Paradise Asphalt Maintenance Blog 6 Defects Found In Concrete Pavement

Key Takeaways:The six most common concrete pavement issues are scaling, spalling, curling, cracking, blistering/flaking, and crazing.Resurfacing the concrete surface is the most effective way to fix scaling. Applying an epoxy modifier is the best way to fix spalling.Hiring a specialist and applying a curing compound after pouring is recommended to address the curling issue. For cracks in concrete pavements, licensed contractors can use crack injection or saw cutting and sealing, among other techniques.Blistering or flaking can be fixed by resurfacing the concrete, while crazing usually requires grinding and sealing.Proper maintenance is necessary for prolonging concrete paving lifespan, which includes prioritizing proper curing (2 days), regular cleaning, and regular inspecting (every 3-6 months).Have you ever wondered what it takes to get that perfect driveway or entranceway? From big box stores to private driveways, having a well-maintained and durable concrete surface can give any space a lovely touch and add value.Although concrete assets offer numerous benefits, they aren't perfect. Overtime defects can surface on these surfaces, requiring an expert touch to fix them. Paradise Asphalt Maintenancewill focus on six defects found in the rigid pavement. We'll also explore how to fix these issues and discuss the preventative measures to prevent these issues from occurring. So read on to have level and defect-free concrete paving for a long time.Most Common Concrete Pavement IssuesConcrete is durable, sturdy, and versatile, making it a perfect construction material so much that it's the second most used after water. However, it's far from perfect. Due to the effects of weather, time, and wear and tear, concrete pavements can sometimes develop defects. Here are a few most common concrete pavement issues that can occur:1. ScalingConcrete scaling is the near-surface concrete flaking or peeling off due to freezing, thawing, and other environmental factors. The mixture may also scale because of low-strength concrete, deicing salts, and a high water-cement ratio. Small patches develop first but will join larger areas if not repaired promptly.How to Fix them?The most effective and recommended repair technique is resurfacing the concrete surface. Hiring professional contractors to handle concrete paving is best.2. SpallingThis defect occurs when moisture penetrates the surface and causes it to break off in pieces due to freezing or thawing cycles. The spalled area usually looks like a bowl-shaped depression, with chipped edges flaking away from the rest of the slab.How to Fix them?Applying an epoxy modifier on top of the spalled area is the best way of fixing the issue, which will fill in any gaps and create a new smooth surface.3. CurlingThis defect occurs when the edges of a slab curl up due to temperature or moisture changes. The slabs will resemble waves and sometimes even appear to be breaking away from each other. Curling in concrete slabs is caused by surface and base moisture or temperature discrepancies. There are two types of curling - upward and downward. When the top dries and cools before the bottom, it shrinks, causing upward curling. The opposite happens when the bottom surface shrinks due to high temperatures and exposure to moisture. It then leads to downward curling.How to Fix them?It's recommended that moisture in the slab be addressed to fix the concrete paving issues. Immediately after pouring, a curing compound should be applied to ensure that the concrete is adequately sealed and doesn't absorb any more moisture. Additionally, regular maintenance such as sealing, joint repair, and patching can help manage moisture levels in the pavement. Best to hire a concrete specialist to help you treat curling issues.4. CrackingCracking is another common issue that can occur after concrete paving. It can be caused by various factors such as temperature changes, strain from heavy loads, or poor installation.How to Fix them?A licensed contractor should be hired for this job. Depending on the damage type and extent, contractors can use crack injection, saw cutting and sealing, joint repair, and patching to fix the cracks in concrete pavements. Additionally, regularly applying the sealant to the surface can help reduce the risk of further cracking by providing an additional layer of protection against weather-related deterioration.5. Blistering or FlakingBlistering on a concrete surface looks like small hollow bumps caused by air being trapped under the finished surface. It can happen from too much vibration of the concrete mix, improper finishing, or having too much air in the mix. Besides that, rapid water evaporation from the surface is also determined to cause blistering. Over time it can damage the area.How to Fix Them?It's best to get the concrete resurfaced to fix blistering or flaking. A concrete contractor can come out and use a diamond grinder to remove the damaged layer of concrete, then replace it with new material.6. CrazingCrazing is minor, closely spaced cracks on the surface. It's usually caused by shrinkage of the concrete mix while it cures and dries. These cracks are difficult to repair because they're so close together.How to Fix Them?One way to fix crazing is through a process called grinding and sealing. A concrete contractor will grind down the surface with diamond blades, then fill in any remaining cracks with a sealant, creating a smooth surface that won't be affected by water.Maintenance Tips to Prolong Concrete Pavement's LifeCompared to other surfaced materials, concrete has a long lifespan. Usually lasting between 25-75 years. However, to reach that age, proper maintenance is necessary. Here are a few maintenance tips to consider after concrete paving to prolong your surface lifespan.1. Prioritize Proper CuringThe curing process is one of the most critical stages in concrete paving. In this stage, the cement particles join to become part of the pavement surface. To ensure it cures appropriately, keep vehicles and traffic away from newly-poured areas for at least two days so it has time to set correctly. For optimal strength, provide curing for 28 days.2. Seal the PaversSealing your pavers will protect the surface from various contaminants, including oil, dirt, and debris. It helps to keep the surfaces looking bright and new for longer. It's always essential to use a sealant compatible with the concrete pavement - it's best to ask concrete specialists for advice on which sealants are suitable for your project.3. Regular CleaningThe build-up of debris and other elements can reduce the life of your pavement. To avoid this, regularly clear away any dirt or build-up using an appropriate cleaner that won't damage the surface. Maintaining cleanliness also ensures that no bacteria or mold growth occurs between cracks.4. Regular InspectionsInspecting the pavement is essential to identify potential problems or issues early on. A visual inspection should be done, but if you have access to high-tech equipment such as infrared cameras, these can be used for a more in-depth examination. It will help establish which repairs must be done immediately and which can wait until later.Related: Is Your Concrete Pavement Failing? Here's What You Might Be Doing WrongConclusionDefects in the concrete pavement can be a real problem. Still, with the proper maintenance tips and regular inspections, they can easily be prevented. Good repair techniques are essential to ensure that the defects don't get worse over time and cause more damage than necessary. So, get out there and make sure your concrete surfaces will last for years!Concrete Specialist in Lees Summit, MOIf you're looking for a concrete specialist in Lees Summit, MO, Paradise Asphalt Maintenance can help. We have years of experience repairing and maintaining concrete surfaces for commercial, industrial, and residential customers. Our skilled staff is knowledgeable about every kind of rigid pavement issue and committed to offering outstanding services.Contact us today and get a free estimate.