Living with flaking concrete is no longer necessary. You can easily repair and revive almost any worn concrete surface with the right preparation and materials. Splinters can appear due to exposed rebar, incorrect concrete joints, or climate changes. To prevent concrete from flaking, apply a water sealant to the finished surface.
If you ignore the flaking, it will spread and compromise the integrity of the surface until it can't be repaired. Fortunately, there are resurfacing products like Rapid Set NewCrete (available from The Home Depot) that make it easy for homeowners to tackle chipping on their own. The remedies for chipping vary depending on the severity of the problem, the type and location of the concrete structure, and other factors. In general, the depth of damage is usually less than ¼ for peeling and ½ for some bites.
To repave peeling concrete, you'll need to prepare the surface well before use. In a bucket, bathtub or wheelbarrow, combine the resurfacing with water in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer. The facing material is then spread over the existing and chipped concrete surface to create a fresh and flawless finish. In order for this stucco to permanently adhere to chipped concrete, the old concrete must be clean and solid, with all the loose concrete detached. Concrete peeling occurs mainly in areas where concrete is exposed to freezing and thawing conditions.
This type of surface failure is more common in colder climates where freeze-thaw cycles and thawing chemicals are prevalent. To avoid splinters due to rebar or incorrect concrete joints, make sure to provide adequate concrete coverage (embedding) of rebar and place joints in the right places and at the right distances. By following these steps, you can easily repave your peeling concrete surfaces without having to tear up a damaged yard and pour a new one. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your driveway or yard looking great for years to come.
