Concrete Spalling: What It Is and How to Fix It

Spalling is when the concrete surface flakes, peels, or chips away, leaving a rough, pitted appearance. It's primarily a cold-climate problem caused by freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salt, though poor finishing techniques can cause it anywhere. The damage is usually cosmetic but worsens over time if untreated.

Surface spalling (affecting the top 1/4 inch) is often repairable with resurfacing products. Deep spalling penetrating further into the slab may require patching or, in severe cases, replacement.

What Causes Concrete Spalling?

1. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

What happens: Water enters concrete pores, freezes (expanding 9%), and creates internal pressure. Repeated cycles break down the surface layer.

Where it's common: Northern climates with multiple freeze-thaw cycles per winter.

Why it's worse at the surface: The top layer absorbs the most water and experiences the most extreme temperature swings.

2. Deicing Salt

What happens: Salt (sodium chloride) dramatically accelerates freeze-thaw damage. It:

• Lowers concrete's freezing point, increasing freeze cycles
• Draws moisture into the surface
• Creates chemical reactions that weaken concrete
• Increases the intensity of each freeze event

How bad is it? Concrete exposed to regular salting may spall in 3-5 years. Unsealed, salted concrete is almost guaranteed to spall.

3. Improper Finishing

What happens: Overworking the surface during finishing brings excess water and fine cement particles to the top, creating a weak surface layer. When this layer is stressed, it separates (delamination).

Signs it was finishing-related:

• Large sections peeling off in sheets
• Damage appears uniform rather than random
• Problem apparent from the first winter

4. Inadequate Curing

What happens: Rapid drying prevents proper cement hydration near the surface, creating a weak layer that's prone to damage.

Signs it was curing-related:

• Surface dusting and weakness
• Damage appears early (first year)
• Entire surface affected, not just spots

5. Wrong Concrete Mix

What happens: Concrete without air entrainment lacks the tiny air bubbles that accommodate ice expansion. Non-air-entrained concrete in freeze-thaw climates will spall.

Air entrainment: Intentional microscopic air bubbles (4-7% of volume) act as pressure relief valves during freezing.

Spalling vs. Other Damage

Damage Type	Appearance	Depth	Primary Cause
Spalling	Flaking, chipping, peeling	Surface to 1/2"	Freeze-thaw, salt
Scaling	Thin layers peeling	Very surface	Finishing issues
Cracking	Lines/fractures	Through slab	Shrinkage, settlement
Popouts	Cone-shaped holes	Shallow	Expansive aggregates
Dusting	Powder on surface	Surface only	Poor curing

Assessing the Damage

Surface Spalling (<1/4" deep)

• Flakes and chips but base concrete is solid
• Tap test: Sounds solid, not hollow
• Usually repairable with resurfacing

Deep Spalling (>1/4" deep)

• Significant material loss
• May expose aggregate or reinforcement
• May need patching or partial replacement

Widespread Spalling (>25% of surface)

• Likely systemic cause (wrong mix, salt damage)
• Repairs may not last
• Consider replacement

Repair Options

For Surface Spalling: Concrete Resurfacer

Best for: Widespread but shallow damage (<1/4")

Products: Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer, Sakrete Flo-Coat

Process:

1. Clean surface thoroughly (pressure wash)
2. Remove all loose material
3. Dampen surface (no standing water)
4. Mix resurfacer to pourable consistency
5. Apply with squeegee or trowel (1/8" to 1/2" thickness)
6. Broom finish for texture
7. Cure properly (keep moist 24-48 hours)

Cost: $25-40 per bag (covers 35-50 sqft); roughly $0.50-1.00/sqft materials

For Deep Spalling: Patching

Best for: Localized deep damage

Products: Vinyl concrete patch, polymer-modified patching compound

Process:

1. Chip out loose material to solid concrete
2. Clean thoroughly
3. Apply bonding agent (if product requires)
4. Fill with patching compound
5. Feather edges to blend
6. Texture to match
7. Cure and seal

Cost: $10-20 per container; varies by repair size

For Severe Spalling: Replacement

When to replace:

• Damage covers >25-30% of surface
• Spalling deeper than 1" in places
• Repairs have failed repeatedly
• Reinforcement is exposed and corroding

Cost: $8-15 per square foot for full replacement

Prevention Strategies

For New Concrete

Strategy	What It Does	Cost Impact
Air-entrained mix	Provides freeze-thaw resistance	Minimal
Proper finishing	Prevents weak surface layer	None
Adequate curing	Ensures surface strength	Minimal
Sealing after cure	Blocks water penetration	$0.15-0.50/sqft

For Existing Concrete

Strategy	What It Does	Frequency
Seal surface	Prevents water/salt absorption	Every 2-5 years
Avoid salt	Eliminates major damage source	Ongoing
Use sand for traction	Provides grip without damage	As needed
Prompt repairs	Prevents damage spread	As needed

Most important: Stop using deicing salt. Alternatives include sand (traction), kitty litter (traction), or calcium magnesium acetate (less damaging but expensive).

For detailed sealing guidance, see how to seal concrete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes concrete to spall?

The primary cause is freeze-thaw cycles combined with water penetration. Deicing salt dramatically accelerates the damage. Poor finishing techniques (overworking the surface) and inadequate curing create weak surface layers that spall more easily. In cold climates, concrete should be air-entrained and sealed.

Can spalling concrete be repaired?

Yes, if damage is surface-level. Concrete resurfacer can restore appearance for shallow spalling (<1/4"). Deeper damage needs patching. However, if the underlying cause (salt exposure, non-air-entrained concrete) isn't addressed, repairs may not last. Widespread or severe spalling often means replacement is more practical.

How do I prevent concrete spalling?

Four key strategies: (1) Use air-entrained concrete in freeze-thaw climates, (2) cure properly for at least 7 days, (3) seal the surface after curing and every 2-5 years thereafter, and (4) never use deicing salt—use sand for winter traction instead.

Is spalling concrete dangerous?

Spalling is primarily cosmetic but can worsen over time. Severe spalling creates uneven surfaces that pose trip hazards. If spalling exposes reinforcement, corrosion can cause structural issues. Widespread spalling also allows water penetration that accelerates further damage.

Key Takeaways

• Spalling = surface flaking/peeling, primarily from freeze-thaw and salt damage
• Deicing salt is the #1 accelerator—stop using it
• Surface spalling (<1/4") can be repaired with resurfacing products
• Deep/widespread spalling may require patching or replacement
• Prevention: Air-entrained concrete, proper curing, sealing, no salt
• Seal existing concrete every 2-5 years to prevent water absorption

For related issues, see why concrete cracks and crack repair guide. For project planning, visit our complete concrete guide or use the concrete calculator.