Repairing Guides

how to repair flaking concrete

by Orie Hoeger Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Instructions

  1. Use a long handle spade to peel up as much of the flaking concrete as possible. Continue until a major portion of the loose concrete has been removed. ...
  2. Read instructions on the back of the Patchcrete bag and accordingly prepare the mixture. Fill mixed Patchcrete in to concrete voids and smooth it out using a trowel. ...
  3. Patched areas can be seen standing out like a sore thumb. There is only one possible way to fix this. ...

Part of a video titled Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTube
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You'll need a water source mixing bucket variable speed drill mixing paddle steel trowel safetyMoreYou'll need a water source mixing bucket variable speed drill mixing paddle steel trowel safety glasses and a respirator. Before getting started make sure the surface is clean dull dry.

How to fix or repair chipped cracked or broken concrete?

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Concrete Steps by Type of Damage?

  • Filling In Small Cracks or Holes. You can patch small cracks and holes for about $20 using a DIY concrete patch kit or self-leveling crack sealer.
  • Leveling Uneven Concrete. ...
  • Replacing Uneven, Broken, or Sunken Steps. ...
  • Resurfacing and Sealing Concrete Steps. ...
  • Repainting Concrete Steps. ...
  • Replacing a Broken Stair Railing. ...

How to keep stamped concrete from cracking?

Sullivan suggests repairs in the following circumstances:

  • The crack has become a safety hazard.
  • The crack compromises the concrete’s performance.
  • The appearance of the crack takes away from the look of the concrete.

How to get rust marks off of concrete?

To remove this type of stain from concrete:

  • Pour one-eighth of a cup of liquid dishwashing detergent into a spray bottle, then top off the bottle with warm water and shake well.
  • Spray the concrete stains with the soap solution, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a stiff nylon brush.
  • Once the stain lifts, hose the area until the spot is completely gone.

How to fix spalling concrete?

  • When the spalling damage is less than 1/3 of the concrete's thickness, a surface repair is typically possible. ...
  • Due to exposure, corroded rebar must be cleansed at the start of the repair procedure. ...
  • A cementitious overlay can be used to repair damage on driveways, sidewalks, and other horizontal surfaces. ...

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How do you fix flaked concrete?

Spalled concrete may be caused by any of the following: Freeze-thaw cycles. De-icing salts....If your concrete is spalling, these are the repair options:Patch the spalled area with a color matching compound.Have your concrete resurfaced with an overlay.Rip out and replace the entire slab.

Why is my concrete flaking?

When the temperature drops below freezing, moisture in the concrete tends to expand, creating internal pressure. Over the course of a winter, or over the course of years, as the internal pressure rises and falls, it stresses the surface layer of the concrete, which leads to spalling.

Can you resurface crumbling concrete?

You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies. These products do work, but pay close attention to their limitations.

What does spalling concrete look like?

Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.

What is the best product to resurface concrete?

Our Top PicksBest For Interiors. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. ... Best for Exteriors. Rapid Set High Strength, 15 Min Set, Featheredge. ... Best For Cracks. KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating. ... Best For Flooring. Ardex Feather Finish Grey Self-Drying Cement. ... Best For Small Jobs. ... Best Premixed.

What is the best product for spalling concrete?

Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is a polymer-modified Portland cement product that's specially designed for making thin layer repairs and restoring the appearance of concrete. You can apply it on spalling concrete as thin as a sixteenth of an inch or as thick as one-half inch.

How long does quikrete concrete resurfacer last?

This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for. So yes it can last. Concrete resurfacing provides a like new finish at an affordable price.

How do you paint crumbling concrete?

You make cement paint by mixing Portland cement powder and clean cold water. Mix it to the consistency of regular paint. With the cement block clean and slightly damp, take an old paint brush and paint the area to be repaired with this cement paint. Brush it on as you would paint, but not too thick.

Can you pour concrete over concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

Can I seal spalling concrete?

To prevent spalling, you need a hi-grade seal and cure which can allow the concrete to breath and but yet protect it - especially during that first critical year. V-SEAL is a HI-TECH deep penetrating sealer and cure that easily passes the ASTM one hundred day freeze/thaw test.

Is concrete spalling serious?

Concrete spalling is also known as concrete cancer. It has the capacity to cause serious hazards, public injury, and loss of public property, as it can damage the whole structure, like damage to reinforcing bars within the concrete. Hence, spalling concrete is an issue that needs attention.

How do you resurface concrete?

0:454:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concreteMoreBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concrete resurfacer that has been mixed to a triable consistency.

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

How do you repair damaged concrete?

