Concrete is incredibly strong, but it’s not indestructible. Uneven soil settling, improper mixing or curing, and harsh weather conditions can all lead to concrete problems. Understanding these issues and taking steps to avoid them is the best way to ensure safe and durable concrete structures.
Spalling is when large flakes or chunks break off the concrete surface, and it’s a serious issue that can compromise structural integrity over time. Unlike scaling, which is a surface-level defect, spalling penetrates deeper into the concrete. Contact GK Construction Solutions for more information.
Cracks
Concrete is a versatile and strong material that can be used for just about anything – from superstructures to home driveways. But it isn’t invincible, and even new concrete can fail. If you notice concrete cracking, sinking or flaking, it’s time to act.
Whether it’s caused by poor soil compaction, water infiltration or the natural expansion and contraction of concrete, these problems can lead to a host of issues. Cracks that widen with freeze-thaw cycles or water penetration into the cracks can become serious structural problems if left untreated.
Water seepage into porous concrete is a common cause of discoloration. Efflorescence, which looks like a powdery white residue, appears on concrete surfaces and is often seen near hairline or thin cracks. It occurs when moisture seeps through the concrete and evaporates, leaving behind dissolved minerals. It is typically not a major issue, but it’s best to monitor and address as needed.
Concrete slabs, like driveways and patios, are exposed to constant use and harsh elements. Freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing salts, and exposure to chemicals can also contribute to surface damage and discoloration.
Spalling, which shows up as pitting, chipping, flaking or peeling sections of concrete, is another common concrete problem that can affect old and new concrete alike. Spalling is often caused by corrosion of steel reinforcement within the concrete. This corroded steel expands when it gets wet, which can push away and fracture the surrounding concrete.
While resurfacing compounds and patch kits can help reduce the appearance of spalling, they’re only a temporary solution. They don’t bond well with cured concrete, so they’ll flake off as the concrete expands and contracts naturally. Investing in routine cleaning and applying penetrating concrete sealers can help slow the progression of spalling.
Spalling
Concrete is a durable and versatile material, but it can be damaged by various factors. Understanding the causes of surface damage and knowing when to seek repair can save money, prevent safety hazards and extend the lifespan of your concrete.
Hairline cracks and spalling are common concrete issues that can occur in a variety of locations. These thin cracks are generally superficial and primarily affect the surface layer of your concrete. They may be caused by shrinkage during curing or minor settlement. Cracks that widen and spalling of the concrete surface are more serious issues. These problems can be caused by rebar corrosion, carbonation or intense heat causing water vapor to expand violently and deform the concrete. They can also be caused by poor construction practices, water penetration or a seismic event.
Spalling is the breakdown of the surface layer of your concrete. These small flakes of concrete often expose the aggregate beneath and look like pitted acne scarring. They can be caused by various factors, including freeze-thaw cycles, harsh weather conditions and the use of deicing salts that promote corrosion of embedded metal.
A less severe form of spalling is called “popouts.” These are formed when the water in saturated coarse aggregate particles at the surface of your concrete freezes, expands and pushes the concrete off the top. While these divots are not structural issues, they should be repaired as soon as possible to maintain the appearance and strength of your concrete.
Spalling and scaling are both common surface issues that can lead to deeper, more expensive concrete problems if not treated right away. They are almost always preventable with proper concrete construction techniques and adherence to best practices. Contact Deslauriers for concrete mixing, testing and forming products, and complimentary on-site training that yield stronger, longer-lasting concrete.
Scaling
Concrete is a very durable construction material that can withstand a lot of damage. However, a number of factors can lead to the degradation of concrete over time, making it less safe and structurally sound. Understanding what these issues are and how to identify them can help property managers implement effective preventative maintenance strategies.
Spalling, also known as flaking or peeling, occurs when the surface layer of concrete deteriorates due to various factors, including freeze-thaw cycles and inadequate curing. This can expose the underlying aggregate and compromise the structure’s integrity.
It may also create tripping hazards on walkways, and its rough surface can detract from the overall aesthetic of concrete surfaces. As such, prompt identification and effective repair of spalling is essential to ensuring the safety and aesthetic appeal of concrete structures.
Spalling can also reduce the durability of a concrete surface, increasing its permeability and allowing water, salts, and other harmful substances to seep in, accelerating deterioration. This makes it important to protect concrete with routine waterproofing and sealers to extend its lifespan.
In some cases, spalling can result in large chunks of the concrete falling away from a structure, causing it to collapse. This can occur as the result of sudden impact or stresses in the concrete that exceed its design limits. It can also be caused by corrosion of embedded metal reinforcements that erode and expand, pushing their way through the surface of the concrete. This type of spalling can be very dangerous, so it is important to have any potential problems evaluated by a registered professional engineer as soon as possible. This can help to determine if the concrete needs to be replaced or repaired.
Blisters
Concrete is an incredibly durable material that, when poured and maintained correctly, can last generations. It is used in a variety of structures throughout the home, including foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and pools. Despite its durability, however, concrete is not impervious to the forces of nature and can fail in a number of ways.
While cracks are a common sign of concrete failure, hairline cracks that aren’t actively growing and spreading aren’t necessarily a problem. Larger, expanding cracks on the other hand are a serious issue that can compromise the structural integrity of your concrete structure and affect its longevity.
Bumps and craters on the surface of your concrete are another sign of failure that should be addressed right away. These imperfections are typically the result of poorly compacted soil, which can cause damage to the concrete over time. A concrete specialist can determine the underlying causes of these imperfections and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Efflorescence is an unsightly white powdery substance that can appear on the surface of your concrete. This is caused by salts leeching from the concrete to the surface of the ground, which is often accelerated by rain and heavy dew in outdoor environments. It is important to clean these areas thoroughly and regularly to prevent the onset of further deterioration.
Pitting is a type of damage that manifests as small, crater-like holes on the surface of your concrete. This can be caused by a high water-to-cement ratio, improper installation, or a lack of proper curing. In addition, exposing your concrete to corrosive chemicals or frequent freeze-thaw cycles can also lead to pitting. If you notice this problem, it is crucial to contact a concrete contractor for a repair as soon as possible.
Popouts
Concrete has great strength and durability, but it’s not indestructible. It’s important to regularly inspect your concrete and address any damage or potential problems right away. Failure to do so can result in a range of safety, structural, and aesthetic issues for your business.
Surface flaking or chipping, pitting, discoloration and hairline cracks are signs of early damage to concrete. If left unaddressed, these small defects can deteriorate and lead to spalling, further damage, corrosion of steel reinforcement, and overall reduced lifespan of the concrete structure.
A common cause of popouts is a reaction between the alkali hydroxides in the concrete and the reactive siliceous minerals present in the coarse aggregate particles (alkali-silica reaction or ASR). The expansive nature of this reaction can create internal pressures that rupture the surface mortar of the concrete.
Other causes of popouts include poor finishing practices and weather/temperature conditions during the curing process. The freeze-thaw cycle can also contribute to the problem, as repeated freezing and thawing of water in the cracks causes them to widen over time.
Failing or damaged concrete surfaces can pose a serious tripping hazard, especially for pedestrians and vehicles alike. In addition, uneven or crumbling concrete surfaces can reduce the overall value of your property.
