Concrete is an incredibly popular building material because of its resiliency. However, as strong as it may be, it isn’t infallible. Over time, untreated concrete in high-traffic areas is prone to degradation, including concrete spalling. But what exactly is spalling, and how does it impact your home?
In this blog, we’ll discuss what this common concrete occurrence is and what you can do to protect your concrete slab from harm.
What is Concrete Spalling?
Concrete spalling is the chipping, flaking, or breaking of the surface of a concrete structure. You may notice this spalling on older concrete surfaces as the top layer begins to crumble away, exposing the rougher materials underneath. There are many places where homeowners may notice spalling across their property, including walkways, driveways, patios, garages, and foundations.
The Risk of Spalling
While concrete spalling might seem like a minor cosmetic problem, it can pose a significant risk to you and your loved ones if left unaddressed. Structurally, spalling weakens the integrity of your concrete over time, leading to an increase in damage as this goes unchecked. Concrete spalling may also allow increased moisture absorption, accelerating degradation.
In more extreme cases, spalling can pose a safety risk. If there is spalling in high-traffic areas like walkways, you may notice an increase in trip-and-fall accidents as people walk across this surface. This is especially concerning for young children and elderly individuals, who are more prone to potential trip-and-fall incidents.
Finally, concrete spalling can majorly impact the appearance of your home. If you take great pride in your curb appeal, spalling can take away from your efforts. It may make your home look less than ideal and can lead to potential fines if you live in an HOA.
How Does it Happen?
There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing concrete spalling. The most common include environmental factors, improper installation, and chemical reactions. Some major causes of spalling include:
- The Freeze-Thaw Cycle: If you live in a place that experiences below-freezing temperatures throughout winter, water may make its way into the cracks in your concrete and freeze. As it freezes, your concrete slab expands, increasing your risk of experiencing spalling.
- Poor Mix or Installation: If you use an inexpensive concrete mix, don’t follow the provided instructions when mixing it, or don’t provide adequate time for the surface to cure, you may be at an increased risk of spalling.
- Chemical Exposure: Untreated concrete is incredibly porous, and exposing this surface to harsh chemicals like rock salt and acidic substances can cause the surface to break down, leading to premature deterioration.
Physical Impacts: If the concrete on your property deals with frequent foot traffic, heavy loads, or accidental drops, this can weaken the surface and lead to an increased risk of spalling over time.
How to Prevent Concrete Spalling
There are a few things you can do if you’re going to install a new concrete slab on your property and want to prevent future spalling. Some of the best ways to minimize your risk of concrete spalling include:
- Proper Installation: The easiest way to prevent spalling is by ensuring you use a high-quality concrete mix and that it is poured and cured correctly. If you are installing the concrete yourself, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid improper concrete-to-water ratios.
- Cut Joints Early: Joints are an essential part of your concrete slab, allowing movement and preventing cracks. However, when pouring a new slab, it is essential that you cut joints between 6 and 18 hours after pouring. Choosing to cut into the slab after this point may result in crack formation.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: If water sits stagnant across a concrete slab, it can lead to concrete spalling. When pouring a new slab, ensure the surface is properly slopped and there are no low points in the center to allow water to drain adequately, preventing this unsightly and frustrating damage.
- Seal the Concrete: Once the slab has had adequate time to cure, consider investing in a floor coating. Polyaspartic and epoxy coatings protect your concrete from drop damage, prevent cracks, and help you avoid spalling. However, remember to allow at least one month of curing time before installing the coating to avoid compromising the structural integrity.
Preventing Concrete Damage with Professional Coatings
Whether you’ve just invested in a new concrete slab or you want to protect an existing surface, our team at Solid Custom Floor Coatings is here to help you every step of the way. Our top-of-the-line products are the perfect solution to help you prevent unsightly and costly damage to your concrete floors. For years, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across the Denver area protect their floors from unsightly damage. From your garage to commercial spaces, we’re equipped to treat it all.
When you’re ready to install a floor coating to prevent concrete spalling, don’t hesitate to contact our team for support.
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