Why Do Concrete Surfaces Flake and Spall

Why do concrete surfaces flake and spall?

Concrete surfaces can flake or spall for one or more of the following reasons:

• In areas of the country that are subjected to freezing and thawing the concrete should be air-entrained to resist flaking and scaling of the surface. If air-entrained concrete is not used, there will be subsequent damage to the surface.

• The water/cement ratio should be as low as possible to improve durability of the surface. Too much water in the mix will produce a weaker, less durable concrete that will contribute to early flaking and spalling of the surface.

• 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.

How can I prevent concrete from flaking and spalling?

You can prevent concrete from flaking and spalling by sealing it with the Foundation Armor concrete sealer. The Foundation Armor concrete sealer penetrates deep into the concrete to seal it from the inside out. It reacts with the free lime to form a crystalline barrier between the pores. Aside from strengthening the concrete by up to 45%, the concrete sealer also stops the penetration of water, vapors, moisture, and radon. Learn more…