We here at Liberty Ready Mix want to offer insight on what this problem is and how you can prevent it from happening to your concrete, saving you time and money on problems that could arise later.
Scaling is the peeling or flaking off of a concrete surface due to multiple cycles of freezing and thawing. Scaling will be visible first as small, localized patches, but can eventually merge and cover larger areas. Scaling can be light, moderate, or severe based on the amount of exposed aggregate.
There are many different factors both before and during the concrete mixing process that can attribute to scaling.
Applying too many deicing chemicals can saturate the concrete and make it weak.
Even if the right mixture is used, insufficient curing and finishing of the concrete slab can result in a weak concrete surface.
Mixing improper concrete or using the wrong proportions can make the concrete weaker when it comes to withstanding the type of weather and conditions it needs to. Using non-air-entrained concrete at the surface can also result in scaling.
In order to best avoid scaling of concrete, follow these best practices:
If you are looking for exterior concrete mix that can withstand freezing and thawing cycles, Liberty Ready Mix offers mixes that reach up to 6000 psi and can support the needs of a variety of projects. Contact us today for concrete mixes, colors, and delivery!