| Using concrete on a variety of surfaces has now | | | | Doing so involves making sure that before the |
| become the preferred option for homeowners. | | | | new surface is placed on the old one, that the |
| This is because concrete is considered one of the | | | | surface is free of oil, dirt and paint. Another |
| strongest building materials available in the market | | | | important step is to make sure that any weak |
| and one of the easiest to maintain. However, | | | | parts of the old surface is removed using a chisel, |
| certain factors such as the weather can make | | | | jackhammer, or sandblasting. This is because the |
| the concrete more vulnerable to wear and tear. | | | | strength of the new surface greatly depends on |
| One example of damage that can result from bad | | | | the strength of the base or old surface to which |
| weather conditions is scaling or flaking. | | | | it would be bonded. As an additional pre-caution |
| Scaling and flaking | | | | against scaling, a different and stronger mix should |
| Scaling is a result of freezing and thawing cycles, | | | | be used for the new surface, and the new |
| wherein water that seeps through pores on the | | | | surface should also be coated with a concrete |
| surface freezes, which causes the concrete | | | | sealer as to avoid water seepage. |
| surface to scale off or to peel off. Scaling usually | | | | Concrete is the preferred option for most |
| causes the loss of about 1/8" to 3/8" of the | | | | homeowners for their building needs. This is mainly |
| surface, which could be deep enough to expose | | | | because of the relative strength of the material. |
| the aggregate under the concrete surface. Other | | | | However, a number of factors, which includes |
| factors that can cause scaling include the use of | | | | extreme weather, can render a concrete surface |
| non-air-entrained concrete, insufficient curing, | | | | to be highly vulnerable to damage such as scaling. |
| application of calcium deicing salts, and finishing | | | | Fortunately, there are a number of ways to |
| concrete while bleed water is still on the surface. | | | | repair such damage, which includes resurfacing the |
| Resurfacing | | | | concrete surface with better and more durable |
| To repair scaling or flaking damage, one of the | | | | concrete. |
| most viable options is to resurface the concrete. | | | | |