Concrete Spalling: What to Look For

What is Concrete Spalling? Concrete spalling is the flaking or chipping away of the surface of a concrete structure. It can be caused by a number of factors, such as weathering, erosion, or poor maintenance. If you are a property owner, it is important to be aware of the signs of concrete spalling so that you can take corrective action before the problem gets worse. In this article, we will discuss what to look for and how to address concrete spalling.

 

How to Spot Signs of Damage

There are some visible indicators of concrete cancer, or spalling concrete, in structures. The most typical warning indicators are as follows:

  • The surface is stained with a faint rust color.

If you notice that the surface of your concrete structure has a faint rust color, it could be a sign of corrosion or spalling. This discoloration is usually more prevalent in areas that are exposed to moisture and frost, such as walkways and driveways.

  • The surface is rough and pockmarked.

If you notice that the surface of your concrete is rough, bumpy, or pockmarked, it is likely that the concrete is suffering from spalling. This type of damage may be accompanied by cracks and other structural issues that can compromise the safety and integrity of your concrete structure.

  • The surface has flaking or chipping away.

Another common sign of concrete spalling is flaking or chipping away of the surface layer. This can happen gradually over time or suddenly as a result of sudden damage to the structure, such as heavy impacts or exposure to extreme weather conditions.

  • Some of the concrete is broken into pieces.

If you notice that some of the concrete on your structure is broken into pieces, it could be a sign of spalling. Concrete spalling can weaken the structural integrity of your concrete and lead to further damage if left untreated. If you are concerned about concrete spalling in your property, it is important to seek professional advice and take action as soon as possible.

  • Rusted, corroding concrete reinforcement is visible.

Concrete spalling can also be accompanied by other structural issues, such as the visible presence of rusted or corroding reinforcement. If you notice this type of damage in your concrete structure, it is important to take immediate action and seek professional advice from a contractor. With proper maintenance and care, however, you can prevent or mitigate the effects of concrete spalling before it causes serious damage to your property.​ ​​ ​​​​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​​​ ​​​​

 

The Significance of Repairs: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them

Another important thing to understand about concrete spalling is the importance of addressing any damage as soon as possible. If left untreated, spalling can cause further issues and even compromise the safety and stability of your property. Therefore, it is essential to take action quickly in order to prevent or mitigate the effects of this type of damage.

Concord Remodel Stamped Concrete Project 1

You should be concerned as soon as the building inspection reveals that your concrete is spalling. Repairs must be made right away to prevent concrete cancer. It is impossible for you to ignore this. Steel bars will continue to rust if they are not treated, which will harm other places. Damage frequently lies where a visual assessment cannot see it. Additionally, if you don’t stop the concrete from spalling, your building will sustain major damage.

There are two places where concrete can spall. The first comes in the form of decorative elements like paving and driveways, and the second is structural, like concrete floors, beams, and flat roofs of apartment buildings. It can be an issue when decorative concrete spalls since it can detract from the building’s appearance. Since some ornamental concrete has colored or patterned surfaces, it will be challenging to recreate the original appearance. Spalling of structural concrete can be a significant issue because it will probably harm the reinforcing bars included in the concrete used throughout the entire construction. In most cases, it’s wise to fix the concrete as soon as you discover the symptoms.

There are a number of different options for repairing concrete spalling, such as patching or resurfacing techniques. Depending on the severity and extent of the damage, you may need professional assistance from an experienced contractor in order to restore your structure and ensure its safety and integrity moving forward.  However, with the right care and maintenance, you can prevent or mitigate concrete spalling in your property and keep it looking its best for years to come.​ ​​ ​​​​​​ ​​ ​​​​​

So if you are concerned about concrete spalling in your property, take action quickly by assessing the damage, seeking professional advice from a contractor, and implementing appropriate repairs as necessary.

So, what’s the verdict? You may have a few concrete spalling problems on your hands. But don’t worry, Spaulding Concrete here to help. If you think your building or property might be affected, please give them a call – their team is more than happy to provide a free consultation and estimate for repairs. And remember, it’s always better to address these issues sooner rather than later. Ignoring them can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.

Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Foundation for Your New Home? 

Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builder for over 30 years.  We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services, and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards through careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.

To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas.