The peeling of concrete on a horizontal surface, such as a driveway or sidewalk, is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a safety hazard. Chipping on a concrete driveway or sidewalk may require a more comprehensive solution to ensure it doesn't return. The most common method to repair flaking on horizontal surfaces is to coat and seal the surface with a resurfacing solution. This not only repairs peeling concrete, but also prevents flaking problems from reappearing.
If you have chipping on the wall of a basement or other vertical concrete surface, the solution can be a bit complicated. The use of an appropriately qualified contractor is essential, as is diligent preparation of the substrate and the selection of a repair material compatible with the host concrete. The good thing about polymer-modified cement products is that they are very easy to work with and adhere much better than standard concrete mix. To fix a concrete wall that is chipping, you must first cut the concrete around the chipped area. Unfortunately, an adhesive plaster approach is often taken to repair peeling structures, without treating the underlying causes.
Chipping is a term used to describe areas of concrete that have cracked and delaminated from the substrate. The facing material is simply spread over the existing and chipped concrete surface to create a fresh and flawless finish. Have your concrete re-clad with an overlay or boot and replace the entire slab. Mix one part of Portland cement Type 1 and one part of fine sand by volume. Add water until the mixture has the consistency of a thick paint, then apply it to wet concrete. Remember: if you are going to follow up with an epoxy coating or paint, these repaired areas will still need to be prepared by grinding just like the rest of the existing concrete.
However, despite the best intentions, concrete patch repairs often fail prematurely due to ongoing corrosion around the periphery of repairs. The concrete resurfacing product is sealed to ensure that the peeling does not recur. Once you're done and the repairs have cured, you may need to lightly grind any ridges or areas where the mixture hasn't melted well with existing concrete.
Concrete repairs
must be carried out in accordance with BS EN 1504, the European and British standard for the repair and protection of reinforced concrete. It's not uncommon for contractors and concrete builders to receive calls from customers asking why their concrete is peeling and chopping and how the problem can be solved. If you encounter chipped concrete and are not sure how old the concrete is or how and when it was poured, consider contacting a structural engineer or similar professional to come and assess the structural integrity of the surface.Repairing chipping concrete can be done in several ways depending on its location and severity. By following these steps, you can ensure that your chipping concrete will be repaired properly and won't recur in the future.
