Can You Repair Spalling Concrete?

Can You Repair Spalling Concrete?

Yes, it is possible to repair spalling concrete. The first step is to determine the cause of the spalling. Once the cause is determined, the necessary repairs can be made to the concrete to prevent further spalling from occurring.

Spalling concrete can be repaired, however, the success of the repair largely depends on the cause of the spalling.

There are various reasons why concrete may start to spall. These include:

-Exposure to weathering conditions such as freeze-thaw cycles or salt water

-Poor quality concrete or incorrect mix design

-Inadequate or improper curing

-Improper or inadequate joint sealing

-Excessive traffic or heavy loads

-Soil settlement

-Improperly placed reinforcement

If the cause of the spalling is not addressed, the repair is likely to fail.

One of the most common repair options for spalled concrete is to patch the area with a color-matching compound. This will help to conceal the damage and keep the concrete looking good.

If the spalling is extensive or the area is too large for a patch, then you may need to have your concrete resurfaced with an overlay. This will give the concrete a new look and feel and protect it from future damage.

If the spalling is limited to a small area, or if the concrete is in poor condition, you may be able to rip out and replace the entire slab. This is a more expensive option, but it will give the concrete a new look and feel and be much more durable.

What Does Concrete Spalling Look Like?

Concrete spalling is a defect that occurs in a hardened concrete building or blocks in colder areas when the concrete eventually breaks down into little flakes, known as spalls, from a larger solidified concrete body.

Spalling is commonly visible in a concrete slab or layer of concrete in colder areas when the damaging effects of cyclic freezing and thawing are constant (freeze-thaw cycle).

The issue worsens when salt or deicing chemicals are put on the concrete surface.

On the other hand, the corrosion of embedded steel reinforcing bars or steel sections is the most prevalent cause of spalling.

Corroding steel can expand up to 10 times its original volume, putting strain on the concrete around it.

What Will Happen If My Concrete Is Spalling?

For starters, spalling is unsightly and makes a structure appear neglected. More significantly, if the building is in a public or worker-accessible location, spalling can be dangerous due to falling debris or trip risks.

Spalling will tend to speed and spread if left unchecked, and the structure may eventually become unstable.

Diligent upkeep is thus critical, and regulation imposes a duty of care on owners to ensure that structures are not dangerous to users.

There are also severe business issues. If a building is allowed to degrade, the asset’s value will decrease, and maintenance expenses will rise as corrosion and spalling become more common. Customers will avoid certain facilities, such as parking parks, if the surroundings are unappealing and potentially harmful.