4 Steps to Prevent Concrete Spalling

Are you having issues with concrete spalling?

Guess what, you are definitely not alone. Spalled concrete is an issue that people are dealing with all over the place.

In this post I will share with you a few different reasons why concrete will spall and I will also give you 4 tips that will help prevent “concrete spalling”

Concrete spalling or flaking can happen for many different reasons but in most cases it is usually at least one of the following reasons that is causing your concrete to spall:

Concrete Spalling In Freeze Thaw Climates

Most commonly you will find concrete spalling in areas climates where there is a lot of freeze and thaw periods throughout the winter months. And often time’s people will have a driveway poured and in the spring find that the surface is flaking away.

It is very important when you are living in these types of climates that all of your outdoor concrete is air-entrained, typically between 5% and 8% air entrained. If air-entrained concrete is not used then you can almost be certain that you will experience concrete spalling.

When you are ordering your concrete be sure to tell the batch plant whether or not the pad will be outside or inside. Most rolling mix plants should be aware of the need for air-entrainment but do not hesitate to ask about it either. Also if you really want to be certain then you can actually get a concrete tester on site who will test the concrete for you.

Spalled Concrete Due To High Water to Cement Ratio

Concrete spalling will also occur when there is too much water used in the mix when pouring and even finishing the concrete. Keep in mind, too much water will cause even more problems than just spalling it effects the overall strength of your concrete slab.

Although adding water to the concrete may make it easier to work with, as I mentioned, you are jeopardizing the overall strength and durability of your concrete which will contribute to early flaking and spalling of the surface.

Typically DIYers will be prone to use too much water for the simple fact that they are unaware of what they are doing and just find it easier. Also in many cases even concrete contractors will do this as well, and they should know better.

When you are pouring a concrete slab you want to make sure that you are keeping your slump no more than a 4 inch or a 100 mil slump. If you do not know how to tell what your slump is then you can request the rolling mix batch plant send it at that slump, or you can get a tester on site like I mentioned previously.

Finishing Too Early Will Cause Concrete Spalling!

Another common problem that I see that causes concrete spalling is starting the finishing process way to early and working the bleed water into the surface which causes the surface to weaken.

The finishing operations should not begin until the water sheen on the surface is gone and excess bleed water on the surface has had a chance to evaporate. If this excess water is worked into the concrete because the finishing operations are begun too soon, the concrete on the surface will have too high a water content and will be weaker and less durable.

4 Steps to Prevent Concrete Spalling!

Here are a few ways that you will be able to protect your investment and prevent your concrete from spalling:

1. Ensure your outdoor concrete is air-entrained if you are living in areas where freezing and thawing will occur
2. Do not add too much water to the mix design causing too high of a water to cement ratio, I suggest around 4 inch or 100 mil slump
3. Refrain from finishing the concrete surface too early. Wait until all the bleed water has had a chance to come to the surface and dry up. Finishing too early will weaken the surface of your pad
4. Use a good quality concrete sealer. Using a good quality sealer will protect the surface from all the harsh elements like sun, rain and snow. Also it will protect from road salts, oils, and acids that can cause serious damage to your concrete and cause concrete spalling.

Click Here To See What Concrete Sealer I Recommend

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