Concrete is a popular material in commercial and residential construction due to its cost, durability, and strength. When dealing with concrete, everything from the manufacturing process to the mixing needs to be perfect. But the mixture may vary depending on the needs and preferences of the client. Concrete mixing is prone to spalling, discoloration, scaling, and a variety of other problems. To avoid these problems, many builders order ready mix concrete delivery. We will discuss common concrete issues in detail and help you avoid them in the future.
Spalling
Spalling is one of the most common concrete mixing problems and involves the surface of the concrete chipping or flaking. This does not only ruin the finish of the concrete but also exposes the layer underneath to moisture, humidity, and other external factors. This eventually results in even more damage down the road.
In most cases, spalling takes place due to repeated freezing and thawing. This causes the concrete to expand and contract causing the surface layer to chip. To fix or repair spalled concrete, you will need to remove the damaged portions and clean the area thoroughly.
Then, you will need to use a bonding agent combined with a suitable patching material. However, if the affected area is big, you will need to resurface the entire area. If you are doing it the first time, it might be a bit complicated for you.
So, it will be better if you hand over the task to a professional. Resurfacing an entire area may take time and a lot of effort.
Scaling
Most people tend to confuse spalling and scaling. While both seem quite similar but are different. When the concrete is dry and hard and you see thin layers from the surface peeling away, it’s called scaling. Scaling usually occurs due to freeze-thaw cycles and poor finishing techniques.
Plus, it can also happen due to inappropriate curing processes. This is mostly a result of choosing an amateur for the mixing process. You need to keep in mind that concrete is known for its strength and reliability as mentioned in the beginning.
While searching for the right concrete supplier, you will come across options. It might be tempting to go for someone who offers a cheap quote. But you will be compromising the quality of the concrete and facing issues like scaling. Moreover, a better idea is to order concrete mix delivery Rockville for using concrete that’s mixed in a controlled environment.
To prepare and ensure concrete lasts decades, you have to employ proper techniques. For instance, the curing process might seem like a small step but will decide how long it will last. If it is not cured properly, do not be surprised if the concrete begins to scale.
To fix scaling concrete, you will need to remove any loose debris using a power washer or wire brush. Then, fill the areas with repair mortar mix. Finally, apply a sealer to protect the area from scaling in the future.
Discoloration
Discoloration in the case of concrete mixing can take place due to numerous reasons. It can happen due to many reasons such improper mixing, using non-recommended chemicals, and not leaving concrete to cure fully. Plus, it can also take place due to environmental conditions.
To fix discoloration, you will need to use mild cleaning agents like trisodium phosphate to remove rust or any other thing that’s causing discoloration. Use etching if you have gathered that the discoloration was acidic. After this, neutralize and rinse the surface.
If everything fails, you should go with decorative overlay. This will hide the discoloration and make the concrete surface look better. Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and prevention is the best approach. You should be careful about using chemicals or materials that could potentially result in discoloration.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is perhaps the most common issue in concrete mixing. When a whitish powder-like substance appears on concrete, it’s called efflorescence. This is mostly caused due to excess water in the concrete, water making its way into the concrete from the ground, or due to heavy dew or rain conditions.
During the during process as the water evaporates, salt is left behind and it can be seen clearly because it’s white on a grayish surface. This can be visually unappealing. Fortunately, removing efflorescence is easy as all you need is a good cleaner. You have to make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and you need to avoid acid etching.
Once you are done cleaning the concrete surface, you will need to apply a high-quality sealer. The sealer will help block water and prevent it from seeping into the pores and cracks. At the same time, the drainage system should be in perfect working condition to prevent the accumulation of water.
Curling
Curling is a phenomenon found in concrete slabs where the edges tend to curl due to differential shrinkage. This happens when two concrete layers are added and the moisture content in both layers is not the same or their temperature is different from each other.
For instance, it might be that the top of the surface dries more rapidly than the bottom surface. This results in higher degrees of shrinkage. To prevent curling in the future, the best way is to adopt a uniform drying technique.
Keep the concrete slabs moist for a certain period using curing blankets or other moisture-retaining methods. Plus, install control joints to allow the slabs to shrink to some extent without curling.
Delamination
Delamination is a fairly complicated issue to diagnose as it may be hidden under the surface and may not be easily visible. This is a defect that appears as a layer peeling away from the primary surface in the form of a separation.
This defect takes place due to overworking on the surface rapid drying or non-uniform distribution of the concrete mix. The best way to prevent this defect from taking place in the future is by employing the right techniques during different stages of the concrete handling process.
You will need to ensure the curing conditions maintain proper moisture levels that prevent delamination. Plus, you should also avoid overworking the primary surface of the concrete. Finally, ensure the aggregates are uniformly distributed to prevent a weak layer that can delaminate.
High Permeability
Permeability means how much air and water can pass through the material. So, if concrete has high permeability, more air and water can pass through it than recommended for its strength and durability. High permeability can result in corrosion, decreased durability, and other structural issues. In addition to that, excessive water-cement ratio, insufficient curing, and other factors can also increase permeability.
Fortunately, avoiding high permeability is easy as you need to maintain a proper water-cement ratio and ensure the cement cures properly.
Conclusion
Concrete mixing problems can easily be avoided if you were to consider the information mentioned above. Most of the problems are a result of choosing an amateur for the concrete mixing process. You should rather choose a licensed ready mix concrete supplier Bethesda who processes concrete under controlled circumstances. It’s important because the entire weight and strength of the structure depends on concrete and you should not hesitate to pay a bit more for quality products.
