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 do you fix spalling concrete on a driveway?
The most common method for repairing spalling in horizontal surfaces is to resurface and seal the surface with a resurfacing solution. The advantage of using this method is that it not only repairs the spalling concrete, but prevents spalling issues from returning. How do you fix spalling concrete on driveways and sidewalks?
How do you fix cracked concrete sidewalks?
One or two small crumbled areas along the edges, however, possibly caused by heavy vehicles rolling over the sidewalk, could be prime candidates for repair. You can fix small sections like these, as well as spalling that’s less than ¼-inch deep and in just a few spots, using a concrete patch product, such as Quikrete’s Vinyl Concrete Patcher.
Is it too hard to repair a spalling concrete sidewalk?
This concrete sidewalk is spalling. It’s not too hard to repair it. (Tim Carter) I’ve got an odd problem. I have concrete spalling on a sidewalk that leads from my concrete driveway to my home.
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. Find concrete repair contractors near me.
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 do you resurface concrete spalling?
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.
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.
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.
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!
Can you put a thin layer of concrete over concrete?
Is it okay to pour concrete over existing concrete? Yes, you can put new concrete over old concrete providing there are no issues such as significant cracks of frost heaves with your existing concrete. A new layer of concrete should be about two inches to ensure an even, strong coverage.
What does concrete spalling 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 spalled concrete?
There are a number of reasons why spalling occurs including freeze thaw cycling, the expansive effects of Alkali Silica Reaction or exposure to fire. However, the most common cause of spalling is the corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement bars or steel sections.
Is spalling concrete a structural problem?
Spalling can ruin the structural integrity of the concrete and compromise any supported loads.
How do you resurface a concrete walkway?
0:404:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOld concrete must be rigorously clean to ensure proper adhesion of the new surface.MoreOld concrete must be rigorously clean to ensure proper adhesion of the new surface.
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 fix crumbly 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 do you repair a concrete spalling foundation?
How can you fix a foundation spalling?Remove the spalled concrete to remove all dirt and loose surface.Treat any reinforced steel to prevent it from rusting.Saturate the concrete with bonding agent before applying mortar and brush finish to match existing concrete.More items...•
How do you fix a spalled driveway?
1:457:41Concrete Resurfacing - How To Fix Spalled Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd sometimes the easiest way to get that spalled concrete off is just to lightly grind it that'llMoreAnd sometimes the easiest way to get that spalled concrete off is just to lightly grind it that'll remove all that loose.
How do you repair a spalled concrete wall?
4:225:59Concrete Spall Wall Void Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFull repair we would inject it with an epoxy so whenever you're doing this fall I always put a fewMoreFull repair we would inject it with an epoxy so whenever you're doing this fall I always put a few extra ports to allow for air venting.
How do you resurface old concrete?
0:394:28How 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.
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 smooth concrete?
Smooth the surface with a bull float, round the edges along the forms with an edger, and finish the surface with a finishing broom. 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.
What is it called when a concrete driveway is flaking?
Is the surface of your concrete driveway, patio or basement floor flaking away? Do the patches get bigger and more numerous each spring? The problem is called concrete spalling, and here's how to fix it—without replacing the entire driveway.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Why does my concrete spall?
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 causes concrete to spalt?
In almost all cases the root cause of concrete spalling is a workmanship error. Spalling is usually defined as the disintegration of the upper surface of a concrete slab. In most cases this failure extends down about 1/4 inch or less.
How do I bond stucco to concrete?
To get the new stucco to bond permanently to the rough, spalled concrete, you need to use cement paint. I was taught this trick decades ago by seasoned concrete masons. Cement paint is just Portland cement mixed with water to the consistency of paint.
What is Portland cement?
Portland cement is the glue that holds together the sand and stone in concrete. It’s vital to have the correct amount of Portland cement at the surface because that is where weather attacks concrete and where concrete receives abuse from car and truck tires, as well as foot traffic. Concrete is porous.
Can you put concrete on a sidewalk?
