Freeze-Thaw Cycle Damage
This time of year I get a lot of calls saying "my driveway looks like it's been shot with a shotgun!" or "my driveway is only a year old and it's crumbling into dust!"
The problem is usually freeze-thaw cycle damage, ice damage, etc.
The American Concrete Institute recommends that all exterior concrete surfaces be protected by a waterproofing surface sealant.
Here's why...
When water soaks into an unprotected concrete surface and the temperatures falls below freezing you can look for damage to occur down to the depth of the water penetration. The surface will appear to crumble in layers. This reflects the freezing water expanding as it freezes, first at the surface and then deeper and deeper as the temperatures remain below 32 degrees.
It is not bad concrete, or a bad concrete installation, or weather conditions at the time of installation. The problem is that the concrete is porous and without a waterproofing surface sealant, water soaks into the concrete. Water is one of the most destructive forces on earth and is the chief instrument of rust, rot and ruin.Concrete is worn into tiny particles that are carried away in the thawing runoff, allowing more water to enter the surface and thus destroy the installation. De-icing salts increase the freeze-thaw cycle damage by at least a factor of ten. Chloride ion penetration is the culprit and just like rock salt makes your home made ice cream freeze faster, it makes your concrete wear out faster too.
What's the solution?
Prevention of water penetration is the key to concrete longevity. By stopping the water at the surface you eliminate the cycle of freezing and thawing that is weathering your driveway into dust. If the damage has already occurred then a repair made with polymer concrete is the only solution to the shallow damage caused by these freeze-thaw cycles. Regular concrete or mortars will not work at these thin application thicknesses and will de-laminate almost immediately. Once proper repairs are made a surface sealant must be applied. Colored waterproofing systems are designed to give a uniform color and protection from future damage. Maintaining the sealant is all that need be done to ensure the integrity of your driveway and sidewalks permanently. There are many waterproofing systems available on the market for installation by professionals based on the customers' individual needs.
Call Concrete Repair Specialist today to determine which sealant system is right for you. (423) 593-7413
The problem is usually freeze-thaw cycle damage, ice damage, etc.
The American Concrete Institute recommends that all exterior concrete surfaces be protected by a waterproofing surface sealant.
Here's why...
When water soaks into an unprotected concrete surface and the temperatures falls below freezing you can look for damage to occur down to the depth of the water penetration. The surface will appear to crumble in layers. This reflects the freezing water expanding as it freezes, first at the surface and then deeper and deeper as the temperatures remain below 32 degrees.
It is not bad concrete, or a bad concrete installation, or weather conditions at the time of installation. The problem is that the concrete is porous and without a waterproofing surface sealant, water soaks into the concrete. Water is one of the most destructive forces on earth and is the chief instrument of rust, rot and ruin.Concrete is worn into tiny particles that are carried away in the thawing runoff, allowing more water to enter the surface and thus destroy the installation. De-icing salts increase the freeze-thaw cycle damage by at least a factor of ten. Chloride ion penetration is the culprit and just like rock salt makes your home made ice cream freeze faster, it makes your concrete wear out faster too.
What's the solution?
Prevention of water penetration is the key to concrete longevity. By stopping the water at the surface you eliminate the cycle of freezing and thawing that is weathering your driveway into dust. If the damage has already occurred then a repair made with polymer concrete is the only solution to the shallow damage caused by these freeze-thaw cycles. Regular concrete or mortars will not work at these thin application thicknesses and will de-laminate almost immediately. Once proper repairs are made a surface sealant must be applied. Colored waterproofing systems are designed to give a uniform color and protection from future damage. Maintaining the sealant is all that need be done to ensure the integrity of your driveway and sidewalks permanently. There are many waterproofing systems available on the market for installation by professionals based on the customers' individual needs.
Call Concrete Repair Specialist today to determine which sealant system is right for you. (423) 593-7413
Posted by David Gordon at 8/15/2011 8:30 AM 
Categories: Repairs, Restorations, Sealers, Damaged Concrete, Technical Consultation
Tags: freeze-thaw damage ice damage damage concrete repair overlay polymer overlay
Categories: Repairs, Restorations, Sealers, Damaged Concrete, Technical Consultation
Tags: freeze-thaw damage ice damage damage concrete repair overlay polymer overlay
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