Salt-Induced Concrete Wear: Early Signs in Hollywood Homes

Salt Air Damages Concrete Foundations Through Internal Corrosion of Steel Rebar

Concrete is porous and susceptible to absorbing chloride ions (the primary component of salt) through the air. Once the chloride ions enter the concrete, they attack the rebar and begin to break down the passive layer that protects it from rusting. When the chloride ions get close enough to the rebar to destroy the passive layer, the rusting process begins rapidly. The rapid rusting of the rebar is referred to as “coastal foundation corrosion.”

When the rebar rusts, it expands at a rate of up to six times its original size. As the rebar expands, the surrounding concrete undergoes immense pressure due to the sheer amount of force placed upon it by the rusting metal. Due to the incredible pressure created within the concrete, the concrete eventually breaks away in chunks (also known as spalls), leaving a hole in the foundation where the rebar once existed. Homeowners need to identify the signs of salt damage to their concrete foundation before the damage progresses to the point where costly repairs are required.

Identifying the Symptoms of Salt Damage

Several visual signs indicate that a concrete foundation is undergoing damage caused by salt exposure. One of the most recognizable signs is spalling (when portions of the concrete chip, flake, or pop off). Typically, spalling occurs above a rebar location. Another symptom of salt damage is rust bleed (where the growing rust stains the surface of the concrete). Efflorescence (a powdery deposit) can also occur due to moisture migrating through the concrete. When efflorescence is accompanied by cracking near the bottom of the slab, there is a good chance that salt is being carried through the concrete. In addition, look for vertical or horizontal cracks that increase in width over a short period of time, indicating a significant shift in the structure of the concrete caused by the growth of the rusting rebar.

Allowing Early Signs of Salt Damage to Remain Unchecked Can Be Costly

If salt damage is ignored, the problems associated with the damage will only worsen. The initial damage may appear as a minor surface crack; however, this crack will quickly develop into extensive structural damage. Once the rebar begins to corrode and the concrete begins to spall, the protective coating provided by the concrete is compromised. This leaves the steel vulnerable to further corrosion, and the rate of corrosion increases significantly. The longer the damage is allowed to exist, the deeper the damage will extend into the foundation.

Structural Damage Can Cause Other Problems in Your Home

A compromised foundation can create other problems in your home, such as uneven floor settlement, sticking doors and windows, and large cracks in walls. In homes located near bodies of water, where seawall foundation protection is necessary, the threat of structural damage from salt damage is even higher. To avoid additional expenses and protect the safety of your home, address the damage as soon as possible using a Hollywood structural inspection and concrete foundation repair method.

Repair Techniques for Salt-Damaged Concrete

Repairing salt-damaged concrete involves specialized techniques, including chipping away all of the damaged and weakened concrete, exposing the corroded rebar completely. After the rebar is exposed, the rebar is thoroughly cleaned, typically through sandblasting or wire brushing, to eliminate all loose rust. If the rebar has lost too much of its original cross-sectional area, it must be replaced or supplemented. After cleaning, the exposed steel is coated with a corrosion-inhibiting primer to prevent additional corrosion. The damaged area is then filled and patched with a polymer-modified repair mortar. This special type of mortar is formulated for low permeability and high bond strength to prevent salt and water from entering the area in the future.

Materials Used for Repairs Must be High-Quality to Prevent Further Damage

To ensure that the repairs themselves resist the corrosive effects of the coastal environment, only professional-grade materials and concrete crack repair methods should be utilized. Following completion of the repairs, preventative measures must be taken to prevent future damage to the foundation.

Post-Repairs Preventative Measures

Following completion of the repairs, the homeowner must implement preventative measures to ensure that the repairs do not fail. The most effective way to manage the causes of rebar rusting is to apply a high-quality, penetrating silane or siloxane sealer to the concrete. These sealers chemically bond to the concrete to form a hydrophobic layer that prevents water and salts from entering the concrete. This provides a protective barrier to prevent the damage from occurring again.

In addition to applying a sealer to the concrete, the homeowner should also take steps to reduce the amount of moisture that collects at the foundation. Improve site drainage by directing water flow away from the foundation and by ensuring that the soil around the foundation does not remain saturated with water. Regular inspections and maintenance, especially after heavy rainstorms, will help to ensure that the repairs remain effective over time.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Structural Inspector

Before attempting to repair a foundation, the homeowner must have a clear understanding of the extent of the damage. A professional Hollywood structural inspection is the most reliable method for determining the extent of the damage and identifying any potential issues prior to beginning the repairs. A structural inspector uses a variety of tools, including a pachometer to locate rebar and hammer testing to assess the strength and condition of the concrete. By performing a thorough analysis, the structural inspector will identify all of the damaged areas so that proper repairs can be made. Attempting repairs without first conducting a comprehensive inspection may result in only masking the underlying issue while continuing to allow the damage to progress undetected.

King Concrete Hollywood’s Team Has Extensive Experience Conducting Structural Inspections in Coastal Environments

At King Concrete Hollywood, we have conducted numerous structural inspections in coastal environments and understand the challenges posed by salt damage. Our inspectors provide an unbiased evaluation of the extent of the damage and make recommendations for targeted repairs based on their findings. When possible, we opt to repair rather than replace, reducing costs and preserving the structural integrity of your property.