How to Treat a Salt-Damaged Driveway

De-icing salt can damage driveways if they are made of concrete. The salt is corrosive and may cause severe pitting, which is unattractive and may even cause damage to your cars. The easiest way to correct pitting is to use a concrete bonder and concrete patching. Once you repair the salt-damaged driveway, do not use de-icer on the concrete again. Use sand or cat litter to increase traction, and break up the ice layer manually.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Garden hose
• Concrete bonding agent
• Paintbrush
• Concrete patching compound
• Water
• Bucket
• Concrete trowel
• Wood float
• Plastic tarp

Instructions

1. Sweep the damaged areas of the driveway to remove any pieces of loose concrete. If there are pieces that are crumbling but still attached, use a hammer and chisel to chisel them away.

2. Sweep the driveway again. Rinse the damaged areas with a garden hose and let them air dry completely.

3. Paint a concrete bonding agent onto the damaged areas. The bonder acts as an adhesive that will keep your patch secure. Follow application instructions on the package. Wait for the agent to become clear, which means it is cured, before applying the patch.

4. Mix concrete patching compound with water in a bucket, according to the package directions. Scoop the compound and apply it to the pitted areas with a concrete trowel.

5. Rub a wood float across the surface of the patched area in a swirling motion until the concrete is no longer watery. Smooth the surface with the concrete trowel, then cover it with a plastic tarp.

6. Remove the tarp once a day. Spray the concrete with a misting of water, then replace the tarp. Repeat this for 1 week. Remove the tarp.

References

• Ask the Builder; Long Lasting Concrete Repair; Tim Carter
• On the House: Repairing Concrete Steps