Spalling concrete, a common issue in Tennessee’s varying climate, occurs when the surface layer of concrete begins to chip, flake, or crumble away, exposing the material underneath. If left untreated, spalling can weaken your concrete’s structure.
Addressing spalling early is essential for preserving the strength of your property and keeping it looking its best. In this read, we will discuss the causes of spalling and explore ways to repair it.
What Causes Concrete to Spall?
Spalling happens due to various factors, often involving environmental conditions and improper installation. Some common causes include:
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Water gets absorbed into the concrete and expands when frozen, causing the surface to crack and flake.
- Poor quality concrete or improper curing: When the concrete mix isn’t formulated or cured correctly, it can weaken prematurely, leading to surface deterioration. That’s why it’s important to partner with the right concrete supplier like SRM Concrete.
- Corrosion of reinforcement steel: In reinforced concrete, moisture can cause the steel inside to rust, which expands and leads to cracking or spalling.
- Heavy use and wear: Areas exposed to frequent traffic, machinery, or other forms of stress often suffer from surface damage.
- Exposure to chemicals: Harsh chemicals like de-icing salts or industrial cleaners can break down the surface of concrete over time.
Methods to Repair Spalled Concrete
If your concrete surface is showing signs of spalling, taking action now can help restore its strength and extend its life. Here are several methods, some better than others, for repairing spalling concrete:
1. Concrete Overlays
Concrete overlays involve adding a fresh, thin layer of concrete over the damaged surface. This is a simple and cost-effective way to restore small, surface-level spalling.
- Topical Sealers
Topical sealers are applied directly to the surface of the concrete to create a protective barrier. These coatings can protect against moisture, chemicals, and other external elements that contribute to spalling.
While this solution is not meant to fix deep cracks or advanced damage, it can be effective for preventing further deterioration and safeguarding the concrete.
3. Concrete Replacement
In severe cases, where the spalling has significantly compromised the concrete’s structural integrity, full replacement may be necessary. This process involves removing the damaged concrete and pouring new concrete in its place.
Although this is a more costly and labor-intensive solution, it ensures long-lasting results, particularly for large areas with extensive damage.
How to Prevent Future Spalling
Preventing spalling is easier than repairing it. Following these best practices can help maintain your concrete and avoid future damage:
- Hire a professional concrete contractor who uses high-quality concrete mixes and ensures proper practices during installation.
- Regularly apply sealants to protect against moisture and chemicals.
- Avoid using de-icing salts in areas prone to freeze-thaw cycles.
- Ensure proper drainage around the concrete surface to prevent water from pooling.
By taking preventive measures and addressing spalling early, you can extend the life of your concrete surfaces and avoid costly repairs down the line.
If you are experiencing concrete spalling now, it may be time to call for the help of concrete professionals like at Summit Concrete.
Since 2015, we have been setting a quality standard “yards above the rest” for your residential and commercial concrete needs. From planning to execution, our experienced concrete professionals can help ensure your project meets its concrete reality.
Schedule a consultation with us online, or give us a call at (615) 295-4547 today.
