Causes of Concrete Deterioration

Why Does Concrete Deteriorate?

If your concrete has seen better days, it’s natural to wonder about the causes of its deterioration. Furthermore, you don’t want to make repairs only to have the same problems crop up again.

Fortunately, Ottawa Concrete Repair has seen every concrete failure type and knows how to diagnose the underlying problems and fix them. You can trust us to get to the root of your concrete deterioration and offer the longest-lasting solution.

Concrete deterioration takes two forms: mineral and chemical issues in the concrete and anodic or cathodic breakdown of the underlying steel matrix. Let’s take a closer look at why your concrete might deteriorate:

CARBON DIOXIDE

Even the air we breathe can cause concrete deterioration! Carbon dioxide (CO₂) can infiltrate your concrete’s pores and cause damage by reacting with the calcium hydroxide inside.

This reaction decreases the pH level, turning your concrete acidic and causing anodic steel corrosion. This problem is more common if you live in an urban environment with high air pollution.

CHLORIDES

Chlorides, also known as salts, are one of the most common causes of concrete deterioration. They can be found in deicing salts, chloride-contaminated water and seawater.

Salts can penetrate deeply into the concrete and cause cathodic or anodic steel corrosion. This is why you want to avoid using deicers on concrete or wash them off frequently.

WATER

Water causes cathodic corrosion when it contacts the reinforcing steel. The reaction with oxygen forms hydroxyl ions near the steel, adding ions to it.

Sealing your concrete against moisture is the best method to avoid this deterioration.

FREEZING & THAWING

Also, water inside concrete causes deterioration due to its expansive and contractive properties during freezing and thawing. This action stresses the concrete bonds, causing the concrete to become more permeable, and exposing it to further damage from carbon dioxide, chlorides, and water.

Freezing and thawing is a top cause of concrete deterioration in Eastern Ontario with our extreme seasons. At Ottawa Concrete Repair, we prevent this problem with our expert process, including:

1. Using air-entrained concrete: Air-entrained concrete contains tiny air bubbles that act as pressure relief valves, allowing water to expand during freezing without damaging the concrete.
2. Maintaining a low water-to-cement ratio: Concrete with a low water-to-cement ratio is less permeable, reducing the amount of water that can penetrate the concrete and cause damage.
3. Employing appropriate curing methods: Proper curing helps to strengthen the concrete and reduce its permeability. Curing methods may include covering the concrete with a moisture-retaining material or spraying it with a curing compound.
4. Ensuring proper drainage: Proper drainage helps to prevent water from collecting on the concrete surface and freezing, which can cause damage.
5. Sealing the concrete: Sealing the concrete can help to reduce its permeability and protect it from freeze-thaw damage.

SHOCK HEATING

Extreme heat from fire or lightning threatens the integrity of your concrete. The outer layer of the concrete expands due to the temperature increase, causing it to break away if the temperature difference is too much.

OVERLOADING

When a load exceeds the limit, the steel structure can bend and cause cracks in the concrete. If you’re unsure about the load limit on your concrete, contact Ottawa Concrete Repair today.
We’ll assess your concrete, tell you what loads it can handle, and suggest any repairs that should be made.

Contact Us About Concrete Damage Today

If you suspect concrete damage in your home or building, there’s no time to wait. Call Ottawa Concrete Repair today, and we’ll take care of everything for you!