How to Fix Flaking Concrete Slabs

Flaking concrete, or scaling, occurs when the top layer of concrete becomes unstable and deteriorates. Pouring fresh concrete in freezing temperatures, or when freezes occur shortly thereafter, can cause the concrete to flake. If you don't repair the flakes, the entire slab will eventually deteriorate and deeper cracks may develop. Repairing the flaky concrete surface requires removing the damaged portion and applying a new top coat over the slab.

Push broom
Bucket
Water
Degreasing cleaner
Safety glasses
Pressure washer
Wheelbarrow (optional)
Concrete patching kit
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep the concrete slab to remove the loose flakes. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water and a decreasing cleaner using the amount specified on the bottle. Pour the mixture onto the concrete slab and scrub it vigorously with a push broom to remove oil and grease from the surface.
- 2
  Fill a pressure washer with water as instructed by the user manual. Put on safety glasses and rinse off the slab using the high power from the pressure washer. The pressure washer also removes other loose flakes from the concrete. Allow the concrete to dry for 24 hours.
- 3
  Open a concrete bonding agent that contains vinyl, latex or polymer. Mix the bonding agent in a bucket or wheelbarrow with the cement powder in the amounts instructed by the packaging.
- 4
  Pour the mixture over the surface of the concrete slab and smooth it out until even using a steel concrete trowel. When you finish smoothing, repeat the process at least two more times to ensure a smooth finish.
- 5
  Allow the concrete slab to dry for at least 36 hours before walking on it and do not drive on the slab for at least seven days.

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