Pitting and spalling are flaws in concrete that are unsightly and sometimes jagged and uncomfortable to walk on. Spalling is when the surface of the concrete crumbles or separates into layers. It’s usually caused by freeze and thaw cycles in colder climates. Concrete is porous, so water gets into the capillaries of the walls or flooring and expands when it freezes, causing microscopic damage. After a few cycles, the damage becomes visible. Salts and deicing fluids make it worse by giving the moisture more time to get into the concrete before freezing.

Pitting is when small, sometimes deep, jagged holes form on the surface of the concrete. It’s usually caused by the uneven weakening of the material due to poor finishing, a bad mix, improper use of an accelerant, or aging of the concrete. Pitting can cover any area up to the entire surface while spalling is typically localized.

What happens if you ignore it?

Apart from being unpleasant to see and feel, pitting and spalling won’t typically stop on their own. The damage is likely to worsen and spread until the surface of the concrete is beyond repair. At that point, the only remedy will be to rip the damaged portion out and replace it. The good news is that spalling and pitting are easier to repair the earlier you catch it, so if you’re just starting to investigate the problem, you’re likely to find a manageable solution.

It’s important to note that spalling and pitting can be caused by moisture, which would indicate a moisture barrier issue. Ultimate Crack Repair can identify any such issues to prevent continuous damage to your foundation or concrete flooring.

Concrete Spalling and Pitting Repair

Pitting and spalling indoors, such as you would see inside a garage or basement, is typically shallower and easier to repair than what you would find outdoors. Our concrete repair experts will analyze the affected area to determine the extent of the damage and remove all compromised material. This step is critical to ensuring the repair lasts. Early damage can exist just below the surface and must be identified by experienced professionals. Then we’ll clean the surface and remove any stains, sealants, wax, or other bond breakers.

The products and materials used to execute your repair will depend on the size of the damaged area, the depth of the damage, and the look you want to achieve. Concrete can’t be used to fill concrete surface flaws because it won’t adhere properly.

Epoxy-Based Repair

For smaller areas, an epoxy concrete patch, a similar material used in simple waterproof crack repair, is sometimes sufficient. The epoxy is carefully applied to avoid any bubbles and then smoothed and ground or sanded flush. Larger areas might require a sand aggregate. Once finished and cured, these repairs are more durable than the original concrete.

Polymer-Modified Cement

Areas with deep pitting, broken edges, or any surface that requires shaping will require a polymer-modified cement. This type of repair is also appropriate for large surface areas of shallow damage and surfaces where you’ll want to retain the natural grey coloration of the original concrete. DIY repairs of this type are difficult to get right because the polymer-modified cement should be mixed to different thicknesses for different depths, often requiring more than one viscosity for the same repair.