The breakdown of the top layer of concrete on driveways garage and basement floors is known as spalling.
Inspectapedia spalling concrete garage roof.
The root cause of spalling varies.
Spalls can also be avoided if the concrete is managed carefully and appropriate techniques are used when it is being poured such as providing adequate concrete cover embedment of rebar and placing joints at the right locations and.
It is largely caused by carbonation a natural deterioration process.
They include the improper placement of concrete and its reinforcing electrochemical galvanic reactions between embedded metals within the concrete matrix and corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel due to exposure to water and or chemicals.
Spalling will cause the concrete to crumble and left unchecked overtime it will no longer be a sound foundation for the home.
Significance of chimney spalling on its exterior leaks at chimney shoulders damage building walls interiors invite insect pests rot questions answers about the causes and hazards of spalling flaking chipping or cracking.
What causes spalling or loss of brick or masonry block surface material from a chimney.
Questions answers on diagnosing repairing cracked settling spalling heaving concrete roofs floors slabs.
A friend s house has a garage with a concrete slab roof that is the floor of the living space above.
Left untreated and exposed to the elements will cause extensive structural damage and may cause it to break away from the façade potentially injuring the public and damaging property.
Concrete slab crack faqs.
Spalling concrete is a common issue for older buildings.
Depending on the size location and direction of the crack it could be a tell tale sign that there is a serious structural failure lurking.
Concrete beams are critical structural elements in a parking garage.
Older homes particularly those in areas with a high salt content in the soil are most likely to be affected by spalling since older exterior foundation walls may not have waterproofing applied.
It can also allow water to permeate the concrete which can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Concrete spalling commonly known as concrete cancer is an eye sore and has the potential to be an extreme hazard.
This article series describes methods for repair of cracks that occur in poured concrete slabs or floors and explains the need for accurate crack cause diagnosis and impact on structure before repairs are attempted.
As the owner you are responsible for the repair of any spalling.
There are many causes of concrete spalling.
If you see widespread cracking on a beam do not hesitate to contact a local structural engineer to inspect it.
Spalling of concrete slab due to corrosion.
House built probably in the 1920s.
This causes the steel bars embedded in the ceiling slab to corrode which in turn causes the concrete cover to crack and bulge.
One technique that can prevent concrete from spalling is to apply a good water sealant to the finished surface to prevent water from entering into the concrete.
