Spalling concrete is a not-so-subtle deterioration that can sneak up on the most vigilant property caretaker, leaving behind unsightly and potentially hazardous surfaces. Whether you’ve discovered pitted areas on your driveway or crumbling steps leading to your front door, the phenomenon of spalling is as pervasive as it is problematic.
In this blog post, we aim to strip away the layers of confusion surrounding spalling concrete, revealing its underlying causes and the most effective repair solutions. Our goal is to arm you, the homeowner, with the knowledge to not only understand what spalling is but also how you can confront and rectify it. From environmental factors to material flaws, we’ll dissect each contributing element so that you can wield prevention strategies like a pro and tackle repairs with confidence.
What is Spalling Concrete?
Concrete spalling is a process that involves the deterioration of a concrete surface. In many cases, this deterioration involves the formation of chips and small cracks throughout the top layer of the concrete. This effect is not only unsightly but also indicates that your concrete has weakened to the point where it likely requires repairs.
Causes of Spalling Concrete
There are many reasons why the concrete on your property may begin to experience spalling. Some of these causes are more common than others, but all result in the same type of deterioration. The list below explains some of the spalling causes that are worth learning about:
- Corrosion: This cause of concrete spalling is one of the most common of all. Most concrete includes steel rebar that adds strength to the concrete. If that steel rebar begins to corrode, the chemical reaction causes the steel to expand, resulting in spalling throughout the slab.
- Freezing and Thawing: If you live in an area with cold winters, temperature changes could cause your concrete spalling. As water freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts. That expansion and contraction cause cracks and spalling in the same way that an expanding corroded bar does.
- Poor Installation: Sometimes, a concrete contractor may make a mistake when pouring your concrete. For example, if they do not pour a thick enough layer over the rebar, there is a greater chance of spalling.
- Fire Exposure: If your concrete has direct exposure to fire, the extreme temperature changes can affect the concrete material, causing spalling
- Alkali-Silica Reactions: This reaction involves an interaction between siliceous minerals and the concrete itself. As the reaction takes place, the concrete will begin to expand after it has cured, resulting in spalling.
Risk Factors for Concrete Spalling
While we have already covered the main reasons why concrete spalling occurs, there are other risk factors that play a role in how likely it is that spalling will take place. The list below explains a few of those risk factors and how they increase the likelihood of spalling:
- Seawater: Concrete that has exposure to salty seawater or sea breezes tends to be more likely to experience spalling. The salt present in the water can react with compounds in the concrete, resulting in the spalling process.
- Road salt: Similar to seawater, road salt can also cause a reaction with your concrete that leads to spalling.
- Poor concrete quality: Concrete that consists of cheap materials or was not properly mixed is more prone to spalling than other concrete.
Repairing Spalling Concrete
Discovering spalling concrete is not something that you’ll look forward to. However, if this issue arises, it is essential to know what to do. Fortunately, the repair process for spalling concrete is relatively straightforward. The list below describes the main steps in this type of project:
- Eliminate the source (if applicable): If your spalling arises from corrosion, you’ll need to remove enough concrete to access the corroded steel. After removing and replacing the corroded rebar, you can proceed to the next step.
- Clean the concrete: Before performing repairs, clean the surface of the concrete to remove any loose chips and dust.
- Apply a concrete repair polymer: There are many products on the market designed to fill and cover spalling concrete. Applying concrete sealing materials restores your concrete to its original condition.
- Allow for dry time: After applying the polymer product, give it time to dry before attempting to use your concrete.
- Clean the concrete again: The final step in the process is to clean your newly repaired concrete, making it look as good as ever.
Can You Repair Spalling Concrete on Your Own?
Although the section above reveals that the repair process for spalling concrete is straightforward, that does not mean you should attempt it independently. Instead, the best approach is to hire a concrete professional in your area to do the job for you. The right concrete contractor will be best suited to complete this project safely and successfully.
Call a Pro for Spalling Concrete Repair
Have you noticed that the concrete on your property is spalling? If so, you should not hesitate to contact a professional concrete repair team to resolve the problem.
For anyone who lives in the Eastern North Carolina area, Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair is the best team you can choose for concrete repair. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer and take advantage of our free estimate offer.
