab properly, prepare the concrete mix with the right water to concrete ratio, or did not cure or finish the concrete properly, you could end up with unwanted spalling. 

What Can I Do if My Concrete is Spalling?

If You Have Minor Damage:

For minor spalling damage, a concrete repair contractor like CONCRETE DOC+, a division of Gruttadaurio Masonry, will repair your concrete, depending on the extent of the damage. After we've inspected your existing concrete, we will make the appropriate recommendations.

• Surface Patching Method:

  If you concrete spalling is mild, CONCRETE DOC+ will prepare the concrete surface, use a compound to patch it, let it cure, then seal it to help protect it from future spalling damage.

  
  

• Concrete Resurfacing:

  If your concrete has got a great deal of spalling and the underlying structure/foundation is in tact,  CONCRETE DOC+ will resurface by installing a new layer of concrete over the entire surface. This is a great time to consider creating a whole new look to patio or other outdoor living area. You can choose to resurface your concrete using several different types of textures and patterns, or simply change the integral concrete color. Our most popular concrete resurfacing method is using a stamped concrete design which can mimic real stone, brick, or wood. The color choices include picking a base color, then adding an accent color on the surface to bring out the stamp's details and create a more realistic look. This accent color application is also known as 'antiquing'.

If Your Concrete Cannot be Saved Because of Structural Issues

In some cases, the damage to your concrete is deep within the structure and resurfacing would not correct the structural issues. When your old concrete cannot be saved, the only solution would be to have it removed and a new concrete slab can be installed. In this case, an expert concrete contractor like Gruttadaurio Masonry will come to your home and offer an on-site inspection, then provide you with an estimate for a new concrete patio, walkway, or pool deck.

"How can I prevent concrete spalling?"

There are several ways you can prevent concrete spalling including regular sealing, a proper drainage system, avoiding harsh deicing chemicals, and concrete contractors that have used quality materials and the correct installation.

• Reseal Your Concrete – To prevent your concrete from surface spalling down the road, it's a good idea to reseal it every few years.

• Timely Concrete Repair – It's best to keep an eye on your concrete for any minor cracks or surface damage and act promptly to have the issues repaired. The longer that this damage is ignored, the more it will cost to have it repaired.

• Good Drainage – If you're putting in a new concrete patio or pool deck, your concrete contractor has to make sure it's graded right for drainage. Sometimes, instead of sloping the slab a bit, they might put in a drainage system.

• Concrete Mixed Properly – To keep your concrete from spalling, it's a good idea to hire a well-regarded, 5-star Google Reviewed contractor who knows how to get the water-to-cement ratio just right and makes sure it's cured properly. Your contractor should also be using high-quality materials and reinforcements.

  
  

Conclusion

The resurfacing experts at CONCRETE DOC+ will determine if your existing concrete cannot be repaired or resurfaced due to structural issues, you can trust that Gruttadaurio Masonry will build you a beautiful custom concrete patio, walkway, or outdoor living area that you can enjoy for years to come. CONCRETE DOC+ is located at our parent company, Gruttadaurio Masonry so call 315-310-7193 to make an appointment for a free estimate.

Visit the CONCRETE DOC+ Website