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 can I repair low spots in my cement driveway?
You will need the following tools, which Home Depot rents out:
- a 4.5 in. ...
- a 4. ...
- a 5 in. ...
- a floor buffer (also called a “floor maintainer” (to prepare the rest of the low spot)
- if the floor is covered in epoxy or adhesive, a floor buffer Diamabrush concrete prep tool ( video) and water for its operation
- if the floor is not covered in epoxy or adhesive, a floor buffer Diamabrush concrete removal tool ( video)
How to repair sunken pavers in the driveway?
Required tools for this project
- Screed pipe
- Paving blocks
- Grit sand
- Trowel
- Hand brush
- Rubber mallet
- Kiln-dried sand
- Stiff broom
How to properly prepare a concrete driveway?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Making a Plan
- Check local ordinances to know if you need a permit. ...
- Plan your driveway’s size, shape and route. Draw out the basic outline of your driveway. ...
- Determine how much concrete you’ll need. ...
- Decide on your forms and reinforcement materials. ...
- Do a cost estimate using your concrete order and other supplies. ...
- Add sand or clay to firm up the soil. ...
How to properly pressure wash a concrete driveway?
How to pressure wash concrete driveway
- Gather and set up all the necessary tools and equipment required for pressure washing. ...
- Clear your driveway of any vehicles or other obstructions. ...
- Turn the spray nozzle to 25 or 40-degrees and attach it to the pressure washer spray gun. ...
- If you are using detergent, then add it to your washer now. ...
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.
Will spalling concrete get worse?
Unfortunately, these are safety hazards and could lead to injury. They should be taken care of as soon as you notice that they are crumbling or spalling because it will only get worse from that point, it will not get better!
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 causes spalling driveway?
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.
How do I stop my driveway from spalling?
Sealing is the best way to prevent moisture-related spalling. For new concrete, apply a penetrating waterproofing sealer 28 days after concrete placement and every few years thereafter. The correct concrete mix can also help prevent spalling.
How long should a concrete driveway last?
25 to 30 yearsThe average life of your concrete driveway will depend on installation methods, environmental conditions and temperatures. However, you can expect your surface to last anywhere from 25 to 30 years with proper care. The key to prolonging the life of your investment is to pay attention to wear and tear each season.
Does sealing concrete prevent spalling?
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.
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 do you do with spalling concrete?
0:402:47Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'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.
Is spalling concrete structural?
Spalling can ruin the structural integrity of the concrete and compromise any supported loads.
How do you seal flaking concrete?
3:335:24Repair Spalled Concrete - Sullivan's Corner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThree things we want to discuss number one if you have really deep depressions or severe scaling orMoreThree things we want to discuss number one if you have really deep depressions or severe scaling or spalling. You can use a repair mortar or a similar material and fill those areas first just to
What do you do with spalling concrete?
0:402:47Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'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.
Can you seal spalling concrete?
Spalling - Causes, Prevention, Repair 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.
How do you stop concrete from flaking?
Proper Concrete Practices Can Avoid Surface ScalingSpalling concrete slab.Freezing and thawing cycles can cause concrete to spall.“Medium Scaling” near a joint.Air entrained mix.Don't overwork over-wet concrete.Spraying Curing Compound.Terrain should slope away from slab.
How do you fix crumbling concrete?
1:385:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr you can use a vinyl concrete patching agent and a putty knife to fill it in for a wider crack youMoreOr you can use a vinyl concrete patching agent and a putty knife to fill it in for a wider crack you will need to use a small sledgehammer.
How to prevent concrete from spalling?
HOW TO PREVENT CONCRETE SPALLING. Sealing is the best way to prevent moisture-related spalling. For new concrete, apply a penetrating waterproofing sealer 28 days after concrete placement and every few years thereafter. The correct concrete mix can also help prevent spalling.
What is spalling concrete?
Spalling concrete is a common problem where part of the surface peels, breaks or chips away. Also known as scaling, it is the result of a weak surface that is susceptible to damage. Spalled concrete may be caused by any of the following: If your concrete is spalling, these are the repair options: Find contractors that specialize in concrete ...
What is a gray stamped concrete driveway?
A gray-colored stamped concrete driveway was poured for a front entrance to a motel. The driveway is exposed to a cold climate and developed etching, cracking, and minor spalling within a year. No deicing salts were used. What could be the causes?
Why is my concrete cracking?
Shrinkage cracking is caused by rapid drying of the concrete surface by wind or high heat. Proper placement and curing practices are required to prevent this. Spalling is caused by one or more of the following: a poor concrete mix, poor finishing, or overwatering.
What causes the water in the capillaries of concrete to expand?
Freezing causes the water in the capillaries of the concrete to expand, creating pressure. Over time, the expansive pressure from repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can break away the top surface of the concrete, leaving pit marks and exposing the coarse aggregate.
Does concrete mix help prevent spalling?
The correct concrete mix can also help prevent spalling . Air entrainment is particularly effective in providing resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. When the moisture in concrete freezes, these air cells relieve internal pressure by providing microscopic chambers for the expansion of water as it freezes.
Why seal concrete?
A good-quality sealer designed for use on exterior concrete will help minimize water saturation and protect against salt damage. Even with a good sealer, the concrete itself remains the most important component in avoiding spalling (see The Correct Concrete Driveway Mix ). In most cases, spalled concrete is caused by poor finishing and the use ...
What causes the water in the capillaries of concrete to expand?
Freezing causes the water in the capillaries of the concrete to expand, creating pressure. Over time, the expansive pressure from repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can break away the top surface of the concrete, leaving pit marks and exposing the coarse aggregate.
Do deicers damage concrete?
