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What, Why & How?

Scaling Concrete Surfaces

CONCRETE IN PRACTICE CIP 2

WHAT is Scaling?

Scaling is local flaking or peeling of a finished surface

of hardened concrete as a result of exposure to freez-
ing and thawing. Generally, it starts as localized small
patches which later may merge and extend to expose
large areas. Light scaling does not expose the coarse
aggregate. Moderate scaling exposes the aggregate and
may involve loss of up to 1/8 to 3/8 inch [3 to 10 mm] of
the surface mortar. In severe scaling more surface has
been lost and the aggregate is clearly exposed and
stands out. Scaling concrete surface

Note—Occasionally concrete peels or scales in the absence of freezing

and thawing. This type of scaling is not covered in this CIP. Often this
into the top surface of the slab, a high water-cement
is due to the early use of a steel trowel, over-finishing or finishing ratio and, therefore, a low-strength surface layer
while bleed water is on the surface. (see CIP 20 on Delaminations) is produced. Overworking the surface during
finishing will reduce the air content in the surface
WHY Do Concrete Surfaces Scale? layer, making it susceptible to scaling in freezing
conditions.
Concrete slabs exposed to freezing and thawing in the d. Insufficient curing. This omission often results in a
presence of moisture and/or deicing salts are suscep- weak surface skin, which will scale if it is exposed
tible to scaling. Most scaling is caused by: to freezing and thawing in the presence of moisture
and deicing salts.
a. The use of non-air-entrained concrete or too
little entrained air. Adequate air entrainment is re-
quired for protection against freezing and thawing HOW to Prevent Scaling
damage. However, even air-entrained concrete will
scale if other precautions, as listed below, are not a. Concrete exposed to freezing and thawing cycles
observed. must be air-entrained. Severe exposures require air
contents of 6 to 7 percent in freshly mixed concrete
b. Application of excessive amounts of calcium or made with 3/4-inch [19 mm] or 1-inch [25-mm] ag-
sodium chloride deicing salts on concrete with gregate. In moderate exposures, where deicing salts
inadequate strength, air entrainment, or curing. will not be used, 4 to 6 percent air will be sufficient.
Chemicals such as ammonium sulfate or ammonium Air-entrained concrete of moderate slump (up to 5
nitrate, which are components of most fertilizers, inches [125 mm]) and adequate quality should be
can cause scaling as well as induce severe chemical used. In general, concrete strength of 3500 psi [24
attack on the concrete surface. MPa] for freezing and thawing exposure and 4000
c. Any finishing operation performed while bleed wa- psi [28 MPa] when deicers are used should be ad-
ter is on the surface. If bleed water is worked back equate to prevent scaling.
b. DO NOT use deicing salts, such as calcium or so- manufacturer’s recommendations for application
dium chloride, in the first year after placing the con- procedures and frequency. Another option is a 1:1
crete. Use clean sand for traction. When conditions mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits ap-
permit, hose off accumulation of salt deposited by plied in two layers. The concrete should be reason-
cars on newly placed driveways and garage slabs. ably dry prior to the application of a sealer. Late
Subsequently, use salt sparingly. Never use ammo- summer is the ideal time for surface treatment. The
nium sulfate or ammonium nitrate as a deicer; these sealer can be sprayed, brushed, or rolled on the sur-
are chemically aggressive and destroy concrete sur- face of the concrete. CAUTION: Linseed oil will
faces. Poor drainage, which permits water or salt darken the color of the concrete and care should be
and water to stand on the surface for extended peri- taken to apply it uniformly.
ods of time, greatly increases the severity of the ex-
posure and may cause scaling. (This is often no- HOW to Repair Scaled Surfaces
ticed in gutters and sidewalks where the snow The repaired surface will only be as strong as the base
from plowing keeps the surface wet for long periods surface to which it is bonded. Therefore, the surface to
of time.) be repaired should be free of dirt, oil or paint and, most
c. Provide proper curing by using liquid membrane cur- importantly, it must be sound. To accomplish this, use
ing compound or by covering the surface of newly a hammer and chisel, sandblasting, high-pressure
placed slab with wet burlap. Curing ensures the washer, or jack hammer to remove all weak or unsound
proper reaction of cement with water, known as hy- material. The clean, rough, textured surface is then
dration, which allows the concrete to achieve its high- ready for a thin bonded resurfacing such as:
est potential strength. a. Portland cement concrete resurfacing
d. DO NOT perform any finishing operations with b. Latex modified concrete resurfacing
water present on the surface. Bull floating must c. Polymer-modified cementitious-based repair mortar
promptly follow initial screeding. Delay finishing
operations until all the bleed water has risen to and References
disappeared from the surface. This is critical with 1. Guide to Durable Concrete, ACI 201.2R, American
air-entrained concrete in dry and windy conditions Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.
where concrete that is continuing to bleed may ap- 2. Scale-Resistant Concrete Pavements, IS117.02P, Portland
pear dry on the surface. Cement Association, Skokie, IL.
3. Protective Coatings to Prevent Deterioration of Concrete by
e. Do not use a jitterbug or vibrating screed with high Deicing Chemicals, National Cooperative Highway Research
slump concrete, as it tends to form a weak layer of Program Report No. 16.
mortar on the surface. 4. Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction, ACI 302.1R,
f. Protect concrete from the harsh winter environment. American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.
It is important to prevent the newly placed concrete 5. Residential Concrete, National Association of Home Build-
ers, Washington, DC.
from becoming saturated with water prior to freeze
6. Slabs on Grade, Concrete Craftsman Series CCS-1, Ameri-
and thaw cycles during winter months. Apply a com- can Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.
mercially available silane or siloxane-based breath- 7. Eugene Goeb, Deicer Scaling: An Unnecessary Problem,
able concrete sealer or water repellent specifically Concrete Products, February 1994.
designed for use on concrete slabs. Follow the

Follow These Rules to Prevent Scaling

1. For moderate to severe exposures, use air-entrained concrete of medium slump (3-5 in. [75-125 mm])
and cure properly.
2. Do not use deicers in the first winter.
3. Seal the surface with a commercial sealer or a mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits.
4. Use correct timing for all finishing operations and avoid the use of steel trowels for exterior concrete slabs.
5. Specify air-entrained concrete. In cold weather, concrete temperature should be at least 50°F [10°C],
contain an accelerating admixture, and be placed at a lower slump.

Technical information prepared by © National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

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