2:334:13How to Make Thin Repairs to Damaged Concrete with QUIKRETEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDampen the repair area with water. Enough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although anyMoreDampen the repair area with water. Enough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although any standing water should be removed vinyl concrete patcher should be built up in layers using a margin

How do you repair a crumbling concrete garage floor?

Clean the slab and fill deep holes and cracksClean the slab and fill deep holes and cracks. Start with a clean floor. ... Remove the loose stuff. ... Concrete Floor Patch: Fill cracks, craters, divots and pits. ... Create a dam. ... Spread it smooth, then let it set.

How do you repair a crumbling concrete porch?

Step 1: Remove the Loose Concrete. Remove any damaged or crumbling concrete. ... Step 2: Clean the Concrete. ... Step 3: Position the Concrete Patch Form. ... Step 4: Mix the Concrete Crack Sealer. ... Step 5: Smooth the Concrete Patch. ... Step 6: Finish the Patch. ... Step 1: Clean the Concrete. ... Step 2: Create a Concrete Repair Form.More items...

How to get rid of concrete flakes?

Water pressure will act to get rid of leftover concrete flakes. Be as thorough as possible while pressure washing the area being repaired because it will ensure that your repair work lasts longer. Allow time for the concrete surface to dry completely before you move on to the next step. 2.

Do you need to apply a uniform overlay to concrete?

Be sure to use the correct amount of water for mixing the Ardex. You will have to refer to instructions written on the Ardex bag to determine the right water quantity for mixing it properly.

Can you fix flaking concrete?

Repairing flaking concrete is easy but you will have to spend a fair amount of time. Check out some simple techniques to help you repair flaking concrete and save a bundle of money in the process.

Why is top layer of concrete flaking off?

When the temperature drops below freezing, moisture in the concrete tends to expand, creating internal pressure. Over the course of a winter, or over the course of years, as the internal pressure rises and falls, it stresses the surface layer of the concrete, which leads to spalling.

Can I seal spalling concrete?

Answer: Sealers are a great way to protect concrete from spalling deterioration. A good-quality sealer designed for use on exterior concrete will help minimize water saturation and protect against salt damage.

How do you seal crumbling concrete?

Rub the bristles of a stiff scrub brush over the edges of the crumbling area to remove loose concrete and dirt.

Can crumbling concrete be repaired?

The Cure for Crumbling Concrete Steps As long as the steps are structurally sound—meaning, they’re not spalling, flaking, or broken all the way through—you can repair most surface issues. If your patch is thicker, build the vinyl concrete patcher up in ¼ inch applications.

What does spalling concrete look like?

Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.

How do you fix spalling concrete?

Clean Spalled Concrete Area. Clean the area to be repaired from any dirt to eliminate bond breaker agents (Fig.

Does concrete bond to concrete?

Fact: Fresh wet concrete does not normally bond well to existing dry concrete. There is nothing in basic portland cement that will act as a bonding agent. Portland cement concrete works well in mass and provides great compressive strength but not bond. Concrete is marvelous stuff but in time it will deteriorate.

How to get a nice finish on concrete?

Timing is the secret to getting a nice finish. Use the bull float immediately, but wait until the concrete stiffens before using the edger and broom. All the tools you need are available at most rental stores. Cover the finished concrete with plastic for five days or spray it with a curing compound.

Why is my driveway spalling?

Common mistakes include adding too much water to the mix, to make it easier to pour; sprinkling the surface of the concrete with water, to extend finishing time; and not curing the concrete properly after installation.

How to make a cement wheelbarrow?

Mix one part Type 1 Portland cement and one part fine sand by volume. Add water until the mixture is the consistency of thick paint, then brush it on the damp concrete. Before that dries, mix three parts fine sand and one part Portland cement in your wheelbarrow with enough water to make the mix the consistency of thick oatmeal.

What causes concrete to spalt?

Over the course of a winter, or over the course of years, as the internal pressure rises and falls, it stresses the surface layer of the concrete, which leads to spalling. The fix typically involves nothing more than applying ...

What is Rapid Set Newcrete?

Specially formulated to restore lackluster concrete, resurfacing products like Rapid Set NewCrete ( available from The Home Depot) make it quick and easy for homeowners to address spalling on their own, without having to hire a contractor. The resurfacing material simply spreads over the existing, spalled concrete surface to create a fresh, flawless finish.

How to make pancake batter lump free?

Mix and apply the resurfacer. In a bucket, tub, or wheelbarrow, combine the resurfacer with water in the ratio recommended by the manufacturer. Then, using your drill-mounted paddle attachment, mix the two until you’ve achieved a lump-free consistency similar to that of pancake bat ter.

