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Stamped Concrete Driveway Scaling Problems

By Chris Sullivan - ChemSystems, Inc.

Question:

My 3 ½-year-old stamped concrete driveway is scaling and much of the design is flaking off. How do I identify the cause for this? I live in eastern Pennsylvania, and we've had typical winter weather.

Answer:

Surface failure of concrete is usually caused by one of two reasons: The concrete was placed or allowed to cure during freezing temperatures or the concrete was finished improperly.

If concrete freezes during the curing process, the chemical process that develops strength is stopped and you end up with soft, crumbling concrete. There is no fix for this; the concrete needs to be removed and replaced.

VIDEO: UNDERSTANDING SPALLED CONCRETE

Watch this easy-to-understand explanation of what causes concrete spalling, from concrete expert Chris Sullivan. – Length: 06:08

VIDEO: REPAIR SPALLED CONCRETE

Watch this easy-to-understand explanation on repairing spalled concrete, from concrete expert Chris Sullivan. – Length: 05:17

Overfinishing or adding excess water to the concrete during finishing is more common, and often weakens the top ¼ to 1 inch of the concrete. This weak surface is more susceptible to typical winter freeze-thaw cycles that can cause surface failure. Deicing salts applied to the driveway or dripping from vehicles parked on the driveway only speed the process of freeze- thaw destruction. Applying a good sealer will help prevent or minimize these issues, but only to a point. If the integrity of the concrete is suspect, there's not much you can do to stop the surface destruction.

Once the top of the concrete is exposed, you have "opened the lid" so to speak, and year after year exposure to the elements will continue to eat into your concrete. An overlay to cap the concrete or removal and replacement may be the best remedies. Did you get a warranty on your concrete? If so, talk with the installer about your options.

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