Flaking Concrete (Scaling): Causes and How Sealing Helps
Scaling is when the top surface of concrete flakes or peels, exposing the stone beneath. Once it's happened it can't be cleaned away, but it can be slowed.
Causes
Water soaking into the surface and freezing, deicing salts, and finishing problems when the concrete was poured. The Portland Cement Association covers these in its guidance.
What cleaning can and can't do
Cleaning won't repair scaled areas. It does prepare the surface for a penetrating sealer.
Prevention
A penetrating sealer reduces how much water the surface takes in, and avoiding harsh deicers helps.
What to avoid
- Rock salt and ammonium-based deicers on concrete
- High pressure on already-flaking areas
When to call a professional
Send a photo of the flaking area. We'll say whether cleaning and sealing will help or if it needs repair first. See our concrete & aggregate sealing service.
What customers say
"I used First Class Pressure Cleaning to seal my aggregate driveway and they did a fantastic job. It was in rough shape as we had never sealed it before. Lots of salt damage as well from trying to de-ice the last winter storm. It looks so much better now. They even came back the next day for touch-ups on some areas where the winter salts had worn through to the concrete. Very happy with this company and the work they’ve done!"
Dan · Google Review
"Great job done by Wally & crew for 1st Class Power wash. Front & Back porches along with large patio and lots of stairs. Furniture and planters moved and replaced. Sealant added to protect patio. Will use again!"
Judy B. · Google Review
"Highly recommend! Andrew and his team were great at communicating and worked around rainy weather days to clean and seal our stamped concrete around the pool to ensure the product would successfully seal it. They were on time, friendly, and their communication throughout the process was amazing!"
Andrea H. · Google Review
96 Google reviews from homeowners and businesses across Middle Tennessee. Read them all on Google.
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