Does Newcrete require primer?

NewCrete in particular stands out, because it simplifies and speeds up the process. For one thing, it rarely requires the use of primer.

Can you mist a driveway with resurfacer?

In especially dry, windy, or hot conditions, it may be necessary to mist the area while the resurfacer gains strength . But if you’ve chosen the right day for the project, you can apply resurfacer, drive off to do errands, and then return a little later and park your car on a pristine, perfectly smooth driveway.

Why does concrete peel?

2) A second reason for peeling is when the surface of the concrete dries faster during installation than the layer below it. This prevents the concrete from curing completely and creates a weak surface. The surface then peels when it is exposed to high use, stress or freeze-thaw.

What happens when concrete is exposed to ice?

Damage will show up when the concrete is exposed to ice or snow which then melts and penetrates into the concrete and freezes. Frozen water expands about 10%, pushing the thin, weak top layer upwards causing the layer to peel off (known as spalling).

Can you use penetrating sealer on concrete?

We recommend the use of a penetrating sealer which will significantly reduce the potential for peeling on new concrete and slow down the damage on older concrete. There is no product that can prevent a week surface from peeling eventually. No reputable sealer manufacturer will guarantee that their product will prevent or completely stop ...

Why is my concrete stain flaking?

The concrete was not dry enough when the sealer was applied. If the concrete it too wet, flaking occurs because the sealant cannot bond properly to the surface. The concrete stain was not neutralized in advance. When a stain isn't properly neutralized, the sealer will lose its chemical bond.

How long does it take for concrete to dry before sealing?

It's best to wait to seal concrete until the weather is dry - ideally less than 65% humidity. The sealer needs to have 12-24 hours cure time prior to any moisture getting on it, so avoid fog or dew during this period.

Why does concrete sealer bubble?

Blisters occur primarily with solvent based sealers, when the surface or the surrounding air is too hot. High temperatures from direct sunlight are common culprits. In these conditions, the sealer will dry out on the surface before the solvent has evaporated. The base of the sealer flashes off too fast, forming bubbles in the sealer as it exits. For this reason, it's best to apply concrete sealers during the cooler part of the day.

How long does it take for acetone to dry on concrete?

However, the acetone needs to be completely removed before applying more sealer. If you only used a light small amount then it may evaporate completely. Otherwise, you need to allow it to dry for 24 hours and then gently wash the acetone off with clean water and allow to completely dry prior to applying more sealer. As always, test a small spot before doing the entire area.

What to do if you get blisters on your sealer?

If the temperature isn't too hot, then apply a new coat of sealer to re-liquify the existing sealer. However, if bubbles continue to form then try sealing during a cooler time of year. Another option if blisters form while applying is to use a leaf blower.

What causes sealer to dry white?

If the temperature is too low (less than 45 ℉) or the humidity is too high (above 65%), surface crust could form before the water can completely evaporate, thereby trapping the moisture and causing the sealer to dry a cloudy white or powdery color.

Why is my sealer cloudy?

Sealer Turned A White or Cloudy Color. A white or cloudy color is caused by moisture that is trapped inside the sealer. There are a number of reasons this could have occurred. The sealer was not completely dry when an additional coat was applied.

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Get Rid of Concrete Spalling by Resurfacing The Concrete

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If your driveway surface has spalling concrete, the most likely cause is an installation mistake. Common mistakes include adding too much water to the mix, to make it easier to pour; sprinkling the surface of the concrete with water, to extend finishing time; and not curing the concrete properly after installation. Resu
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How to Resurface Your Spalling Concrete Driveway

  • Here’s the short course on how to install a concrete overlay: Stake 1×2 furring strips along the edges of the driveway or patio, keeping them 1/2 in. above the existing surface. “Picture frame” the section by nailing 1/2-in. plywood strips, flat to the concrete, along the control joints. Mix one part Type 1 Portland cement and one part fine sand by volume. Add water until the mixture is th…
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Required Tools For This Project

  • Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. 1. Bull float 2. Circular saw 3. Concrete edger 4. Drill/driver - cordless 5. Garden hose 6. Hammer 7. Knee pads 8. Paintbrush 9. Power washer 10. Pry bar 11. Safety glasses 12. Sawhorses 13. Screw gun 14. Shovel 15. Speed square 16. Stiff-bristle pushbroom 17. Table sa…
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Required Materials For This Project

  • Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list. 1. 1/2-in. plywood strips 2. 1x2 furring strips 3. 2x4 leveling board 4. Concrete nails 5. Type 1 Portland cement 6. Wooden stakes
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