What Causes Concrete Scaling and How It Affects Your Building
What exactly is concrete scaling, and what causes it to occur?
Even the most durable concrete will begin to deteriorate over time. Despite its long-lasting strength, certain conditions can cause the surface to start flaking or peeling, a phenomenon known as concrete scaling. But what exactly is concrete scaling, and what causes it to occur? In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons behind concrete scaling and explain why it can become an issue in commercial buildings.
Air Entrainment Problems
Air entrainment is the process of intentionally introducing tiny air bubbles into fresh, workable concrete. This technique plays a critical role in protecting the concrete from any damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles, which can occur even in mild or summer conditions. When evaluating your concrete, it’s important to think long-term, how will it hold up months from now? Will it maintain its strength and appearance? Regular monitoring and correct maintenance are essential to ensure the durability of your concrete surfaces.
Mediocre Finishing in Your Concrete
Problems can also arise during the concrete finishing process. If bleed water becomes incorporated into the mix, it increases the water-to-cement ratio, which may seem minor but can significantly weaken the surface. Overworking the concrete is another common mistake, as it reduces the air content in the top layer, making the surface more brittle and prone to cracking, chipping, or scaling under extreme temperatures. Additionally, insufficient curing time before the concrete begins to set can compromise its overall strength and durability, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques throughout the finishing process.
Not Enough Time for Curing
Concrete requires adequate curing time to reach its full strength and durability. If it hasn’t cured properly, the surface can become weak and prone to scaling. Improper curing is one of the main reasons concrete scaling occurs, leaving a fragile top layer that can cause issues in both hot summer conditions and harsh winter freeze-thaw cycles. Fortunately, G&M Services offers expert solutions to address and prevent concrete scaling, ensuring a long-lasting and resilient surface.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved know how to handle equipment and potentially risky situations during a project. We offer services in the way of concrete core-drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, Air Barriers, Firestop, and BIM Project Management and Coordination. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
