Why'sMyDrivewayFlaking_

You had a new concrete driveway poured not that long ago. Recently enough that the driveway should definitely still be looking good as new. And yet, it isn’t. Flakes of something are peeling off the top, getting on your tires and your shoes. I bet you would really love to know what’s going on and whether there’s anything that can be done about it.

What’s affecting your driveway is something the concrete contracting industry calls “spalling.” Pronounced to rhyme with “appalling.” It shouldn’t be happening to a new surface and yes, there’s something that can be done about it. And doing something soon could save you from a much more expensive repair–or even replacement–of your concrete driveway later.

Spalling is caused by cold weather, moisture or a bad curing process. The former are not likely to be a problem in the coastal regions of Orange and San Diego counties but are a distinct possibility in the eastern part of San Diego County and in Riverside. But even in places with harsher weather, spalling can be prevented if a concrete contractor uses top quality materials and remembers to grind the cured surface before applying any stain or sealant. Those of you who get facials will understand why: You have to open up the cement pores so that the beauty treatment sinks in.

How to fix the appalling, spalling

If your concrete driveway, patio or pool deck didn’t cure correctly when it was first installed or cold weather and moisture has caused a problem since then, you can get it fixed now.

Your contractor should begin by power washing the whole surface. All of the dirt and debris that could get in the way of new top coats has to be scrubbed off. Then comes the grinding, stain and sealant. The DIY sites will tell you that you can do all this work yourself, but with the expert technicians of The Driveway Company of SoCal, you don’t have to. Once the grinding is complete, reassess – do you love the new look? If so, finish off with sealant to preserve and protect. If not, resurfacing or staining will inject new life into your cement.

And remember this: If you don’t take care of small patches of spalling now, they will eventually spread. That could leave you with a far more costly (and much less DIY) project.

Call us today!