During the winter months, salting your driveway or parking lot is a necessary evil. While this practice helps prevent icing and snow buildup, it comes with a downside: salt pits.
When spring arrives, and the ice melts, the salt will slowly corrode and weaken your pavement. You will likely end up with holes and cracks that can be costly—and dangerous.
If these issues seem familiar, reach out to the Armor Coating Co. team. We can refresh your concrete surface and prevent further damage from occurring. Read on to learn more about our salt pit removal solutions!
Where Does Salt Damage Come From?
De-icing salts might be the main culprit of salt damage, but they represent just the tip of the iceberg. All substances with chlorides, like potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride, can harm your concrete. Some common sources of these compounds include:
- “Safe” de-icing chemicals
- Fertilizer
- Sea water
- Industrial waste
- Pool water
- Pipework leaks
How Do Salts Damage Your Concrete?
Salt exposure can affect your surfaces in different ways. Let’s take a look:
- Acid corrosion: The slightly acidic nature of salt weakens the bond between concrete materials and increases the pore size. This effect leaves the surface vulnerable to moisture and chemical damage.
- Hygroscopic expansion: Salt is hygroscopic, or it soaks up water. As the salt absorbs moisture, it expands, putting more pressure on your surface and leading to cracking and flaking.
- Carbonation: As the salt-soaked metal reinforcement inside the concrete comes into contact with carbon dioxide, its pH will gradually dip and become vulnerable to corrosion.
- Chloride Corrosion: The metal supports inside the concrete can also succumb to direct corrosion from chloride ions, leading to further damage.
Avoid These Pitfalls With Armor Coating Co.’s Salt Pit Removal Services
The moment you spot small craters, pitting, or holes on your concrete surface, you need to call Armor Coating Co. We use the latest industry techniques to restore the strength and beauty of your concrete:
Inspection
We manually test the concrete to determine if it has the strength for resurfacing. We also use infrared thermometers to evaluate temperature variations and check for hidden deterioration. If the surface seems too weak, we may suggest a replacement.
Surface Preparation
Our techs use power washers or the wet sanding method to remove dirt, grime, and other debris that might affect the salt pit removal process. It also allows us to detect any underlying issues.
Salt Pit Removal
Using specialized tools like hammer drills, we begin blasting away the salt layers inside the pit. Then, our team injects a sodium chloride solution that dissolves the remaining calcium carbonate in the concrete.
With the salts now liquified, we can easily remove them using vacuum equipment. This technique lets us thoroughly eliminate all the salts with as little disruption to the surface as possible.
Resurfacing and Sealing
The next step involves resurfacing your concrete and patching any damage. We fill the pits using a strong, flexible material that protects the surface from further weathering. Our team can also apply a concrete sealer to improve the surface’s longevity and strength.
Benefits of Salt Pit Removal and Prevention
Why go through the trouble of salt pit removal and surface restoration? Below we offer a few compelling reasons:
Improved Safety
Do your salt pit-ridden surfaces get a lot of foot traffic? Whether on your concrete pool deck or garden walkway, even the tiniest divots can cause slips and falls. Professional salt pit removal creates a smooth, level surface and improves traction, even in wet weather.
Enhanced Durability
With an applied coating and sealer, your surface will last through extreme weathering while reducing maintenance needs. Why spend thousands of dollars replacing an entire surface when a small investment can safeguard it against future damage?
Visual Appeal
Salt pits don’t just compromise the strength of your concrete; they also make it look aged and worn out. Resurfacing eliminates all signs of damage, leaving you with a blemish-free surface that’ll help make your outdoor spaces look more inviting.
If you want to give your concrete floor some sheen or color, we can also apply a decorative coating. Many of our products also provide UV protection, so your surfaces won’t fade easily.
Flood Prevention
When they become big enough, salt pits can divert the normal flow of water and contribute to flooding. Our salt pit removal services can help you avoid this hazard by restoring the proper water flow in your outdoor spaces.
Healthier Landscape
If you have grass, shrubs, and other greenery near your concrete surface, salt pits can lead to their death. Salt deposits can draw away moisture and nutrients from the earth, starving your plants of essential elements. By removing these pits, you can save your plants and maintain a healthier landscape.
Schedule Your Salt Pit Removal in Duluth Today
Without professional salt pit removal and sealing, you will likely have to regularly clean the surface and stay on top of potential issues. Don’t waste your time and money on DIY solutions that won’t give you the results you need.
At Armor Coating Co., we work hard to help you get the best results at an affordable cost. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule your salt pit removal in Duluth and nearby areas. With us, you can enjoy a beautiful, durable concrete surface for many years to come!