Repairing Guides

how to repair flaking concrete driveway

by Nelle Kilback Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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

Part of a video titled Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTube
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2:47
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.

Full Answer

Why is my new concrete driveway flaking?

Flaking Driveway. The durability of the concrete is the issue, which could relate to the mix design, placement, or lack of adequate curing. Regarding the mix design, inadequate air entrainment is often the issue. But occasional porous aggregate that retains water is also a frequent cause of flaking.

How do you fix a damaged concrete driveway?

The fix typically involves nothing more than applying a new surface layer to give your driveway a smooth, like-new appearance (and to protect it against future damage). This repair doesn’t require any special skills or previous experience working with concrete.

What causes concrete driveway spalling and how to fix it?

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 a new surface layer to give your driveway a smooth, like-new appearance (and to protect it against future damage).

How do you put a furring on a concrete driveway?

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.

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How do you repair flaking 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 driveway 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.

Why is top layer of concrete flaking off?

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 repair crumbling concrete driveway?

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.

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 does concrete spalling look like?

The symptoms of spalling concrete are the flaking, chipping and large chunks that you see missing from your concrete surface, exposing the coarse, rocky concrete aggregate. Those are the symptoms, but spalling concrete is a little more complex than just surface level appearance.

What is delamination of concrete?

Delamination is the detachment of a thin (typically from 3mm to 6 mm in thickness) surface layer from the rest of the slab. It is initially manifested by a 'drummy' sound when the pavement is tapped or trafficked. The cause of delamination is predominantly related to the timing of the final trowel finishing operations.

What is the cheapest way to resurface a drive?

Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.

Can you skim coat a concrete driveway?

If your driveway has excessive chips that detract from the overall beauty of your front yard, skim coating it will significantly improve the appearance. Pouring a thin, new layer of concrete over the old surface will smooth out any chips or pits and give you the opportunity to add color.

Can you resurface a cracked concrete driveway?

Concrete resurfacing to cover larger cracks or surface problems. Large cracks or holes greater than ¼”, spalling (horizontal peeling or chipping of the surface), and discoloration can be covered with resurfacing or a concrete overlay (a thin layer of cement-based material applied directly over the existing concrete).

How do you fix a spalling driveway?

1:162:47Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWorth the slurry as a bond coat into the area of being patched. But avoid overworking this singleMoreWorth the slurry as a bond coat into the area of being patched. But avoid overworking this single component patching compound sets. In a half hour for fast return to service.

What causes concrete to crumble?

The most common cause of spalling is errors on the part of contractors. They either add additional water to the concrete as they finish it or they start to finish the concrete before the concrete bleed water leaves the surface of the concrete.

What is concrete driveway spalling?

This type of surface failure, known as spalling or scaling, is more common in colder climates where freeze-thaw cycles and deicing chemicals are prevalent. Freezing causes the water in the capillaries of the concrete to expand, creating pressure.

What causes concrete scaling?

Concrete slabs exposed to freezing and thawing in the presence of moisture and/or deicing salts are susceptible to scaling. Most scaling is caused by: The use of non-air-entrained concrete or too little entrained air. Adequate air entrainment is necessary for protection against freezing and thawing damage.

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.

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 ...

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.

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 repair spalling concrete?

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.

How much does it cost to repair concrete spalling?

Repairs cost about $300 for spalling concrete in an area the size of a cellphone, to $1,200 for the entire ceiling of an HDB toilet, said Mr Ravits Goh, managing director at A & R Construction and Engineering, an HDB-approved contractor.

Why is my concrete driveway 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.

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 stop concrete spalling?

Preventing weather-related spalling requires using air-entrained concrete, curing well, and applying a water-repellent sealer after the slab is cured.

What causes spalling in new concrete?

In most cases, spalled concrete is caused by poor finishing and the use of water on the surface to aid in the finishing process. Excess water and overfinishing create a weak surface that can’t handle freeze-thaw expansion and contraction.

Is concrete spalling dangerous?

Concrete spalling is more common in colder climates, where the concrete endures freeze-thaw cycles. Because spalling can be a sign of deep, dangerous damage that can result in further issues, it’s important to repair spalling at the first sign of brokenness or flaking.

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 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.

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.

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