What to Do About Concrete Spalling

What Causes Concrete Spalling and How to Fix It

It you have a concrete patio, walkway, pool deck, or other outdoor living area, that was probably poured poured in the 60's, you’ve probably noticed that it's ugly. Maybe it's chipping, it's pitted, or the surface is flaking. That's what the DOC+ and other concrete contractors call spalling.

The Causes of Ugly Concrete Spalling

• How About that Upstate New York Weather?

  As you probably already know, the Rochester, NY, region experiences fluctuations in weather conditions—sometimes on a day-to-day basis. Our freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage to concrete when water seeps into it, freezes it, then expands. This can cause your concrete surface to chip.

• Maybe It's Your Rebar!

  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.

• Nasty Chemicals

  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.

• 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 be Done About Concrete Spalling?

The obvious answer is to call CONCRETE DOC+ to set up a free, no obligation assessment of your not-so-pretty concrete. After careful analysis, the DOC will offer recommendations for the best way to approach the damaged concrete.

If You Have Minor Damage:

For minor spalling damage we will call in our concrete repair experts at 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.

  
  

• Resurface Your Concrete:

  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, 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 to Prevent Spalling

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

• 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. Gruttadaurio Masonry always makes sure water drains off your concrete, so you won't have to worry about water pooling and messing up your concrete.

• Concrete Mixed Properly – To keep your concrete from spalling, it's a good idea to hire a well-regarded 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