Concrete Spalling

Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale Cities in Arizona

Paint Peeling Off Foundation Walls Caused by Spalling Concrete

While you may not realize it, the damage caused by Spalling Concrete can seriously damage your property. If left unchecked, this damage will continue to spread and weaken the structure. If you’re unsure whether your concrete is at risk, watch this video. This video will teach you more about the effects of Spalling Concrete on foundations and other structures. Watch this video to learn how to detect it early. It’ll save you a lot of money in the long run!

The signs of spalling can be visible from the outside of your property. If you’ve noticed wavy rooflines or a chimney that’s pulling away from your property, it’s likely that your foundation is at risk for spalling. As water wicks through concrete, it brings salts up the walls, causing them to crumble and flake. This problem can also occur as a result of changes in humidity and moisture levels.

Another common cause of concrete flaking is extreme temperatures. When the temperature is high, the surface becomes hotter than the surrounding concrete. Because of this differential expansion, large masses of concrete begin to separate. In addition, water inside concrete can also be released during hot temperatures. Cold water can also cause concrete to spall, especially when poured directly on the surface. Cold water can also cause concrete to crack, but only if it’s cold enough to break materials like gravel or sand.

The signs of spalling concrete include uneven surface, uneven edges, discoloration, roughness, and chipped surfaces. It can also be the result of improper mixing of the concrete during construction. When it occurs, repairing concrete spalling can involve solving the underlying problem, removing the damaged material from the surface, or re-pouring a section of the slab. However, spalling of concrete foundations is more severe than other types of concrete surfaces, as they are used to provide the structural integrity and level base for buildings.

To inspect a concrete structure for signs of spalling, use a handheld non-mechanical chipping hammer. A spalling concrete sample will reveal a sound concrete member, and you can also perform tests to assess its overall condition. The test can also detect sulfates and chloride ions. You can also measure the diameter of the spalled concrete to determine the extent of the damage. In some cases, spalling concrete can be caused by a deferred maintenance program or improperly constructed structural repairs.

The inside of the building shows spalling concrete and exposed reinforcing rod. The exposed reinforcing rod affects the anchors that support the steel shutters. The interior concrete surfaces are also affected by minor cracking and spalling, but are not compromising the structure’s capacity. Graffiti and debris from inactivity are also found on the north concrete wall. The exterior concrete walls also show spalling of concrete and exposed reinforcing rod.

In most cases, the root cause of spalling is age and drainage issues. Besides age and drainage problems, the rapid setting of concrete causes damage to the foundation. If the problem is not a foundation problem, you need to repair the underlying problem before tackling the spalling concrete. A structural engineer can also inspect the foundation to determine whether additional reinforcement is needed. If the spalling is caused by the foundation, a wire brush and epoxy sealant can be applied to the damaged area. If you’re not comfortable working on it yourself, you can call in a professional.

One specific problem that occurs in all foundation types is called spalling. Spalling happens as a result of water gathering at the base of the foundation vertical wall. The paint line on a foundation only goes down to the level of the soil, but moisture travels deeper. When atmospheric conditions raise the temperature, evaporative moisture wicks up the exterior side, between the paint and sealant, and into the porous texture of the concrete surface. When this moisture goes upward and escapes, it leaves behind efflorescent salt deposits that deteriorate the concrete and delaminate the paint. The visible damage on the vertical face of footing walls is called spalling, which creates holes and chips. This damage must be patched, waterproofed, and painted all the way down, below the soil saturation of moisture.

Foundation Problems

Expansive Soil in Arizona

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