How to Repair Pocked Concrete
Concrete surfaces become pockmarked when the moisture that is absorbed in the concrete is exposed to extreme temperatures. Freezing and thawing will break the smooth surface of the concrete from underneath leaving pocks, this is called spalling. Repairing the pocked concrete early on can prevent greater amounts of moisture from getting into the concrete structure and causing it to break down even faster. The process to repair pocked concrete is fairly easy. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Self-leveling concrete coating
- Water
- Bucket
- Concrete adhesive
- Brush
- Trowel
- Rubber float
- Concrete sealant
Instructions
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1
Sweep the damaged area of the concrete clean with a broom. Break off any loose bits of concrete and remove them.
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2
Mix the self-leveling concrete coating with water according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Typically this is a 3 to 1 ratio of the powder coating to water. There are many different self-leveling products on the market. Select a product that works well in your climate.
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3
Trowel a thin layer of the coating over the spalling concrete. If you are repairing pocked concrete on a vertical surface (such as a wall) apply a thin coat of concrete adhesive to the damaged area before troweling on the coating. This will help the coating adhere to the old concrete.
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4
Turn your trowel so one edge is held at a 35 degree angle to the old concrete finish and drag the trowel from the old finish, across the new coating and onto the old finish again to level the new coating. Let the coating begin to dry, about 10 minutes or until the overall color of the new coating begins to turn a lighter shade of gray.
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5
Go over the coating with a rubber float to finish it. Move the float in in a circular pattern, barely touching the surface of the coating until you see a fine grit appear on the surface of the coating. Let the coating completely dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Seal the entire concrete surface with a concrete sealant. Apply the sealant with a brush and let it dry. This will help prevent spalling in the future.
Do not repair pocked concrete if the concrete is wet or the humidity is high. If you do this, the moisture will become sealed beneath the surface and will crack the concrete during your next major temperature shifts.
