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Concrete slab issues

BREAD&BUTTER

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Joined
Jun 16, 2025
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I poured a 50x140 concrete slab up here in northwest Wisconsin last August. It wasn't covered after pouring, and we actually started using it by November. I was saying that it's a little too short of a time-frame but I was just dismissed LOL. Now the far west 10 feet of the slab is peeling already. The damaged layer seems super thin, like a couple millimeters only. When I poke it, some spots even crumble down deeper like little holes. I don't know if this matters but the saw-cut control joints are still okay. What's the problem? Still fixable?
 
It seems like there might be some surface spalling happening due to insufficient curing or freeze-thaw cycles. Since it's only affecting the top layer and the joints are in good shape, the slab itself should still be solid. You might want to consider sealing it to help protect the surface.

Do you happen to know if the curing process was done correctly or if it got rained on after it was poured?
 
Oof, that's a tough one. Sounds like your slab might've taken a hit from early exposure and lack of curing.

if it's just the surface and your control joints and base are solid, it's probably fixable. You might be able to resurface it with a concrete overlay or patch the bad areas with a bonding agent and repair mortar. You just need to be sure the concrete under the surface is still strong and solid.
 
Yep, before you start slapping on that overlay or patch, you'll wanna make sure the concrete underneath is still good to go. There are a few fast ways to check its structure
 
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