How To Protect Concrete From Salt Damage

After spending thousands maybe hundreds of thousands on.

How to protect concrete from salt damage.

Traffic and wind borne debris erode it rust and oxidation break the structure from within freeze thaw cycles break the surface these are some of the biggest enemies of concrete and create the problems you see here. Once of the most corrosive materials concrete can come into contact with is deicing salts. Moisture can also penetrate the driveway and create freezing and thawing damage in as little as one harsh winter season. Salt water and other chemicals get into the pores and break down concrete.

The calcium hydroxide present in concrete reacts with the calcium chloride in salt creating calcium oxychloride caoxy in salt thus wreaking havoc. Deicing salts are commonly used on roadways and by homeowners on their driveways. Salt damage to concrete mainly occurs due to chemicals that react with the surface of the road or pavement. As we know too much water in concrete leads to damage.

Concrete damage can be ugly and costly. Sealing a driveway will stop most of the damaging effects of winter weather. In order to protect concrete from these deicing salts and the spalling cracking and pitting effects it is best to seal the concrete. When salt is applied to concrete water is attracted retained and creates more pressure in the concrete.

These structures are generally made with white gray concrete. Salt also quickens the carbonation process. Salt can eat away at the surface of concrete causing chipping and erosion issues.