5 Reasons for Spalling Concrete Driveway & Best Preventive Measure!
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Spalling concrete driveway is a situation when the driveway surface starts to flake, chip, or peel away. A spalling concrete driveway is often the result of freeze-thaw cycles, moisture penetration, or poor installation.
A spalling concrete driveway not only looks bad but is also a safety hazard, both for vehicles and pedestrians.
Regular inspection can help you detect a spalling concrete driveway so that you can take the corrective actions to prevent further damage. You also need to be able to distinguish between concrete spalling and concrete scaling.
Key Reasons for a Spalling Concrete Driveway
The key reasons for a spalling concrete driveway are:
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles
- Moisture Penetration
- Use of Low Quality Construction Materials
- Poor Workmanship and Installation Practices
- Lack of Maintenance
1. Freeze-Thaw Cycles
In very cold zones, spalling in concrete driveways is often the result of freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete is porous and always has some cracks, at least, hairline cracks. So, water seeps into cracks in the concrete.
During winter, the outside temperature can move up and down around the freezing point. For example it can be above freezing during the day but drop below freezing at night. The water within the concrete freezes at night, expands and puts pressure on the surrounding concrete.
When the ice, within the concrete, thaws in the day, the pressure is released. It is a proven scientific fact that cyclical stress is more damaging than constant stress. So the result is a weakening of the concrete, causing it to flake or chip off.
This cycle repeats with each freeze and thaw, gradually worsening the spalling. It’s like a mini jackhammer inside your driveway, slowly breaking it apart.
2. Moisture Penetration
Another common cause of spalling in concrete driveways is moisture penetration. When water seeps into the concrete, it can lead to corrosion of the steel reinforcement inside. This weakens the structure, making it more prone to spalling.
This reason is different than a freeze-thaw cycle, as it does not require the driveway to be in a cold zone. Actually, concrete driveways in warm coastal zones or highly industrial zones are more likely to spall because of high salt or chemical content in the water.
Note that concrete reinforcement in the form of steel rebars is the backbone of any concrete slab-on-grade, especially a concrete driveway. When the rebars corrode, they can no longer hold the concrete structure together.
3. Use of Low Quality Construction Materials
Using low-quality materials in concrete driveways can significantly contribute to spalling.
For instance, if substandard aggregates or cement are used in the concrete mix, it can result in weaker and more porous concrete. This makes the driveway more susceptible to water penetration, freeze-thaw damage, and ultimately spalling.
Similarly, not using high grade curing compounds or sealants can also lead to spalling. For example, if a cheap or improperly formulated sealer is applied to the driveway, it will not provide sufficient protection against moisture infiltration.
Without proper sealing, water can seep into the concrete, causing corrosion of the reinforcement and subsequent spalling over time.
4. Poor Workmanship and Installation Practices
Spalling in concrete driveways is sometimes the consequence of poor workmanship and installation practices.
When concrete is not properly mixed or poured to the correct specifications, it can result in weakened areas prone to cracking and spalling. The improper compaction of the concrete during installation leads to voids or air pockets. Such poor workmanship is sure to compromise the integrity of the driveway surface.
A very common failure is the inadequate curing of the concrete after pouring. This can happen due to neglect or lack of knowledge about the correct curing process.
The concrete is said to have fully cured when it achieves a strength of 99% of its full potential strength.
Under normal weather conditions and correct curing process this will take 28 days. However, the curing time can vary depending on concrete mix ingredients (especially admixtures), water cement ratio, water evaporation rate, etc.
If the concrete does not cure properly, it will not achieve its full strength and durability, making it more susceptible to spalling.
5. Lack of Maintenance
Neglect of a concrete driveway is more common than you would think. Many homeowners will not spend any time on taking care of their driveways till a serious problem, such as spalling confronts them.
When concrete driveways are not regularly cleaned, debris and dirt accumulates, leading to moisture retention and moisture penetration. Ignoring to seal the driveway regularly adds to the problem.
As explained earlier, water penetration into the concrete is an important reason for crack propagation, rebar corrosion and spalling of the concrete driveway.
But its not just water penetration. Oil stains, resins from decaying leaves or sap from broken tree branches, if not promptly cleaned from the driveway surface, can also penetrate the concrete and accelerate deterioration.
Cracks that are not filled and sealed regularly, become channels for water to seep into the concrete. Regularly sealing the driveway with a high-quality concrete sealer helps protect against moisture penetration, UV damage, etc.
Regular Sealing is the Best Preventive Measure
Once you have a concrete driveway, there is little you can do if low quality construction materials or improper construction practices were used during installation. However, you can still prevent a spalling concrete driveway with a good maintenance routine and regular sealing.
There are 2 types of sealers that you can use; and you must use both.
Topical Sealer
A topical concrete driveway sealer is a protective coating applied directly onto the surface of the concrete. Unlike penetrating sealers, topical sealers do not penetrate into the pores of the concrete. Instead, topical sealers form a protective film on the surface.
The lifespan of an acrylic topical concrete driveway sealer ranges from 1 to 3 years. As such you’ll need to reapply acrylic topical concrete driveway sealer every 1 to 3 years.
Climate and usage affect the longevity, so you’ll need to reseal more frequently in regions with harsh weather conditions or where the driveway is exposed to heavy traffic. However, it is best to reseal, when required, rather than follow a time schedule.
A sealer after pressure washing is a highly recommended form of preventive maintenance for a concrete driveway and Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent Based Acrylic Wet Look Concrete Sealer is the best concrete driveway sealer for you!
I like it because it:
- Results in a durable, non-yellowing finish with a low gloss wet look
- Reduces damage from abrasion, road salts, water absorption, and UV exposure.
- Lasts 1-3 years before recoating and is made with high-quality US-manufactured resins.
- Easy to apply with a roller or sprayer, suitable for unsealed or previously sealed surfaces.
Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent Based Acrylic Wet Look Concrete Sealer
- Enhances dull and faded concrete driveway with a low gloss wet look.
- Reduces damage caused by surface abrasion, road salts, water absorption, and exposure to the elements.
- UV resistant, non-yellowing, breathable.
- Can last for up to 1-3 years before the need to recoat.
Penetrating Sealer
A penetrating concrete driveway sealer is designed to seep into the concrete pores and protect it from within, guarding against water, oil, and other substances that can damage your driveway. A penetrating concrete driveway sealer, unlike a topical sealer does not get abraded and hence lasts longer. Moreover, it does not alter the appearance of your driveway.
Unlike Topical Concrete Sealers, Penetrating Concrete Sealers do not get abraded by car tires, pedestrian traffic and regular wear & tear. As such, Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers can last 7-10 years before needing resealing.
The best penetrating concrete sealer for a driveway is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer.
Foundation Armor
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
The Best Penetrating Concrete Sealer
The best penetrating concrete sealer is Foundation Armor SX5000 Water Based Silane Siloxane Penetrating Concrete Sealer. It is approved by the DOT as a water repellent sealer and can provide up to 10 years of performance.
- Water based, breathable, high solids Silane Siloxane sealer for concrete
- Approved by the DOT as a water repellent sealer
- Can last up to 10 years
- Maintains the natural, unsealed look and feel of the substrate
- Reduces damage caused by snow, ice, road salts, mold, mildew, and stains
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.