Causes of Spalling in Concrete Kerbs
Many homeowners commit errors that cause their DIY concrete kerbs to show signs of damage, such as spalling, much sooner than they had expected. Such damage may be costly to repair. This article discusses some of the mistakes that you should avoid making as you install your concrete kerb.
Adding Water to the Kerb During Installation
Some homeowners work alone as they install a concrete kerb, which makes it difficult to complete finishing the surface of the kerb before it starts drying. Consequently, they may add water onto the surface of the poured concrete in order to delay the drying process. Such an act may compromise the quality of the concrete mix and cause the kerb to spall later on. Avoid the temptation to add water to the concrete by enlisting helpers during the installation process. Those helpers will enable you to complete the finishing tasks quickly before parts of the poured concrete start drying.
Using Less Cement
Cement helps to hold the different concrete elements, such as sand and gravel, together. Using less cement than recommended makes that concrete more susceptible to premature damage. This is because the loosely held concrete particles will be more prone to mechanical damage due to weather and traffic action on the kerb. Do not make the mistake of trying to save on materials by using less cement than is recommended by manufacturers. The short-term savings that you make will translate into costly maintenance when you have to fix spalling patches of the kerb.
Not Sealing the Kerb
Some homeowners install a stamped concrete kerb and neglect to seal it. This oversight may cause the kerb to show signs of damage, such as fading and spalling, sooner than would have been expected. To prevent this, apply a concrete sealer on the kerb. That sealer will protect the kerb against damage from UV radiation. It will also protect the kerb from being damaged by salt and water in places where salt is poured on the concrete to prevent snow accumulation. Each sealing product may have a unique application procedure, so you should follow the application guidelines given when you buy a sealing product.
Contact a kerb repair professional in case your concrete kerb is extensively damaged. That expert will access the state of your kerb and advise the best course of action, such as complete replacement of the kerb in case repairs will not address the underlying causes of the defects in your kerb.