Concrete usually spalls or flakes when the surface is weakened and then stressed by water, freezing and thawing, deicing chemicals or problems from the original finishing and curing. In Michigan, freeze-thaw exposure is a common factor, but it is rarely the only one.
Flaking and spalling show up on patios, walkways, steps and other outdoor concrete around Kalamazoo. Knowing the causes helps you decide whether a surface can be repaired and how to protect it going forward.
Scaling vs. Spalling
The two terms are often used together. Scaling usually describes thin flakes peeling off the top surface, sometimes exposing small stones. Spalling often refers to deeper chips or pieces breaking away, frequently around edges or joints.
Both are forms of surface deterioration, and both deserve a closer look if they are spreading.
Spalling can also create sharp edges and uneven spots, which matter on steps and walkways where people walk every day.
Common Contributing Factors
Water is involved in most cases. When water soaks into concrete and freezes, it expands and creates stress inside the surface. Over many winters, that can break down a weakened top layer. Deicing salts can add to the problem, and some deicers are harder on concrete than others.
How the concrete was placed matters too. Concrete that was finished while water was on the surface, not cured well or made without a mix suited to freezing weather may be more vulnerable. New concrete exposed to deicers in its first winter can also be more sensitive.
Steel reinforcement that sits too close to the surface can also cause spalling if it rusts, since rust takes up more space than the original steel and can push concrete off from the inside.
Can It Be Repaired?
Sometimes. Light scaling on otherwise sound concrete may be a candidate for repair or concrete resurfacing, depending on its condition. Deeper spalling, damage that keeps spreading, or deterioration combined with cracking or movement may call for a different approach, including replacing affected sections.
The right option depends on how deep the damage goes, how much area is affected and whether the cause is still present.
Reducing Future Damage
Clearing snow promptly, using deicers sparingly and keeping water from collecting on or beside the concrete can all help. Fixing drainage problems, such as a downspout that empties onto a walkway, also makes a difference.
For newer concrete, using sand for traction instead of deicers during the first winter is often recommended, since young concrete can be more sensitive to chemical exposure.
If your concrete is flaking or chipping, an inspection can show whether the damage is limited to the surface. Learn more about our concrete repair service in Kalamazoo, or call (269) 404-2457.
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