For more information about the effects of deicers, read this tech sheet from the Portland Cement Association: Winter Weather, Deicers Need not Damage Concrete.
Does deicing cause concrete to freeze?
Deicing chemicals only aggravate the already-stressed concrete by allowing more water to migrate into the concrete, thus increasing the size and depth of the spalling failures when a freeze occurs. That's why the problem occurred only in front of the garage, where the cars are often parked.
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.
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, mois ture 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.
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.
How do you repair a damaged concrete ceiling?
Apply one coat of polymer bonding agent (latex based) over the entire area of steel and concrete to be treated. Apply polymer modified 1:3 cement mortar over the reinforcement and provide necessary cover. Addition of super plasticizer to reduce water and the incorporation of fibres will help to produce strong mortar.
Can you resurface 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 ).
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.
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.
How to deal with spalled concrete?
One great way deal with your spalled concrete is to actually have someone come in and sandblast the surface away, heck it’s already coming off anyway . If you can’t beat em, join em right!
How long does spalling concrete last?
If you go with this spalling concrete repair method you can actually create a very nice looking exposed aggregate finish and if you take care of it properly by keeping it clean and sealed for protection it could last you for years to come.
What temperature should I cover a concrete driveway with?
Did the contractor cover the driveway with insulated tarps after they completed the job? Typically concrete is good down to around 23 degrees but it is best practice to cover it with tarps if the temperature is expected to be around 32 degrees.
How much sand can you blast concrete?
You can actually sand blast the surface of the concrete taking away as much as ¾ of an inch. But in most cases when it comes to spalling concrete then this will not be the depth needed, it will only be necessary to take off the surface itself.
Can a light drizzle cause spalling?
However with the low temperatures that you poured in, the light drizzle could have caused your “spalling issue” without seeing pictures or actually seeing it in person it’s hard to tell really.
Can you color quikcrete?
Yes you could certainly color the quikcrete mix. Just use caution when you are mixing and coloring it, the concrete color mixes don’t take much to color concrete. With that said, if you don’t get the mix bang on for each batch you make you’ll end up with a colorful driveway. As far as removing the surface I would just grind off any spalling of chipping areas and patch over it
Does sand blasting work on spalling?
Hey Scott, thanks for checking out this post. And yes sand blasting works well to repair spalling concrete and looks good if you know what you’re doing. It is important though to make sure that you seal it religiously, I recommend 2 times per year. Consulting a professional is always the best thing to do and if you don’t what you’re doing hire a professional, it’s what they do, you’ll thank yourself later for it.
How do I repair spalling concrete?
STEP 1. Remove all the loose and damaged concrete by using a hammer, a chisel, an electric hammer drill with chisel bit, or a hand grinder. My preference is a small hand grinder unless I have a very large area, then I'll use a walk behind grinder.
Why is concrete spalling?
Spalling concrete is mostly caused in areas where the concrete is exposed to freeze and thawing conditions.
What happens if you resurface concrete without fixing the deep areas first?
If you try to resurface the concrete without fixing the deep areas first, the resurfacing material will finish up lower than the rest of the concrete.
How deep is a deep area?
A deep area would be anything 1/8 inch deep or more.
Does a sandpaper dry fast?
It drys pretty fast, especially if it's hot out or you're working in the sun.
What is spalling
Spalling is one of the commonest issues homeowners report having with their concrete paving and driveways. In most cases, this affects the concrete’s topmost layer, which starts flaking until you can see the aggregate below it.
How does spalling occur
Unlike asphalt, concrete suffers the most during cold weather or in cold climates. When there’s extremely low temperature (below the point of freezing), moisture inside the concrete creates an internal pressure by expanding.
How to do concrete spalling repair
There are numerous methods you can use to repair a spalling concrete. These methods can help you return your driveway’s curb appeal to its former glory.
How can I use resurfacing products to repair spalling concrete
If you are a DIY enthusiast or on a tight budget, you may want a spalling repair method that’s simple and does not require any special training or skills. Resurfacing is one such method.
Final thoughts
Spalling concrete doesn’t have to be your worst nightmare. You can contact a contractor to come and do the repairs or use a DIY method to handle it yourself. Remember, waiting too long before you repair can only serve to make the spalling damage worse and beyond repair.
What causes concrete to spall?
Here is a brief list of the things that can cause spalling concrete. 1. Corrosion of rebar. Water that permeates an unsealed concrete surface can causes the corrosion of the rebar. The rust from the rebar occupies more space than the original rebar, causing a pressure buildup and consequently, a spall. 2.
What does it mean when concrete is spalling?
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. Concrete spalling is the result of chemical and physical process that are happening within the concrete itself. It is a relatively common problem with a number of causes varying from how the concrete was mixed to environmental conditions.
What is a good concrete resurfacer?
A good concrete resurfacing product like Semco concrete resurfacer can fill in cracks, repair gaps and resurface the concrete without having to remove it. After the concrete is resurfaced, to prevent further spalling it is recommended that a waterproof concrete sealing system is used.
What is it called when concrete is flaking?
Do you have a concrete surface that is flaking and chipping like old paint? This is commonly known as spalling concrete and it is a
How to prevent rust on concrete?
Break away any concrete attached to the rebar. The rebar will likely be rusted. Remove any rust with a wire brush until you reveal an unrusted surface. To prevent further corrosion and spalling, paint the bars with an anti-rust paint. The final step is to add the new concrete.
Why does concrete spalt?
As we have seen, most concrete spalling occurs as a result of moisture getting into the concrete and either causing corrosion or swelling. In other cases, spalling occurs as a result of poor concrete mixing methods. This is much less common.
What are the symptoms of spalling concrete?
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.
Get Rid of Concrete Spalling by Resurfacing The Concrete
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…
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