The Advantages of Repairing Your Spalling Concrete With Armor Coating Co.

Do you see cracks and delamination on your concrete surfaces? If so, you want to take timely action. Addressing spalling concrete might seem not seem like a priority but doing it sooner rather than later could save you from a much larger headache.

At Armor Coating Co., we know a thing or two about this type of problem. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the advantages of repairing your damaged surfaces today.

What’s Spalling Concrete?

Spalling refers to a phenomenon where large pieces of concrete detach from the surface and reveal the underlying aggregate. The most common causes include the following:

  • Freezing and thawing
  • Salt contamination
  • Prolonged moisture exposure
  • Exposure to weather conditions such as intense sunlight, rain, snow, and wind
  • Corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel
  • Poorly applied concrete

Watch out for cracks in your concrete because they point to the first signs of spalling. When left unchecked, they can expand and cause more extensive damage.

Why Repair Your Spalling Concrete?

Timely intervention is the key to preserving your concrete surfaces. By addressing spalling quickly, you will:

Save Money in the Long Run

Spalling exposes the structural support inside your concrete and leaves it vulnerable to damage. Even if only a small portion seems affected, most of the structure actually undergoes decay. Waiting too long to repair can result in extensive repairs or, worse, structural failure.

This leaves no other solution than a time-consuming and costly replacement. Why go through the expense and hassle when a simple repair from Armor Coating Co. can do the job?

Make Your Surfaces Safer

Spalling concrete can become hazardous in several ways when left unrepaired. First, the uneven surface creates a tripping hazard. Second, spalling concrete can cause water to accumulate in the area. This can lead to slippery surfaces, further increasing the risk of injury.

If the affected area gets a lot of foot traffic, repairing the concrete should be a priority. Your home or business will be much safer with a repair from Armor Coating Co.

Improve Visual Appeal

Cracked, spalling concrete destroys the aesthetic of your space. Not only will it make it look old and dingy, but you also can’t effectively paint or seal a damaged surface.

Repairing your spalling concrete protects its structural integrity while restoring its beauty. You can even add a decorative coating to give your space a new look.

Strengthen Your Concrete

Many people opt for repair and protection in one go. This ensures your surfaces get the treatment they need while extending their lifespan. At Armor Coating Co., we offer durable coatings and sealants that provide a strong barrier against corrosion and other environmental elements that can cause spalling.

Restore the Functionality of Your Space

Do you use your concrete surfaces for parking, storage, or other purposes? If so, you’ll want to repair them as soon as possible.

Spalling concrete can slow down your activities and put you at risk of damaging your cars or other items. Repairs and coatings from Armor Coating Co. restore your surfaces to working order so you can continue using them without worries.

Reduce Unwanted Maintenance

After repairing your concrete structure, we also apply a protective coating that reduces the need for frequent upkeep. This new layer only needs sweeping and mopping to retain its cleanliness. Since it helps prevent water absorption, you won’t have to worry about staining or other decay-related problems.

How Does Armor Coating Co. Fix Spalled Concrete?

At Armor Coating Co., we take a methodical approach to repairing spalling concrete in Duluth. Our experts generally follow these four steps:

Inspection

We gently remove any loose concrete chunks and conduct a visual inspection of the remaining surface. If our techs suspect underlying issues, we’ll also use sounding devices or other testing equipment to get a better look. Structural repairs sometimes become necessary before performing any additional work.

Surface Preparation

With the area fully assessed, we’ll begin preparing it for repair. Our techs typically remove about two inches of concrete surrounding the spalled area for extra safety.

If we see any rebar, we clean it with a wire brush to remove rust and apply a special coating to protect it from further corrosion. Then, we may roughen up the concrete, exposing the coarse texture to help the repair material adhere better.

Repair Spalling Concrete

After prepping the surface, we start filling in the cracks and areas of damage. Our team uses a commercial-grade patching compound that matches the chemical makeup of your concrete. We then smooth the surface of the concrete and let it cure.

Protection

Finally, we add a coating or sealant to your repaired concrete slab. This creates an extra layer of protection to prevent spalling and other deterioration. If you want to add a decorative hue or finish, we can also do that for you.

Fix Your Spalling Concrete in Duluth Today

Spalling concrete not only looks ugly but can also cause safety hazards. Leaving the concrete unfixed too long also weakens the material, making it more prone to further cracking and damage.

Armor Coating Co. provides a full range of services for tackling spalling concrete in Duluth, MN, and beyond. Our experienced technicians can inspect your surfaces, patch any damages, and apply protective coatings or sealants. With us, you can expect a reliable fix that lasts!

Contact us today to learn more about our spalling concrete solutions and how we can help you! We look forward to hearing from you soon.

How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes.  We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind. 

How Long Will The Concrete Coating Last?

We use the highest quality materials in our polyaspartic floor coatings and we’ve perfected our application process to make the concrete coating permanent.  Once completely cured and adhered, the concrete coating is meant to last as long as the substrate it’s adhered to.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Over Epoxy Floor Coatings?

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings dry more quickly than Epoxy Floor Coatings, and the finish is also more durable.  Our floor concrete coating finishes are also more slip-resistant and will not discolor like some Epoxy Floor Coatings.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

Our flooring cures within a few hours, however our team of professionals recommends waiting at least 4-6 hours before walking on your brand new concrete coated flooring. After 12 hours, you can begin moving lightweight objects onto the flooring, like light patio furniture.  We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before moving anything heavy back into the area where we’ve applied the coating (your car, heavy equipment or furniture etc.).

Will My New Concrete Floor Coating Turn Yellow?

It sure won’t! Our concrete floor coverings will not yellow or discolor, because they are UV stable. This  one of the many benefits of using Polyurea or Polyaspartic floor coatings.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

How Long Does It Take You To Apply Concrete Floor Coatings?

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage.  We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame.  Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses.  We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains. 

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Armor coatings are oil resistant as well as moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

What Are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges.  It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used Outside?

They sure can!  We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool.  Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

What Types Of Environments Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used?

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

How Are Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat. 

Can I Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

How Long Do Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Take To Dry?

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours!  However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at Armor Coatings is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

Is It Possible To Cover Existing Epoxy Floor Coating With Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

It is!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties.  If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent.  Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating