Concrete peeling, also known as concrete cancer, is a common problem that can be both an eyesore and a potential danger. It occurs when the surface of the concrete begins to flake and chip, exposing the steel reinforcement beams underneath. This can be caused by contractors adding too much water to the concrete when finishing it, or starting to finish it before the bleed water has left the surface. If left untreated, the problem will only worsen and eventually require complete replacement of the concrete.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to repair chipped concrete and prevent further damage. The first step in repairing chipped concrete is to patch the area with a matching color compound. This will help to fill in any gaps and create a smooth surface. You can also have your concrete re-coated with a coat of sealant or paint. This will help protect it from further damage and make it look better. For larger areas of pitting and chipping, you may need to use a 100% epoxy concrete patch with a sand aggregate.
This mixture is made by combining one part Portland cement Type 1 with one part fine sand, then adding water until it has the consistency of thick paint. Once applied to wet concrete, it will help fill in any gaps and create a smooth surface. When dealing with larger areas of chipping or peeling, you may need to call in a professional team to repair the concrete. This is known as descaling, and involves removing any loose material from the surface before applying a new layer of concrete. The team will also inspect for any rusting steel reinforcement beams that need to be replaced. Believe it or not, that's all it takes to fix peeling concrete in your driveway, walkway, garage floor slab, or other areas.
By taking these steps, you can prevent further damage and keep your concrete looking its best for years to come.