Once you have all the damaged concrete out of the way and cleaned up, install the side forms on the sidewalk that will give you the thickness you’ve decided to go with. Try to do this work on cool, overcast days. The worst conditions to work with concrete are sunny, breezy, hot days.
Is it too hard to repair a spalling sidewalk?
This concrete sidewalk is spalling. It’s not too hard to repair it. (Tim Carter)
Can you repair spalling concrete?
You can repair concrete slabs that are experiencing spalling, and it’s not too hard to do. The repair can last decades if it’s done correctly.
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.
What are the two common sidewalk repairs?
There are two common sidewalk repairs that you have to know: patch and repair.
What is the best product to use to patch a chipped sidewalk?
To patch the pitted or chipped surface, use a flexible concrete sealer. For sidewalks, a polyurethane-based sealer is the best product to use.
When do you patch a sidewalk?
You patch the sidewalk when you see the chipped surfaces or spalling cracks. These tiny cracks do not have to show you a pitted surface.
What does it mean when a concrete pit is a serious problem?
And you do not want these issues lingering near your homes. If the cracks or pits are more significant than ¼ inch, it tells you that severe damage exists. When this happens, you might want to consider replacing the concrete.
Can you replace sidewalk concrete with concrete?
The process to replace the sidewalk’s concrete is pretty much the same when you patch. It all starts with preparation. It’s an essential step. Then when pouring the new concrete, it is not enough to run the mix on the surface evenly. It would also be best to have an expert do the job to have a seamless concrete surface. The key to their expertise is that they make sure they achieve the right consistency of the concrete mix.
Is patching a quick process?
Patching is quick. It won’t give any hassle to the people walking on the sidewalks.
What does a crack in a concrete sidewalk mean?
Some kinds of damage to concrete can signal a sidewalk’s demise, while others are merely eyesores. Cracks wider than ½ inch indicate a major problem with the stability of the sidewalk slab and fall firmly in the first camp. If the sidewalk is a shared-use sidewalk, you may be required to replace at least the section that contains the large crack (or cracks), but you may wish to replace the section even if the crack is on a personal sidewalk. If the subbase is not structurally sound, wide cracks can be difficult to repair and only a temporary solution.
What does it mean when a sidewalk is dry?
When dry, the sealant has a texture and color similar to natural concrete. Crumbling edges and spalling (the peeling off of the concrete surface) are two other types of damage that detract from a sidewalk’s appearance but don’t necessarily require replacement.
What is a shared user sidewalk?
Pedestrian sidewalks that run parallel to the street, sometimes called “shared-user sidewalks,” are typically on a city easement and, while the homeowner is tasked with caring for them, city ordinances determine when the sidewalks should be replaced.
Why does concrete deteriorate over time?
Though made from one of the most durable construction materials around, even once-strong concrete sidewalks can deteriorate over time from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, ground movement, or excessive weight. If you’re tired of looking at a cracked sidewalk, but you’re unsure whether it’s best to repair or replace it, keep reading!
Can uneven concrete sidewalks be dangerous?
In older neighborhoods, and particularly in residential historic districts, uneven concrete slabs can create tripping hazards, making sidewalks dangerous for pedestrians. If you find that the change in surface height from one sidewalk section to the next is ½ inch or more, you should consider replacing the sidewalk.
Can you replace a sidewalk if it has a crack?
If the sidewalk is a shared-use sidewalk, you may be required to replace at least the section that contains the large crack (or cracks), but you may wish to replace the section even if the crack is on a personal sidewalk. If the subbase is not structurally sound, wide cracks can be difficult to repair and only a temporary solution.
Can cracks follow joints?
In some cases, however, cracking doesn’t follow the joints. Advertisement. As mentioned above, narrow cracks here and there aren’t a problem. In fact, it’s much easier to address these small imperfections with a quick repair rather than rip out a slab and start fresh.
Get Rid of Concrete Spalling by Resurfacing The Concrete
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...
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